January 2011

VOX FAITH LIFE REALITY

Issue 9 January - March 2011

€2

St. Patrick’s Day

Christian Radio goes national

www.voxmagazine.ie

Reclaiming

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N O I S S A P

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E F I L R FO

LAUNCHING 27TH JANUARY Dublin 89.9 Galway 91.7 Limerick 89.8 Cork 90.9 Waterford 90.1

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editorial Time for a radical re-think I have a confession to make. If you mention words like recession, deficit, bailout or IMF to me, my eyes glaze over and my brain quickly resembles the brown sludge that is left when snow starts to melt on our pavements.

The endless discussions and debates, the blame game and self-righteous finger-pointing, the analysis of exactly how much each of us will “lose”… it is all so inherently depressing.

No wonder so many are choosing an ostrich-like avoidance strategy (or to use Isaiah's description… “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die”).

We chose the theme for this edition of VOX magazine before the IMF bailout or the budget had been mentioned in the media and I opened the first contributions with some degree of trepidation.

What could we add that had not already been said?

Were we about to join in the media frenzy?

Yet the more I read, the more I was intrigued.

Through thought-provoking challenges (pg 10), practical advice (pg 12), hard-hitting self-evaluation (pg 15) and expert analysis (pg 14) there was an emerging vision of something more…

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I'm left with a sense of new hope

Light dawns. The sludge disappears. I’m left with a sense of new hope.

Our country is still facing its toughest year for decades. Our bank balances will be slimmer. Our job prospects seem grim.

But if, we can recapture what we lost in the boom (pg 30), if we can discover (or rediscover?) what it means to live life that is free from the subtle snares of materialism and greed, then 2011 will truly be the joyful New Year that I wish each one of you.

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

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Phone: Email: VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 3

VOX MAGAZINE FAITH LIFE REALITY

January - March 2011, Issue 9 ISSN: 2009-2253 Publisher Solas Publishing Editor Ruth Garvey-Williams editor@voxmagazine.ie Advertising Jonny Lindsay advertising@voxmagazine.ie Layout and Operations Jonny Lindsay Directors Tom Slattery (Evangeical Alliance Ireland) Mike Mullins (OM Ireland) Dr. Abimbola Afolabi (Oasis of Love) Subscriptions Ireland (32 counties): €10 for four issues / €16 for eight issues Overseas: €15 for four issues / €24 for eight issues All cheques should be made payable to Solas Publishing.

Solas Publishing Ulysses House 22 - 24 Foley Street Dublin 1 Tel: 01 443 4789 info@voxmagazine.ie www.voxmagazine.ie Disclaimer The views expressed in letters and articles are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Solas Publishing, Evangelical Alliance, OM Ireland or Oasis of Love. The acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement.

contents 16 19 10 12 14 15 5 18 20 22 13 23 06 07 08 09 21

COVER STORIES Reclaiming St Patrick’s Day Christian Radio goes national VOX Special Focus God, Money, Ireland and the iMF Handling our finances in tough times A moral budget?

Restoration FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS Time for a laugh?

Our Father in Heaven Cape Town 2010 VOX Interview: Hope again VOX Views I wouldn’t bank on it Stick the needle in the camel’s eye REGULAR FEATURES VOX: Shorts It’s all Greek to me VOX: World News Your VOX: Letters

24 26 29 30

Faith, Life, Reality – My Story VOX: Reviews Event Listing VOX: P.S.

Web Watch

Print Beulah Print, Drogheda VOX magazine is a quarterly publication, brought to you by Solas Publishing, a joint project of Evangelical Alliance Ireland, OM Ireland and Oasis of Love.

2010 4 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

Cover Image: Luis Faustino (www. luis-faustino.com)

Time for a laugh?

Christmas may be over but we shared a few chuckles along with a few double takes when we spotted some of the more bizarre nativity sets available online:

With doom and gloom at every turn, the VOX team has scanned the Internet for some ‘light relief’ from our national woes.

www.despair.com

May not be warranted at this point

www.angelfire.com/tx4/BulletinBloopers

The science of explaining tomorrow why the predictions you made yesterday didn't come true today.

Alaskan Nativity (Alaskanfursandgifts.com)

101 of the best (and worse) of mistakes, typos and slip-ups in church notices.

Take a trip through a wide range of “demotivational” products and posters (click View All for the full range). Turning the traditional idea of motivational posters on its head, despair provides beautiful photography combined with a “sting in the tail” guaranteed to raise a smile on dark days. Two seem particularly pertinent to the current climate:

Minimalist (Jonathan Plow on Amazon)

Keep the ball rolling

The VOX Team is urgently seeking an Advertising Coordinator. Help us make people aware of the advertising potential of VOX! This is a voluntary position requiring 8 hours per week.

Want to find out more?

Contact jonny@voxmagazine.ie or call 01 443 4789.

Rubber Duck (Oriental Training Company on Amazon)

Nativity Cookie Cutters (Gadgetgrid.com)

Snowman nativity (YounderStar.com)

Advertise in VOX Find VOX on

Connect VOX readers with your organisation, product or event - it's the only publication in Ireland reaching this target market! Prices start at just €40 for a colour ad! Download a copy of our rate card at www.voxmgazine.ie in the Advertising section.

VOX VOX| Jan | Jan- -Mar Mar2011 2011| 5| 5

VOX:SHORTS

Focus on the Family Ireland Ringing in the changes Prison Chaplains concerned about overcrowding, drugs and violence

Focus on the Family Ireland has developed an ambitious fiveyear plan under the leadership of Chairman Stephen Cardy to bring its services to a wider audience.

Stephen and former Board Member Heather Walsh do a half-hour weekly radio programme for families on Life FM (93.1FM) in Cork.

After their programme won the Distinction Award in Social Benefit at the CRAOL (Community Radio Association) Awards, Stephen said, “We look forward to the opportunities of continued partnership with Life FM and other Community Radio Stations to help us meet the needs of families and communities throughout Ireland.”

Through programmes like this, and partnering with others interested in building strong vibrant families, FOF Ireland intends to reach a weekly audience of 35-40,000 people by 2015 with practical help and sensible answers to life’s questions.

How can we help you? www.family.ie Outgoing CEO Mervyn Nutley has set up an Adoption Mediation Agency and will remain on the Board.

A new report by prison chaplains has described “inhumane conditions” in Ireland’s prisons. Highlighting the level of overcrowding in most prisons, the chaplains point out that the average number of prisoners in jail has risen from 3,191 in 2006 to 5,456 in 2010.

In 2009, 27% of prisoners tested positive for heroin in random drug tests. Violence is another concern, with gangrelated incidents creating fear and some prisoners locked up for 23 hours a day for their own safety. The report recommends non-custodial options for prisoners who have committed less serious offences.

SPORTS ANYONE?

“NOT ASHAMED CAMPAIGN” QUESTIONED

Bloggers in the UK and Ireland have expressed concern about the “Not Ashamed” campaign, which encourages Christians to speak up for their faith. The campaign highlights stories of Christians who have lost their jobs over questions of faith or conscience.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey said, “In spite of having contributed so much to our civilization, the Christian faith is in danger of being stealthily and subtly brushed aside.”

While many feel that “Not Ashamed” provides an opportunity to speak out about their faith, others question the focus on troubles suffered by westerners, which are minor compared to severe persecution in other parts of the world.

Bishop Nick Baines commented, “Being marginalised, misrepresented or misquoted is not the same as being persecuted.”

IBI lecturer Patrick Mitchell added, “Christians in the UK (and Ireland) have undreamt-of freedoms compared to many Christians around the world who are dying for their faith. To talk of ‘suffering’ is actually scandalous.”

Find out more on www.notashamed.org.uk. Tell us what you think (editor@voxmagazine.ie) or comment online on The Conversation (www.voxmagazine.ie) 6 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

SportQuest Ireland seeks to bridge the gap between faith and action. In partnership with Irish churches and communities since 2000, SportQuest have been running Sports Camps, connecting sport and spirituality and linking youth to local Churches.

The team is looking to expand its activities across Ireland in 2011, working with local sports clubs, youth groups and church communities to run basketball, football and golf camps and clinics. They are particularly interested in connecting with Irish Christian youth who are passionate about sport.

For further information, check out www.sportquest.ie

Haiti One Year Anniversary – Hope through the local church

A massive earthquake devastated the Caribbean island of Haiti on 12 January, 2010. In partnership with the local church, Tearfund has helped tens of thousands of people since then.

Pastor Rene Deciere smiles a lot. He runs a church in a bustling part of PortAu-Prince, Haiti, whose grounds were turned into a busy camp, providing shelter for families who were made homeless after the earthquake.

Working with Tearfund, they provided food, shelter and other necessities to people fleeing from the chaos of the earthquake. As a result, the church forged strong relationships with the people in the camp. Now Tearfund has rebuilt houses designed to withstand the next earthquake, and hundreds of families have returned home. “God is our hope,” says Pastor Rene, “and we ask for your continued prayer.”

Watch a short film at www.tearfund. ie/emergencies, and pray.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD IN 2011

The seventh edition of the acclaimed prayer encyclopedia, Operation World, sold over 90,000 copies in its first month (autumn 2010). This definitive global handbook provides information and prayer requests for every country in the world.

Find at copy at all good Christian bookstores or order online.

THE GIVING PLEDGE

More than 50 of the world’s richest men and women have joined a campaign led by Bill Gates to give away the majority of their fortunes. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are among those who have promised to donate millions to charitable causes in their lifetimes or after they die.

“The Giving Pledge” has received a flurry of positive publicity about the famous names that have signed up.

But pledge co-founder Warren Buffet gives this thoughtful evaluation of the real value of their donations, “Measured by dollars, this commitment is large. In a comparative sense, though, many individuals give more to others every day. Moreover, this pledge does not leave me contributing the most precious asset, which is time.

“This pledge will leave my lifestyle untouched and that of my children as well. I will continue to live in a manner that gives me everything that I could possibly want in life.”

A close look at the charities benefitting from The Giving Pledge shows the majority will be educational and health projects within the United States.

It’s all ελληνικά to me :: Lessons from a Greek Teacher NOT EITHER/OR . . . BUT BOTH You could use the Gospel of John as a basic English Reader for schools; the language is simple and, at times, repetitive. But the simplicity hides rich depths of meaning; many of his words carry a menu of ideas. The expression ‘born again’, (anōthen JOHN 3 : 3, 7), nowadays so hackneyed and pilloried . . . even Volkswagen advertised a ‘born-again Golf’, also carries the meanings ‘from above’ or ‘from the beginning’. Almost every time it is used in the New Testament it has one or other of these meanings (e.g.

Matthew 27 : 51; John 3 : 31; James 1 : 17; Luke 1 : 3; Acts 26 : 5).

Nicodemus did understand it to mean ‘again’ but John, no doubt, had all the alternatives in mind. This is what gives richness and colour to the Word. There are other examples of this deliberate

ambiguity in John (e.g. ‘lifted up’ 3 : 14 - this can refer to the cross, as at 12 : 32, but can mean ‘exalt’). In the chapter we are looking at, the same studied use of a word occurs in verse 5, because ‘water’ can be taken literally, or as cleansing/forgiveness, see Ephesians 5 : 26 and Titus 3 : 5.

Scripture gives us a full palette of linguistic colours to make the Good News attractive and understandable. Let’s use them.

Warren Nelson, originally from Drogheda, Co. Louth, taught at the Irish Bible School in Co. Tipperary. He now enjoys active retirement and DIY near Tullamore.

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VOX:WORLD NEWS global trends

What will the world look like over the next 10 years? Research from US foundation First Fruit and from the UK group Future First suggest a number of global trends to watch out for. Interestingly there is overlap between the two independent reports, so here VOX brings an overview summary of some key themes. (Download the full US report from www.firstfruit.org)

POPULATION CHANGES

The world’s population will increase but mainly in Asia and Africa.

This is despite a decreasing population in some nations thanks to a falling birthrate and the HIV pandemic. The world’s population is aging. Over 60s will form 22% of the total population by 2050 (compared to 11% in 2009).

GROWTH IN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY

Christianity will continue to grow in the Global South, primarily driven by Pentecostalism and indigenous missions movements. Research estimates that the number of evangelicals will increase to 15% of the world’s population by 2050. Islam’s growth will be fueled by high birth rates in some traditionally Muslim countries.

PROMINENCE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH CHURCH

The rapidly-growing Global South Church will increasingly critique Western approaches and develop its own theologies based on issues such as persecution, poverty and suffering. Christians from the Global South are beginning to reject traditional western dominance in matters of faith.

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INSTABILITY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE A high proportion of young people relative to the population in developing nations will be destabilising. In the countries most affected by the HIV pandemic, there will be an increase in child-led households. Disenchanted with traditional institutions, young people will be susceptible to radicalization, crime and abuse.

INCREASE IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT-RISK

Poverty, war, conflict, migrations and environmental strains will contribute to a significant rise in women and children at risk of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced labour and displacement.

RENEWED VISION FOR SOCIETAL RELEVANCE BY EVANGELICALS

With more integrated theology and a trend toward social ministry, some churches will see themselves as a part of society and be willing to work in partnerships with secular development initiatives, social justice and environmental concerns.

RISE OF RADICALISM AND RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION

Religious persecution in predominantly Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim areas will be more grassroots and, at times, governmenttolerated. Radical Islam will intensify. Meanwhile, some parts of the Muslim world will become more liberal and secular. With the demise of traditional Judeo-Christian values in the west, there will be increasing marginalisation of Christians.

NON-READERS ON THE RISE

Populations of illiterate, semiliterate and orallearning peoples will increase.

Continued challenges in providing basic education for the poor will dictate that oral-based methods will be the primary means of disseminating information.

Modern communication will contribute to a growing population of non-readers, undermining words, books and reading.

TECHNOLOGY MOVES POWER TO THE “EDGES”

Communication and social networking tools will allow people movements to emerge that can threaten centralised authority. Technological advances continue to facilitate the distribution of pornography.

CULTURAL HYBRIDS, TREND TOWARD RELIGIOUS NOMINALISM

A sense of local community and identity will counterbalance globalization.

Traditional religious institutions will be eroded. Both developed and some developing nations will see a growing worldliness in their religious congregations.

A common face will be materialism and greater nominalism.

Join The Conversation: Visit our Conversation blog at www.voxmagazine.ie and share your views about what these trends mean for us in Ireland.

YOUR VOX letters to the editor Excellent!

I've just received my first ever VOX mag from a good friend. It's excellent. Production, layout, content are all first class - I hope it gets the distribution it deserves.

In my opinion too many evangelical mags preach to the converted. In VOX I think you're getting the balance right.

In Ireland we're living through difficult financial times. But, with the help of God you'll be able to keep VOX on the road. Keep going, in faith, don't look back (like Lot's wife!)

Peter Brabazon Callan, Co. Kilkenny

Remembering the forgotten ones Thank you very much for the piece about the Bethany Home (A Painful History, OctDec 2010). The Bethany Survivors Group has launched a fund for a memorial for the forgotten children buried in unmarked graves in Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.

We would be grateful for any support that your readers may wish to give to this cause. Donations can be made at The Bank Ireland (Sortcode: 906734, a/c no: 63175318) Derek Leinster England

Image: Tim Laughlin

Just like us I'm amused by the Liquorice Allsorts on the cover of VOX magazine (Celebrating Diversity, Oct-Dec 2010) especially in the context. You know the thing about Liquorice Allsorts - they are indeed like us for they all have a black streak (sin) in them.

Warren Nelson, Tullamore, Co Offaly Ed: No wonder I don’t like liquorice :) Full of good stuff It was a brilliant issue of the Mag, full of good stuff. I particularly appreciated the report on the Church in Chains conference.

The report on Team Hope pleased me; you trod a sensitive balance in enthusiastically supporting Team Hope, and having Samaritan's Purse on the back cover.

The Bethany Home story is well documented, and I'm close to it, as my parents adopted my late sister from Bethany in the mid-1940s. We knew personally many of the people involved with the Home (I was very young!).

Ruth Chipperfield Dundrum, Dublin 14 Not as good as before There are some interesting elements in the latest VOX but it is not as good as some earlier editions. There is a similarity

Star Letter!

In each issue of VOX we award a prize of a €25 One4all voucher for our favourite letter. It could be you!

with non-Christian left wing 'middle class' magazines or New Statesman-type stuff.

There is a guilt trip over 'diversity' (The Cost of Unity, Oct – Dec 2010), which ignores the truth that most urban Irish people don't know their immediate neighbours and are often lacking in family contacts.

I have mixed feelings on this topic. I feel strongly that the onus is on the nonnational to take the first steps in deeper engagement with the host culture. True enough small courtesies do matter, but as someone who lived outside Ireland for years I think the stranger in a strange land has to make the first moves in understanding.

Why no mention of the big story money and the recession!?!

James Hardy Belfast Ed: Thanks for your comments and for the ‘prompt’. Hope this new edition gives sufficient focus on the Big Story!

VOX magazine welcomes “Letters to the Editor” (ideal length 150-200 words) in response to articles and features or relevant issues facing Ireland in the 21st century.

Send your contribution to Your VOX, editor@ voxmagazine.ie or mail to The Editor, VOX magazine, Solas Publishing, Ulysses House, 22-24 Foley St, Dublin 1

DEATH PENALTY FOR CHRISTIAN IN PAKISTAN International outrage has been sparked by the death sentence for blasphemy imposed on Christian woman Asia Bibi (45). Pope Benedict XVI has appealed for her release.

Asia is a victim of the controversial Blasphemy Law that is often misused to settle personal scores and persecute minorities. She was accused of blasphemy in June 2009 and has been in prison ever since. The death penalty was passed on 8 November 2010.

Asia's lawyer has filed an appeal with the Lahore High Court.

Church in Chains, Ireland’s voice for the persecuted church, continues to dialogue with the Pakistan Embassy about the case. The Embassy responded to an appeal by stating that the Government of Pakistan expresses solidarity with members of the minority communities. In reply, Church in Chains welcomed this solidarity and expressed the hope that there would shortly be positive news in the case.

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 9

The Money Issue

God Money

Ireland

and the IMF

Global markets, property bubbles, budget deficits, four year austerity plans, the International Monetary Fund – we are all (amateur) economists now.

Before the December budget, one journalist said, “There is nothing fair, moral or just about what is probably going to happen.” I agree; there are issues of morality and justice when people pay unfairly for the destructive actions of politicians, bankers and markets. Many are rightly very angry.

But there is more to a Christian response than anger and frustration. Christians should not be shocked that the world is full of injustice and greed. It is all too easy to scapegoat ‘the two Brians’ as if they were solely responsible for the mess.

What challenges does our financial crisis pose to Christians in Ireland? Allow me to suggest four:

1. Money is dangerous to your spiritual health The Bible has an astonishing amount to say about money.

Some may make us feel fairly comfortable if we have done well in life – for example it seems to legitimate private property, affirm personal responsibility and (within limits) view prosperity as fruit of hard work and a sign of God’s blessing.

But the vast majority of the Bible’s teaching on money should make us feel very uncomfortable indeed. The overwhelming message is, ‘Money is dangerous to your spiritual health’. Indeed, so strong is this theme that it would be helpful if Euro notes, like cigarette packets, carried that message in big black letters!

Christians should not be surprised at the ‘harvest’ consumerism has reaped in Ireland.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE BIBLE’S TEACHING ON MONEY SHOULD MAKE US FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE INDEED. 10 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

Repeatedly the Bible links:  greed with exploitation and injustice (Amos 8:4-6);  wealth with pride (Ezek. 28:4-5);  covetousness with destroyed relationships (Exod. 20:17);  desire for more with discontent (Heb. 13:5-6);  riches with an utter inability to enter the kingdom of God (Mt. 19:6-24);  lust for more with selfishness and futility of life (Eph. 4:17-19; 2 Tim 3:1-5);  the love of money as a root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:10);  having plenty with spiritual anaesthesia (Lk. 12:13-21; 21:34-36).

Jesus says “You cannot serve both God and money” (Lk. 16:13) and “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Lk. 12:34).

CONSUMERISM IS LIKE A TOXIC GAS; WE BREATHE IT IN UNAWARE HOW IT IS POISONING OUR SPIRITS AND STUNTING OUR GROWTH. 2. A call to contentment in a consumer culture We need to realise how spiritually toxic our western consumer culture is to authentic discipleship. We are bombarded with thousands of messages a day telling us that we need some product or experience in order to be content.

Consumerism sells a false gospel of self, utterly incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls us to the death of self (Gal. 2:19). Consumerism is like a toxic gas; we breathe it in unaware of how it is poisoning our spirits and stunting our growth.

Western economies are built on breeding constant discontent; manipulating people to desire things that promise fulfilment and happiness. Yet the gospel says that contentment is found in a new identity as a forgiven sinner. Astonishingly, Paul can say from prison that, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil. 4:12).

Contentment is a deeply subversive quality in a consumer culture. One Christian writer says, “Nothing could more quickly undermine our way of life than an outbreak of widespread contentment or conversion to our Lord’s teaching on mammon and the poor.”

our hearts at all. If it has, it will reach our wallets, our priorities and our time.

This is why the Bible has so much to say about money.

What we do with it is a deeply spiritual matter. Our culture is intensely private about money. It is ‘my business’, ‘my money’ and ‘I’ve earned it’. You don’t ask someone what they earn or how they spend it! But a Christian believes God is the creator. All we have is a gift that we have the responsibility to manage justly. How does your management of God’s gifts reflect His grace and generosity?

3. If we have experienced God’s grace, we will use our lives and money to bless others

As we head into years of austerity, unemployment, house repossessions and struggle, we need to keep things in perspective. I came across this: “If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.”

Dare I suggest that it is when the comforting blanket of material security is stripped away that God seems to do remarkable things?

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?” (James 2:5).

James’ words seem to be borne out as we look at the global church. It is not in the rich West but in the poorest parts of the world where the church is growing at a fantastic rate – among the shanty towns of Africa, the slums of India, the favelas of Latin America. Is God demonstrating His ‘foolishness’ in choosing the weak, powerless and poor to shame the rich and the wise? (1 Cor. 1:25-31).

As the empire of Western global capitalism stutters and falters, is God revealing His glory by bringing spiritual life and hope to the very people this empire marginalizes and exploits?

One temptation in hard times is to keep what we have for ourselves. Such a response is understandable but it is not Christian! Israel was repeatedly reminded to be a community of justice and generosity because of the way God treated them. One example is Isaiah 58:6-7.

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

THE SIGN THAT SOMEONE HAS TRULY RECEIVED GRACE IS DEMONSTRATING THAT GRACE THROUGH A RADICAL GENEROSITY TOWARDS THOSE IN NEED. How much more this principle applies to Christians who have experienced God’s grace in Jesus Christ. The sign that someone has truly received grace is demonstrating that grace through a radical generosity towards those in need.

In a wonderful book, Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just, Tim Keller says if we are not generous with what God has given us, it is a sign that grace has not reached

4. God chooses the poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith

Patrick Mitchel is Lecturer in Theology and Director of Studies at the Irish Bible Institute.

Do you wish you knew the secret to managing your money?

Focus on the Family Ireland, Unit 11 The Plaza, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 T: 01 806 6288 | E: info@family.ie |W: www.family.ie

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 11

The Money Issue

HANDLING OUR FINANCES IN TOUGH TIMES OUR COUNTRY HAS BEEN LIVING BEYOND ITS MEANS

with expenditure of €52bn per annum and income of only €32bn! No household, business or country can continue to live with such a deficit.

The principles of financing are fundamentally the same for households, business and Government if you forget the zeroes. You can borrow for temporary shortfalls but not for an on-going lifestyle.

So then, how should we live?

The New Testament has much to say on wealth, talents, time, money and investments. I estimate that over half the parables in the Gospels deal with money and treasure. Check it out for yourself! Churches seem reluctant to deal with the subject but Jesus tackled it head on.

A simple rule recommended to me many years ago was “to earn as much as you can in order to give away as much as you can”.

This does not mean “borrow as much as you can”. The attitude to borrowing in recent years has led many into financial difficulties. Some have sought to rationalise their attitude by saying “it is only to provide me with a good pension,” but borrowing gives others power over your life.

Attitudes to money Money should not be the driving force in our lives. Both Peter and Paul (one a rural fisherman and the other a learned university graduate) cautioned against the love of money (1 Timothy 3:3 and 6:10 and 1 Peter 5:21).

Handling money Be careful, be wise and live simply. All of us have spending weaknesses – for some it is cars and gadgets, for others it is clothes, shoes and fashion, for some it is our homes and for others it is travel and holidays. Few of us are exempt. What is your spending weakness? Don’t let it control you.

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Practising budgeting is one way to control our expenditure. When you get your pay, allocate it to essentials such as utility bills, mortgage repayments and food. If it helps, put the money into labelled jam jars or envelopes!

Don’t be tempted to break into next week’s allocation.

Investing and borrowing Some argue that Christians should not invest. However, I hold a different view and practise cautious investment following thorough study of the company. Never invest in anything that you do not understand! Motivation is key – are you investing to get rich (don’t) or as a hobby or in order to give away all or most of the profits?

Traditionally, believers incurred borrowing only for family homes and perhaps cars but borrowing for any other purpose was discouraged. No loans for holidays or furniture, no credit card borrowing and certainly no borrowing for investment purposes.

Many strayed from this prudent policy in recent years and are paying a heavy price.

Giving Away For generations the rule of thumb has been 10%. But 10% of what? Gross salary, net after tax salary or even after tax and family home mortgage repayments? I don’t think it matters so much.

The key is in Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “On the first day of every week (or month) each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collection will have to be made”.

Paul’s recommendation is a firm decision of the will, “set aside”, and the amount is related to our income. We make a deliberate decision and take a deliberate action. Setting aside means exactly what it says! Avoid making a spur-of-moment-decision to give in response to an emotional appeal. Paul

recommends that we build up a “giving fund” so that we always have money to give.

In essence, we measure how much to give away by measuring how much we retain. Remember the Lord’s commendation of the widow in Luke 21:2, “This poor widow has put in more than all the others….” That is a salutary lesson.

A suggestion for priorities is firstly family (especially widows), your local church and then local and international Christian Ministries.

Living Simply TearFund coined the phrase to “live simply so that others can simply live”.

As believers we should live simply according to our means. We are not all the same and some of us have family responsibilities or health issues requiring significant expenditure. So the outward appearance of a good job may not be the full truth.

IN ESSENCE, WE MEASURE HOW MUCH TO GIVE AWAY

BY MEASURING HOW MUCH WE RETAIN. Send your suggestions as to how we can live more simply to editor@ voxmagazine.ie. Examples might include buying clothes in charity shops (hint: shop in posh areas; the clothes are of better quality!), making your own vegetable soup, walking or cycling as often as possible or giving up your SkyTV subscription. We will publish the most original and practical ideas in our next edition.

David McCabe is a Chartered Accountant and retired banker.

He has given seminars on personal finances over many years and guides individuals and businesses who face financial difficulties.

a new one. But as your income has halved you may not be approved for another loan and... well... your reduced income does make you a higher risk and... well... I’ll see what we can do but... well... I don’t know...” I’m almost sure there was a hint of tutting!

I was stunned and indignantly was about to say, “How dare you! I’m coming to you in advance. Laying my situation bare before you. Humbly asking for your help. Have you not received an email from the directors of the bank saying, ‘Memo to all staff: be nice to people if they’re stuck for money.... it’s kinda our fault!’? Have you not had that memo?? Check your email again?? Go on!! Check it now!!!!”

listened to the terrible on-hold music I felt quite virtuous. I was quite pleased with myself that we were getting ahead of the game and pre-empting any financial pickle we might find ourselves in.

But the lady who answered the phone didn’t feel the same.

I explained our situation with a sincere balance of grim yet cautious optimism and paused.... The first thing I heard was a slow intake of breath and a negative exhale. I could sense she was shaking her head slowly. “Well... I’ll see what we can do for you but we’ll need to restructure your agreement, which means cancelling this one and starting

But instead, like a kid gingerly taking her hand back out of the biscuit tin, I said, “Thanks so much, that would be great. We REALLY appreciate it.”

Harrumph!!!!!

I just thank God that in this time of financial crisis, as far as our spiritual debt is concerned, Jesus has paid it all!

Annmarie Miles comes from Tallaght in Dublin and is married to Richard, from Wales. She works for Focus on the Family and loves to cook, sing, read, talk and eat! Follow Annmarie's blog at www.auntyamo.wordpress.com.

Illustration: Olly Blake (www.ollyblake.com)

Well, if the ‘state of the nation’ wouldn’t drive you to spend your last tenner on a discounted fondue set and an oversized bar of Dairy Milk, I don’t know what would.

For a time my working hours were reduced by 50% because of the current climate. So himself and I did a bit of number crunching.

We decided to ring the phone company and ask them to change our price plan. We made the tough decision to go to one car. And I rang our bank to explain that from the following month our income would drop and to request a reduction in our monthly loan payment. I have to say, as I

THE FIRST THING I HEARD WAS A SLOW INTAKE OF BREATH AND A NEGATIVE EXHALE.

The Money Secret is not just a book!

It is a powerful tool that can help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Go to store.family.ie to find

The Money Secret!

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 13

The Money Issue

A Moral Budget?

Social welfare slashed, public services hit, taxes on ordinary people … the worst budget in the history of the state and it’s only the beginning … simply savage. How can such a budget be moral or Christian?

These difficult times result in very difficult choices.

Economics is all about alternatives. A moral judgement on any course of action has to consider the relative morality of the alternative path. This article does not give a personal judgment on the budget but highlights how moral judgments interact with the choices that have been made.

Three key decisions were made in the budget and the National Recovery Plan: the size of the overall adjustment, how much falls on tax and how much on spending and then the specific areas of adjustment.

The IMF / EU rescue shows the necessity of a large adjustment. The alternative of borrowing more became infeasible as markets lost confidence in Ireland. While these markets may be false gods to some, as a country we are forced to bow to them only because we cannot pay our own way – it is our deficit that gives lenders power over us.

Even if we were able to continue borrowing that wouldn’t necessarily be the moral choice. Borrowing is not free money and must be repaid by later generations. Further borrowing would increase our interest costs, squeezing our economy and public spending and is akin to asking our children to take our pain for us.

Deciding how much of the adjustment falls on tax and how much on spending is a multifaceted issue. It is partly driven by views on the role and size of government.

But economists also study past crises to see what worked best and these suggest spending-based adjustments are best for the economy.

IT IS OUR DEFICIT THAT GIVES LENDERS POWER OVER US. There is not a simple moral trade-off between the economy and justice (as in the distribution of cuts), because economic growth, if appropriately managed, is the means to increase living standards for all. Thus the moral dimension becomes one of balancing the effect on individuals in the short versus the medium term: in the short term cuts and taxes hurt people, but in the medium term a restored economy has the potential to reverse some of this pain.

Turning to the specifics, context is very important. A total of €10bn in public spending cuts has been proposed for the next four years. This constitutes a 14 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

decrease of 16% from the present spending level of €61bn, implying that every area of spending has to be cut by 16%. If you say that one part of spending should be exempt for moral reasons, then other elements have to be cut by more.

Take the social welfare budget as an example: it amounts to 34% of total spending. If all social welfare was exempt, then other areas of spending, primarily public sector pay or public service programmes, would face deeper cuts of 25%.

IN THE SHORT TERM CUTS AND TAXES HURT PEOPLE, BUT IN THE MEDIUM TERM A RESTORED ECONOMY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO REVERSE SOME OF THIS PAIN. We inevitably have to mention the bankers and developers who seem to get off scot-free. Bank debt has been added to our national debt, increasing our interest costs and the size of our adjustment. Clearly on one level it is unjust that we pay for their mistakes: part of biblical justice is that people are repaid according to their deeds.

However, it is also justice to protect the vulnerable. The government took the economic position that the banks had to be saved in order to save the economy, and thus protect the vulnerable. Unfortunately here it was the specific economic reasoning that was deficient.

But as well as asking the question of who caused the bubble and bust, we need to ask the question of who benefited. Not who benefited from the bubble overall, as many are left unemployed and in negative equity, but who benefited from the budgetary changes over the last decade that now have to be corrected.

And most of us did benefit, whether in lower taxes, or higher welfare payments, or higher public sector wages. Maybe the budgetary adjustment would be easier to take if someone would tell us this truth. Yet a government that refuses to take responsibility for its role in the cause has no moral authority to point us to this second question.

Budgets can be moral, and budgets should be moral, but the inclusion of morality into economic debate does not present us with easy answers.

Fraser Hosford lives in Dublin and works as both a church leader and an economist.

Restoration I bought it. Did you? Shiny. Faster. Cooler. The latest. Bigger. Better.

Branded. New, not repaired. Additional, not replaced. Desired, not needed!

Affordable? That didn’t matter. We could buy almost anything we wanted.

I bought that lifestyle. We did it on a national scale as well. The fifth richest nation in the world! Proud. Self-made men and women. The epitome of success!

But it was an image. Now the bills have arrived. Reality has set in. The old lifestyle is buried in a heap of debt. Our national pride is in tatters. The image and the lifestyle are dead!

DID WE EVER CRY “HALT”?

Like any death, those left behind are mourning. Grief has its own process - working through periods of anger and blame. Look around. Can you see the blame game? People everywhere look for someone, anyone, to carry the can.

True: the bankers acted carelessly, the government failed to regulate and the developers were greedy.

But weren’t we also? Didn’t we revel in the cheap cash that gave us access to so much? Weren’t we proud of being one of the most developed nations?

Didn’t we enjoy our personal comforts, the gadgets and gizmos? Did we ever cry “HALT”?

Others are responsible, but so is anyone, me included, who participated in the cash bonanza. It’s uncomfortable to take responsibility. We put our faith in the financial system and traded our “image of God” for the image we wanted and shaped. The moment we decided to become self-made men and women, we relieved God of responsibility.

Restoration is possible, although difficult. Maybe God will use this as an opportunity to reorder our priorities. As individuals and as a nation we can remember the One True God who we replaced with the god of the market. He offers us a fresh chance to decide whom we shall serve.

Will our answer resound with the confidence of Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord”?

Will we serve Him to bring hope and healing to a hurting nation? Not necessarily hope of better jobs or finances (although God is concerned about those things!) but hope of Immanuel, God with us; hope in a God who created us for so much more than materialism.

We have a nation of people who so desperately need to hear and accept the hope offered by the God who wants to be personally involved.

Ken Gibson is CEO of The Leprosy Mission Ireland, serves on the boards of Christian organisations dedicated to fighting injustice and acts as development consultant to organisations across Europe.

A different way out…

In Ireland, the church is the central fringe – a decreasingly significant institution, which maintains its social centrality. I think we have drank as deeply from these homemade cisterns as any other sector of Irish life. Yet we can model a way out of the morass.

Life is not found in the accumulation of things, be that capital or property or benchmarking agreements. If it is found at all, it will be uncovered in relationships.

The Christians of Ireland can be a people who do not consider equality with their neighbour (or their private sector equivalent) something to be grasped but instead take on the very nature of a servant, spending themselves and their wealth on building an equitable Ireland.

Whether that is a market solution or something alternative is quite irrelevant (and not really the domain of the church!) but it is a yoke that has been fitted on all of us. To stop moaning. To stop blaming someone else. To stop thinking that the way out of the blindness caused by greed is to continue in greed. And instead to model a way of life that does not simply tolerate “lower standards of living” but relishes the opportunity to reveal that phrase as it actually is - a life destroying, community eviscerating, relationship devouring lie.

Kevin Hargaden is a student at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Read his blog at www.creideamh.ie

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 15

Reclaiming

St Patrick’s Day At the Global Leadership Summit in Dublin last November, Irish church leaders heard a passionate challenge to rediscover the message of St. Patrick from Keith McCrory, pastor of Maynooth Community Church. VOX editor Ruth Garvey-Williams met up with Keith to find out about the Saint Patrick Foundation and how March 17th could become a catalyst for reconciliation in Ireland.

Tell me about the Saint Patrick Foundation. When and how did it start?

At the Global Leadership Summit two years ago we heard from the International Justice Mission, which encourages lawyers to use the law to free people trapped in violence, slavery and human trafficking. They asked, “How will these people know God loves them if we do not act?”

I went for a wander at lunchtime and began thinking about Ireland, about the people where I grew up and about our continuing problems with violence and alienation. How will those trapped in fear, anger and pain in Ireland know God loves them? I prayed and asked what I could do to bring freedom and peace to our nation.

As I walked, I felt God gave me the whole idea for the Saint Patrick Foundation. It’s so obvious. What is the biggest event within the whole of Irish culture?

What if we could reconnect Saint Patrick’s Day with the ancient vision that gave it birth? What if, instead of just having fun, we could harness the celebration on behalf of the poor,

alienated and oppressed?

What if we could use St Patrick’s Day to bring people together, to enjoy each other’s company while learning why Patrick’s life had such a powerful impact on our nation?

I was in such a daze that I managed to get lost and arrived back late. When you are the facilitator of the next conference session you are not supposed to be late!

So what happened next?

I’m used to new ideas but not ideas that seem quite so terrifying. I wrote it all down but I was not really sure what to do next. Finally I asked, “If this is from God and not just a wild idea from my own imagination then what would I do?”

Patrick had a two-part methodology that I love. He was known for focusing on grassroots involvement but he also went to the kings and sought approval for what he wanted to do.

So I made a list of the names of people I should contact. This included the President of Ireland, TDs, leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein, the chief inspectors of schools, heads of large charities, even the President of the United States!

I began nudging the door. To my enormous surprise, doors began to open.

My initial idea was to start with the President, so I contacted Tim O’Connor (then the President’s Secretary General).

Tim became one of our best advocates.

I also went to see some of our TDs. Some were enthusiastic, some a little unsure but all supportive.

Richard Treacy, on our team, and I went to the US to meet with folks from the Washington and New York St Patrick’s parades. We attended a national prayer

What if we could reconnect Saint Patrick’s Day with the ancient vision that gave it birth?

16 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

breakfast as part of a delegation from Ireland (…so I had breakfast with the US President!).

We met the Irish Consul General Niall Burgess in New York. This year, it is the 150th anniversary of the St Patrick’s Day parades in New York, so it is significant.

We met with groups of teachers. The chief inspector of schools for the North offered to introduce us to the various Education Boards. We held focus groups with school groups and students and gathered folks together in Maynooth to help us think through the ideas.

So what did you talk about with all these people?

People expect us to be negative about St Patrick’s Day (because of all the drinking). We love much of what happens around St Patrick’s Day but we think it has untapped potential.

In 1998, the Irish government created a festival around March 17th. We think it was great decision and are 100% supportive. The organising committee does an amazing job – creating a great sense of celebration and fun! Our desire is to develop this celebration even more.

What if St Patrick’s Day could be so much more? What if it could help address the biggest issues in our country?

What if it could become one of the most significant community building and reconciliation events in the world’s calendar? What if St Patrick’s Day could help us cast a new vision for our nation?

So what are you guys trying to do in SPF? ‘The Patrick Project” has three elements : The Saint Patrick Breakfast gives people a chance to meet and be inspired, encouraged and challenged.

It is a celebration of Ireland bringing together all parts of the community from

a St. Patrick's Day breakfast Cllr. Senan Griffin with Keith at

different political positions and religious backgrounds. If separation is the seed of conflict, then the simple act of meeting together sows the seed of reconciliation.

The Saint Patrick Initiative is an opportunity for young people to explore the issues that Patrick grappled with (slavery, trafficking, injustice, poverty, etc.) and then to do an action project as a response.

We need to teach our children that justice and reconciliation do not come about by accident. People have to make them happen.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Trust is just an idea at the moment. It will seek to harness creativity and passion in Ireland and our wider Irish family to raise money for those in need. It will build community but also raise significant funding. Ultimately, our goal is to raise €17 million!

What is your personal story? How does that drive SPF? My mum was from Donegal but I grew up in Derry in a broken community where there was lots of anger and violence. I was angry myself and was probably on my way to join some of the worse of what was happening.

A teacher in my school invited me to come to a Christian club called “Crusaders”.

I’ve always thought it was courageous. I lived in a pretty bad place and even had a bullet hole in the front of my home! But he came to my door and invited me to the programme in a local school. I have no idea why, but I went along.

My experience of coming to faith was discovering a new identity and a new way of life that totally transformed my past. Jesus rescued me from a life of violence.

Ever since then I have felt the gospel message is the most amazing thing for the whole Irish situation but it has always been a struggle. I discovered the church is part of the problem. There is a dissonance - seeing that what I believe to be true and what I know to be true are different.

I am drawn to Patrick. His story gives us a place to be free from the labels and baggage surrounding people’s view of Christianity

The foundation was well represented at the Maynooth Parade

and an opportunity to look again at the message that shaped his life.

Reconciliation is only really possible for those who know what grace is! Many people see reconciliation as liberalism but for me it is the complete opposite. The more passionate I am about Jesus and the message He brought, the more I am pushed to be involved in reconciliation within my community.

I believe the gospel is the best thing on the planet. Only in realizing how God has dealt with us can we even begin doing that with others.

If Patrick gives Christians in Ireland an opportunity to have those conversations with people, then I think it is fantastic!

Rachel Byrne entertains

If separation is the seed of conflict, then the simple act of meeting together sows the seed of reconciliation.

But how can parades and celebrations really make a difference for the gospel?

As a pastor and church planter, I’ve noticed that church planting is not the first step for mission. We are planting seed but it is largely affected by the condition of the soil.

The church needs to work below the surface, to change people’s mindset so what they understand by the word “Christian” is something remotely connected to the Bible.

As Christians we have done a pretty awful job at building churches and communities in Ireland that truly reflect the grace and love of our Creator. When those in our society reject Christianity and want nothing more to do with the Church, they generally have very good reasons and at times it’s hard to blame them.

But the Christianity they have rejected is not the Christianity of Jesus. And it was not the Christianity of Patrick. My hope is that the Patrick Project will help people to discover that for themselves.

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 17

Our Father in heaven...

A few years ago, after an unanswered prayer that broke my heart, I began to doubt that God listened and answered prayer at all. I decided to stop praying. Having been brought up with prayer as a central part of my life, it was actually tough to get out of the habit. But gradually I managed to stop myself every time the words ‘Dear God…’ passed my lips. And for a while God and I were not on speaking terms.

Gradually, over time, my fury subsided and my need to communicate with my old friend grew but I found myself in the uneasy position of not knowing how to begin again.

So I started with the prayer that is recorded in the gospels.

It’s known as the ‘Our Father’ and trips off the tongue easily for those of us who’ve been taught it from infancy. When you are so familiar with something that you can recite by heart, it’s easy to miss the power in the words and it was only as I used it intentionally to begin communication with the Divine that I realised how this prayer could have particular value.

Recently, we bundled the babies into the car and headed to one of our favourite places, Glendalough. Gleann dá loch, or ‘the valley of the two lakes,’ is the site of an ancient monastic city founded in the 6th Century by St. Kevin. The round tower still stands as well as the ruins of a cathedral. It’s a paradise of outstanding natural beauty and it’s no surprise that Christians of long ago chose the sheltered spot between the two lakes to be home to a community dedicated to the service of God. We took the walk along the northern edge of the smaller lake through a forest of trees and it was early enough to be fairly deserted. The stillness and peace were so refreshing. As we went on, we began to meet more and more people out for a weekend ramble. We would nod to the people we passed and say ‘hello’ or ‘nice day, isn’t it?’ and more than once a kind person would stop to coo over our new son and indulge our precocious toddler. I like to think heaven is a place like Glendalough on a Saturday morning in early autumn.

“ 18 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

When we think of heaven, we usually think of it as somewhere to be experienced after death; a utopian perfection where pain and suffering cease, a place so good and pure that it could not possibly be tasted on this side of the veil.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus says that heaven is the place where God resides (‘Our Father in heaven’), where the Father is present. He speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being ‘near’ or ‘at hand’, not something far off.

I think that heaven is not (only) a place for a soul to rest eternally, but an experience of being where God is and living accordingly. Jesus lived the Heaven He spoke of; loving justice, showing mercy and walking humbly with His God, emptying Himself of His majesty and incarnating the Spirit here amongst us.

As people who follow in the Master’s footsteps, I believe we are called to a similar incarnation; to live life that is empty of the ego and full of the heavenly glory of God. More challengingly, it is about finding out where God is already in the world and using our lives to reveal that Presence, even if it’s in places we would rather not venture or where angels would fear to tread.

It’s easy for my soul to be restored by the still waters of the lake at Glendalough, for me to be inspired by the picture-perfect paradise that called to the saints of long ago. It’s far harder to look for the footsteps of Christ in the messy lives of my family and friends, in my church’s failures, in the economic fallout of a decade of greed and avarice. I pray that God awakens our creative senses to see heaven, and therefore hope in these places and humbly offer it to others who may need it.

Melanie Clark Pullen is an actress and writer who lives in Co. Wicklow with her husband and two small children. She is part of the online arts/faith/culture community Dreamers of the Day (www.dreamtoday.ning.com) and is training to be a local preacher in the Methodist Church.

It’s easy for my soul to be restored by the still waters of the lake...It’s far harder to look for the footsteps of Christ in the messy lives of my family and friends, in my church’s failures, in the economic fallout of a decade of greed and avarice.

Christian Radio goes national Spirit Radio, Ireland’s first national Christian radio station, is set to go live on air on Thursday, 27 January 2011. The long journey to gain licences, raise finance and develop the vision has seen many ups and downs over recent years.

Spirit Radio’s vision is to broadcast a positive, engaging and entertaining message through Christian radio that appeals to a broad spectrum of the Irish population.

Spirit’s publicity material states, “There is an urgent need to communicate the beauty and relevance of the Christian faith in a fresh contemporary medium.”

Recognising the tensions between different denominations and groups in Ireland, Spirit Radio is committed to bringing Christians together from across the religious spectrum.

With 20 years experience of working with RTE, Rónán Johnston will front the main morning chat show on Spirit. He shared his vision and excitement for the project with VOX Editor Ruth Garvey-Williams: I got a phone call in November of last year to ask if I would be interested in presenting a show on Spirit Radio.

Radio is so incredibly personal. When you are preparing a TV show, you are preparing for a crowd but for radio, you are thinking of one person. I listen to something at home on the radio, then I hop into the car and listen to it again. Radio accompanies you wherever you go.

It hit me that something so personal is a fantastic way of reaching people with the Gospel.

Other Christian radio stations are designed for Christians – providing support for people who believe. There is a place for something that is more focused on reaching out. A music radio station is perfect.

I will be presenting a show that is partly music and partly chat, very much on the lines of

Newstalk or the Ray D'Arcy show on Today FM. There will be fun but also an opportunity to bring in elements of the gospel without banging people over the head. I want to do the kind of programme you might hear on RTE but do it using a Christian grid.

I’m getting excited about it. It was a pipedream for so long. Now I can actually see it happening.

We had an open house during the summer and I did a radio show for four hours on the Saturday and four hours on the Sunday. At the end I stood up and I said, “This is going to work!” I wasn’t quite sure until that moment.

We will have a substantial amount of secular music, which I think is very healthy. The notion that music is divided into sacred and secular is not helpful. There should only be good or bad music.

When you find something that resonates, it’s worth playing.

I’m hoping the Christian audience will listen and give feedback. We want them to phone in and text in. Speaking from experience, the minute people start to contact you, the show comes alive; the magic happens once the audience gets involved.

Obviously we are looking for funds as well.

We will get some advertising but there is some advertising we will have to refuse. That means we need people sponsoring Spirit Radio – donations will keep the station on air.

I really think there is a bit of the Gideon story in all of this. When the licence was first awarded, there was money flying all over the place. But since then things have become harder; more and more has been stripped away. If I had chosen a moment to start something like this, it would not have been the January after the worst budget of the state.

There is almost nothing left except faith and the promise we believe we’ve got from God. Something about that feels right. If it happens now, it is because He wants it to happen.

Dear Friends, Upbeat and uplifting, entertaining and inspirational, Spirit launching in January, will play the best contemporary Christian music - plus a selection of positive hits. Presenters will highlight stories that show how faith in God makes a real difference. Spirit’s news and talk will get Christian voices speaking to the issues of the day. The format will include heart warming and thought provoking stories.

Today, across the nation, men and women are facing real and sometimes overwhelming challenges.

Spirit Radio will reach into homes, cars and offices bringing a message of hope and direction. It will help people take steps to begin or renew their relationship with God. 24 euro puts Spirit Radio ON AIR for 20 minutes For info on how you, your church and your business can support Spirit Radio go to spiritradio.ie. Help us bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the nation.

Rob Clarke Spirit Radio

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 19

Ronan with Spirit Radio team member Carole Brown

The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism 4,200 delegates from almost 200 countries, gathered in Cape Town in October 2010. Notably, 200 from China were missing – refused permission to travel – and their seats were left empty as a reminder throughout the congress. Nine delegates from Ireland represented a wide range of different ages, denominations, traditions and backgrounds. VOX brings you some of their initial reactions. Find out more online at www.lausanne.org or see the Irish blog www.irishincapetown.wordpress.com

Bishop Ken Clarke shares: This was no superficial afternoon chitchat. The congress aired painful subjects and tackled hard questions. For example, “Why did such horrendous genocide take place in a country like Rwanda when the vast majority (over 90%) of Rwandans claimed to be Christian?” One million people were killed in a few weeks.

The congress had mission running through its veins. Twothirds of the world still does not know Christ. Do I care? Every session related to God’s love and passion for people made in His image.

I was moved to tears as Palestinian and Jew shared together about their faith in Christ and their ministry together and as a widow shared about the brutal murder of her husband and nine others in a Muslim country.

The address by fellow Irishman Chris Wright was powerfully prophetic. Idolatry is still alive among God’s people. We need to repent and clean up our own backyard. Elevated status, manipulated success and selfish greed have no place in the life of the church.

Richie Sommerville adds: An often-referenced congress Bible verse that evokes passion within me is, “The children of Issachar…were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32)”.

The summation of a talk that resonated with me was the following by Mark Greene: “Globally, 98% of Christians are neither envisioned nor equipped for mission in 95% of their waking lives. But, just imagine if they were…”

Ken Gibson comments: There was an acknowledgement that “the centre of gravity” of Christianity has shifted southwards.

Sitting uneasily alongside this, however, was a Western-led Congress. Perhaps the Church is still catching up on what it has only recently acknowledged.

I was concerned that the gospel might be understood as purely a theological exposition. But there was engagement with some hard issues such as slavery, HIV, the Rwandan genocide, secularism and urbanization.

20 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

Grace Deegan responds: Partnership is costly, co-operation is challenging. Unity requires an out-working of God’s call; we must be eager to maintain it (Ephesians 4: 3, 4). In a culture that is disintegrating, we need to be an example of removing barriers. I want to be part of a church in Ireland that is willing to pay the price!

Jennifer Lewis says: One phrase stuck out - “Truth is a person”. Have we lost the irresistible mystery and wonder of Jesus? Are we convinced that the Gospel has the power to change lives and transform communities? When you see and hear individuals in horrendous situations, you see a Gospel that is relevant, real and radical!

Tom Slattery explains: Day two hit me like the crossbar I walked into at the airport on my way home (ouch!). I saw powerful reconciliation and unity between believers in extraordinary situations.

I considered the unity/disunity in Ireland between denominational and non-denominational, between Pentecostal and conservative and between Irish national and the “new Irish” immigrants.

I thought of the disunity between the churches in the south of Ireland and those in the north.

How is this stopping the gospel progressing on both sides of the border?

Why can’t the church be a powerful example to Irish (and British) society in our comradeship for the Kingdom?

The message on humility, integrity and simplicity was very appropriate. Around

“The evangelical church has rightly put an emphasis on bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to every people group, but we have perhaps been weaker in our attempts to apply biblical principles to every area of society…”

Lindsey Brown

“The global and short term are glamorous and the local and long term are costly” Os Guinness

every Irish corner lies something else beckoning to us to buy, join, watch, listen to, include, go to etc. I think the call to a radical simplicity is needed here and now.

We heard from real people risking their lives to see the Kingdom of God come on earth. Where is my passion for Jesus? Where is the passion for the gospel among all of us Christians in Ireland? I wonder if we have more passion for X-Factor (or whatever…) than Jesus?

What is wrong with us?

One man shared how leaders from underground churches in places like China had asked him to tell western Christians to stop praying for their hardship to end. They are encouraging western Christians to pray for hardship and watch what happens to the church. Is this what God is allowing in Ireland now? Abuse, recession, political instability? Do I welcome this?

Share your comments, questions and views. Write to editor@voxmagazine.ie or join The Conversation blog on www.voxmagazine.ie

My top five...

Web Highlights from VOX readers www.studylight.org A great Bible study resource containing devotionals, Bible dictionaries, concordances, commentaries from about 20 sources and more. A handy tool whether you want to do an indepth study of a word or subject or simply using it as a daily devotional guide. www.bookdepository.co.uk An online bookstore with very competitive prices offering FREE shipping to Ireland and Worldwide. Nice. www.fatcheese.ie One of few cashback websites in Ireland. Basically, you receive a percentage of your online purchases back whenever you click on the retailer's link found on their website. It costs nothing to register, retailers include Debenhams, Dell, AA Ireland, Viking Direct, Expedia.ie, etc.

www.magicmum.com An Irish parenting forum offering support to parents and parents-to-be; whether you have a young baby, twins, a special need child, teenagers, here you can chat with fellow mums and exchange tips and advice. Some of the chat topics include baby products recommendations, health matters, holidays, food and a vibrant buy and sell section. www.tripadvisor.co.uk A travel review site where you can read reviews from fellow travellers on virtually anything and anywhere in the world.

Find reviews on all types of accommodation, restaurants around the world, attractions, where to find the best ice cream in Italy to the unmissables in Bali.

Sheila Lindsay is a Singaporean still getting used to the cold Irish winters. Her two boys (make that three with her husband) keep her busy in Harold's Cross in Dublin.

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 21

VOX:INTERVIEW HOPE AGAIN Whatever your stance on divorce and separation, there is no denying that it exists in our country, our families and even in our churches! So how do we respond? Do we support or do we ostracise? Anne O’Flynn spoke with VOX reporter Roberta von Meding about the voluntary group she set up and what they are doing.

TELL ME HOW ‘HOPE AGAIN’ STARTED. I really felt God called me to help people who are separated or divorced. The church told me I must be reconciled with my husband but it takes two to reconcile and that wasn’t possible in my situation.

I was angry with God but I felt Him say, ‘I’m with you in this. I want to heal what is broken’. I had to help others. We had our first weekend in 2006 and at least two weekends every year since then.

WHAT HAPPENS OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEKEND? We rely on God for healing of hearts. Part of this healing can come through counselling.

We have trained counsellors who take groups and individuals for sessions over the weekend. Everything shared is confidential.

The group work offers support and encouragement in meeting others who have similar situations. All ages are welcome. We have had people aged between 30 and 65.

WHAT SORT OF THEMES ARE DISCUSSED? Forgiveness is one of the main things we encourage - to feel emotions of anger but to move on from them and feel free again to live life.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC TEACHINGS ABOUT DIVORCE AND SEPARATION? No, we just meet people where they are. There is no judgement. It is a place where people can open up about their experiences and feel supported.

Separation (and divorce) are traumatic for the physical, spiritual and social part of people. We offer encouragement and show God’s love. Also, we are not specifically affiliated with one church. We welcome everyone. We don’t aim to give answers but empathy and a safe place.

CAN PEOPLE EXPECT ANY CHURCH SERVICE? We have a service with worship and a teaching on Sunday morning. If people would rather not go, that’s ok too. We also watch a Nooma DVD*.

HOW HAS THE FEEDBACK BEEN? Fantastic! People have had very healing experiences. God has touched them and given them hope for the future. *See www.nooma.com for more information about Rob Bell’s Nooma DVDs. Roberta von Meding graduated in 2007 from IADT and now works as an Advertising Executive for a trade publication. She lives in Greystones with her husband Joey and daughter Juliet.

Cost: Approx €100 for full weekend Location: Carrig Eden, Greystones, Co. Wicklow Contact: Anne O’ Flynn on 0851524204 Spaces: 15 - 20 people max Comments from a previous weekend: “Meeting others was fantastic as we’re all in the same boat, but at different places.”

“Very encouraging and a most positive and tremendous stepping stone for moving on.”

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Coming Soon...

“From Eden To Eternity”

Wycliffe Bible Translators are pleased to present “From Eden to Eternity”, the story of the Bible in just one evening. See the Bible brought to life on stage by Saltmine Theatre Company and journey through tragedy and tears, music and mirth, serpents and salvation!

“From Eden to Eternity” gives a powerful reminder of God’s love for us as revealed through Scripture. In the same evening, a short presentation by Wycliffe Bible Translators will give audiences the chance to reflect on the fact that there are still over 300 million people worldwide without access to God’s message of love in their own language.

Wednesday, 2 March : St Mark's Church, Dublin Thursday, 3 March: Stormont, Belfast Friday, 4 March: Wellington Presbyterian Church, Ballymena Saturday, 5 March: First Portadown Presbyterian Church, Portadown Monday, 7 March: Crescent Church, Belfast Tuesday, 8 March: Ballynahinch Baptist Church, Ballynahinch More information and tickets: www.eden2eternity.org

Concert to launch new Irish Gospel CD

A new CD from Gospel Republic showcasing diverse music from Irishbased gospel choirs, bands and solo artists will be launched at a concert on Saturday 29 January 2011.

Gospel Voices 2011 LIVE will feature Dublin Gospel Choir, Alva, Discovery Gospel Choir, Victory Gospel Choir, Anton Cullen, The Proof, Gospo Remix, Adeniyi AllenTaylor, Khanyah and many more. The concert will be at the 1,000-seat Victory Centre in Tallaght. For directions: www. victory.ie Tickets are available at Scripture Union Talbot Street and Dun Laoghaire, online at gospelvoices2011.com or by calling 071 771 5030. Tickets are priced €10 for adults, €5 for students and under 12s go free.

Quote our special “VOX reader offer” for a discount (€8 for adults or buy 3 tickets and get the 4th free.)

Stick the

needle in the camel’s eye

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19: 24 – 25 A bizarre metaphor. Thinking of that wealthy friend of yours, you might nod your head in agreement with Jesus. But the reality is that if you’re privileged enough to read VOX magazine (see www.globalrichlist.com) then you are probably in the wealthiest 10% of the world’s population. The other 90% of people often struggle to meet their daily necessities. You may not think it, but you are rich.

You may not think it but you are rich.

“Who then can be saved?” asked the disciples. They were astonished at Jesus’ radical statement. Yet as Irish Christians it is one that we seem to pay little or no attention to.

Ireland is in the midst of an economic collapse of momentous proportions, driven by greed and speculation. It is easy to point the finger at those who caused it – the politicians, the property developers and the bankers. The Celtic Tiger is dead and we are all in mourning, fearful of what tomorrow may bring.

On a Sunday afternoon Dundrum Shopping Centre in Dublin is thronged with people, browsing in BT2, stopping for a cup of coffee and buying the week’s groceries in Tesco. The shopping centre has become a modern-day temple.

The prevailing philosophy has become, ‘I shop therefore I am’.

Of course, now we have a bit less money to spend, we wander the shops aimlessly gazing at items we wish we could buy.

But as Christians in Ireland we need to question ourselves.

Are we complicit? Were our attitudes and behaviour during the time of prosperity any different from those of our neighbours? What is our response to the recession?

So what is a godly attitude towards money? Should we renounce all earthly goods and join a monastic order? Should we name and claim the earthly treasures that are rightfully ours?

“No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 God calls for a complete reorientation of our hearts towards Him. Anything that takes our attention from Him or divides our heart is an ‘idol’. A house, a holiday or even a cup of fresh coffee can turn from a blessing into ‘my right’ or ‘something I deserve’.

The problem is our possessions begin to possess us.

The Bible describes us as stewards, ‘someone entrusted with another’s property and charged with responsibility for managing it in the owner’s best interests’. All that we own, whether a lot or a little, belongs to God. Money is relational. It demonstrates our relationship with God and whether we trust Him to provide for us. It also demonstrates our relationship with others. Do we use money to bless the church, family and friends and those in need? Are we known for our generosity? What is the testimony of our bank accounts?

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill As we enter a new year and a new era of economic uncertainty, let us not be fearful or begrudging in our finances. Let us begin to discuss our relationship towards money and confess where we have gone wrong.

The problem is our possessions begin to possess us.

Let our churches be known as places of community and hope and let our lives be marked with generosity towards others.

Don’t let money possess you but walk hand in hand with your Master. Stick the needle in the camel’s eye!

Reuben Coulter is Chief Executive of Tearfund Ireland, a Christian relief and development organisation. You can give to the spiritual and material transformation of poor communities around the world at www.tearfund.ie/ donate

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 23

Faith, Life, Reality My Story

Do you want to share your story in VOX magazine? “My Story” is an opportunity for ordinary people living in Ireland to talk about their journey to faith or the impact God has in their daily lives.

Ali Jim George is from Nigeria. He is married with three daughters and one new baby son. The family attends the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Cavan.

Once a week, Ali travels to Dublin to help out with a ministry among homeless people. In this edition of “My Story”, Ali shares how God has answered prayer to heal his eyes!

I was waiting for six months for surgery to remove scar tissue from my eyes. Finally I received an appointment for my operation. It was a difficult surgery and I did not know if my eyes would be the same afterwards. I went for prayer in church and I was praying on my way to the hospital in Dublin.

When I got down to the hospital the doctors could not find any scar tissue on my eyes. They were really surprised and they called other doctors to look at my eyes. But they still could not find anything wrong. The scar tissue had disappeared.

The doctor was asking me, “How come?” I just said, “This is only God.” The doctor looked at me strangely but there was no other explanation.

I am very happy now. I do not have to use glasses any more and my eyes are fine.

Want to share your story in VOX magazine? Write to editor@voxmagazine.ie or Solas Publishing, Ulysses House, 22-24 Foley St.Dublin 1.

Don't just memorise God's Word.

Put it into practice.

Be part of a Zest4Kidz team in 2011 bringing hope to children in desperate circumstances. We have ongoing projects in India, Uganda & Belarus.

For more information visit www.zest4kidz.com or email info@zest4kidz.com

24 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

Urban Nation Conference

Friday 28 January 2011 The Exchange, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin

TearFund’s Urban Nation conference gives an opportunity for church leaders and emerging leaders to grapple with mission in 21st-Century Ireland with keynote speaker Rev Dr Joel Edwards (International Director of the Micah Challenge and former Director of the UK Evangelical Alliance).

The world is moving to the city. In 1900 only 13% of the world’s population lived in urban areas. In 2006 the figure was 50%. In 2030 it will be 60%. In Ireland the trend is similar. In 1926 only 30% of the population lived in cities or towns larger than 10,000 people. By 2006 it was over 50% and rising. Ireland is no longer a predominantly rural country.

Cities present both challenges and opportunities for Christians. It would be tragic if, while the world was moving into the cities, Christians moved in the other direction.

Imagine a city where a movement of churches existed that was radically committed to both the gospel message and to the “shalom” or “flourishing” of the city.

Could our cities become places where people would abandon their worship of money, sex, power and pleasure for the offer of life in apprenticeship to Jesus? Could our cities be places where more of the poor are cared for, more of the vulnerable protected, more of the violent restrained and more of the addicted are rescued? Could they become places where the wealthy are more generous, the wise are more influential and where life with God is seen as the best offer in town?

Don’t miss this chance to engage with other leaders as we consider issues such as:  Influencing Influencers with Rev. Dr. Trevor Morrow  Renewing the Church with Bishop Ken Clarke, Andy

Carroll and Fergus Ryan  Creating Community with Joe Donnelly and Lucy Hill  Urban Collaboration for Transformation with Sean Mullan and Reuben Coulter  Addressing Addiction with Noel Kenny Book now at www.tearfund.ie or contact TearFund Ireland on 01 8783200

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 25

VOX:REVIEWS KJV: THE MAKING OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE DVD The King James Version is the venerable granddaddy of Bible translations stretching all the way back to 1611. As part of the 400th Anniversary celebrations, this drama/ documentary feature traces the origin of this historical project.

This is a swashbuckling saga of an ailing Queen who names her successor with her dying breath, a solitary teenager steeped in Biblical and Calvinist thought ushered to the throne and a church divided by doctrinal and political intrigue.

Against this turbulent background, the idea for a new and scholarly translation of the Bible was hatched in the mind of the young King. Brilliantly narrated by John RhysDavies and under the masterful direction of Norman Stone (‘Shadowlands’), KJV never flags as it unfolds this gripping story.

Elisabeth’s successor, Scottish king, James VI had a keen sense of Divine providence over his life and the task of organising a new translation of the Scriptures became his life’s passion and subsequently his enduring legacy. In its scope and depth there had never been anything quite like it.

Archaic though the language of the KJV may seem to modern readers, in its time it was cutting edge and innovative. This presentation helps us to appreciate what a milestone that enterprise represented. Watching the DVD was hugely enjoyable and I encourage other VOX readers to get a copy!

Reviewed by Gerard Shea from Limerick. When not working with people who have an intellectual disability, Gerard spends his spare time writing poetry and blogging (www. dewofhermon.blogspot.com).

HE TAMES LIONS MrJAG He Tames Lions is MrJAG’s second studio album but the first with a five-member line-up. With drums and bass now firmly in the mix, the band has space to go bigger.

The writing on this album is wonderful, though quite varied, which is to be expected from a band with three songwriters.

It shows a deep sense of thought and maturity in songs like Samson’s Cry and Easter's First Fruits, a beautiful hymn-like song about resurrection. Yet the boys are still themselves and have fun with the music as they pump out songs like Running on Empty, Unseen Certainty, Family and the title track He Tames Lions.

Verse1 Verse2 (the title of a song) is an outstanding presentation of a time when God touches a life and the joy/ direction that comes with it. MrJAG have filled an album with inspired, uplifting songs that come from honest hearts that love God. The album is available priced €10 from the MrJAG page on Facebook, through most Christian bookshops or from mrjagmusic@hotmail.com or download from iTunes.

26 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

The Hole in Our Gospel Richard Sterns The Hole in Our Gospel was awarded the 2010 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Richard Sterns chronicles personal transformation in his reluctant response to God's call on his life while bringing to light some unfortunate truths about the church's response to some of the world's most vulnerable populations.

His poignant discussion on our complacency, both purposeful and accidental, towards social justice does not leave you feeling depressed and helpless, but informed and energised for action.

Through personal accounts and examples Sterns points those who call themselves followers of Christ to their responsibility to love and care for the world's poor.

However, he does not stop there; we are also reminded that no matter who we are, or what our talents are, we all have something important to contribute.

This book is a must-read for anyone who feels that something is missing and is ready to come face to face with God's mission for the world.

Halfway Herbert Francis Chan

Herbert coasts through life with homework halfway done, his room sort of clean and his dinner partly finished. But when he tries telling “half truth”, he lands in a whole lot of trouble! Can he learn to follow God with all his heart? From best selling author Francis Chan comes a picture book for children 4 to 8.

Through Chan’s trademark teaching and storytelling, children discover what living for God really means, offering parents a practical tool for inspiring godly character.

We are all fans of Francis Chan at the Haven in Cork and we are delighted with his move into children’s books. This is the follow on from the successful Big Red Tractor (for kids) and Crazy Love and Forgotten God (for big people).

Yahweh Hillsong Chapel

Hillsong Chapel is a newly created series of intimate and devotional arrangements of popular Hillsong songs led by the Hillsong worship team. Recorded live in the Hillsong Chapel, Yahweh, the first instalment in the series, contains organic and contemplative versions of top CCLI songs including Mighty To Save, Hosanna, From The Inside Out, and the title track Yahweh.

Comprised of 13 songs, Hillsong Chapel's Yahweh is perfect for smaller gatherings or personal devotional and will help resource churches wanting more intimate worship expressions of songs from Hillsong LIVE and Hillsong UNITED.

Everything that Hillsong has produced has been hugely successful and this is another example of how they keep moving their brand onwards and upwards attracting a different audience again. Brilliant.

Get 10% off all titles on this page in all three Footprints Stores: Bachelors Quay, Cork, Talbot Street, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 27 (Reviewd by Padraig & Lindsey from Footprints Bookshop @ the Haven, Cork) VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 27

Find your fit with OM Ireland Help transform lives and communities in Ireland and around the world.

Opportunities right now in Youth Work, Communications, Personnel and Hospitality and more...

Stress...

Worries...

Problems...

Interested? Contact Alastair on 090 6623964 ext 153 or email info@ie.om.org Find out more at www.ie.om.org Note: All workers with OM Ireland raise their own financial support.

Start your Day with Our Daily Bread and be encouraged.

Each day, read inspiring stories that point you to God and the promises He has for you in the Bible.

Sign up for the no-obligation quarterly mailing by contacting us:

Tel: 01 667 8428 - email: ireland@rbc.org Alternatively, you can text “ODB” plus your name and address to: 087 692 3802

Alternatively, you can text “ODB” plus your name and address to: 087 692 3802

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07/12/2010 14:08:12

WAY OF THE MASTER Evangelism Training Opportunities in 2011 January 22, 2011- Athlone May 7, 2011- Letterkenny August 27, 2011- Galway September 17, 2011- Cork November 19, 2011- Dublin Check back online www.ie.om.org for details of venues and times as they become available or contact Ludie Creech (ludie.creech@ie.om.org)

28 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

VOX:ADS&EVENTS Events Calendar

Wanted : Guitar Teacher

What’s happening, where and when?

January

Urban Nation Fri, 28 January, 10am The Exchange, Dublin Gospel Voices 2011 Sat, 29 January Victory Centre, Tallaght (See ad opposite) Your Move Sat, 29 January, 7:30pm Douglas Baptist Church, Cork

March

From Eden to Eternity Wednesday, 2 March, 7:30pm St. Mark's Church, Dublin (See page 22 for further dates)

July

New Wine Sligo Summer Conference 10 - 15 July

Felllowship in North Dublin seeking to facilitate small group guitar lessons for Beginners and/ or 'Improvers'.

Teacher should be patient and competent guitarist with experience of coaching others. Preferably with a basic knowledge of music theory (chord structure and key changes) and be willing to teach at least in part, through modern worship songs.

Please contact Pam on robipam@gmail.com or 0864067036 to discuss rate of pay and other details.

Miles Music Reasonably priced piano and music theory lessons available in the greater Dublin area.

We travel to your home!

February

Your Move Sat, 12 February, 5:30pm The Redeemed Church of God, JFK Industrial Estate Dublin

We can also provide music for your Church wedding.

We travel to any county in Ireland!

For more information see our website: www.milesmusic.ie You can call Richard Miles on 086 2541022 or email us at milesmusicser vices@gmail.com.

Friday 28th January 2011 The Exchange, Gardiner Street, Dublin An inspiring day conference that will equip you and your church for mission as you seek to bring God’s kingdom in your community.

Rev. Dr Joel Edwards is the International Director for Micah Challenge. Joel is committed to harmonise matters of faith, justice and equality in the public square, and to advocate on behalf of the world’s poor.

Seminars will also be held by Irish church leaders like; Rev Dr Trevor Morrow, Bishop Ken Clarke, Fergus Ryan and Noel Kenny giving their perspective on the challenges and opportunities of mission in Ireland.

Book online today at www.tearfund.ie/events or call us at 01 8783200 This conference is jointly hosted by Irish Bible Institute, iMAP and Tearfund.

Wanted: Manager for Christian bookshop in Limerick Serve the Church in Limerick by selling Bibles, books and music and by providing a Christian meeting place in the city centre five days a week.

The Trustees are looking for a mature Christian man or woman (or couple) with an interest in literature ministry. Ideally, this person should be self-supporting as the trust is only able to pay essential expenses.

Previous retail or business experience is preferred.

For more information: Limerick Christian Trust, c/o Limerick Christian Bookshop, Upper Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick lcb@oceanfree.net

Is it time to get out of the boat?

Fundraising and Marketing Manager required

Serve God’s church and speak out for the poor.

It’s a challenging job.

Tearfund Ireland has expanded rapidly over the past three years and served thousands of the poorest people from Haiti to Cambodia. We need your skills, hard work and talents to continue this task by raising funds and communicating our vision.

This is a senior, full-time position with a competitive salary. Based in Dublin.

Apply today.

Submit a CV and cover letter.

Closing date: 26th January 2011, 5pm.

Post to: Tearfund Ireland, 5-7 Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland Email: enquiries@tearfund.ie www.tearfund.ie/people

VOX | Jan - Mar 2011 | 29

VOX:P.S.

O

Things we lost in the boom

Once the fire had done its work he assumed there would be nothing left. The house, the furniture, the clothes, all the stuff all gone. And all the irreplaceable stuff: photographs, souvenirs.

Years of working, saving, spending - gone in one night.

It had seemed like a good idea to move all his work into the home - less expenses. But now all the work was gone too - laptops, files, designs, plans - all consumed in the flames.

Insurance couldn’t cover that - much of it was irreplaceable. And with that went the employment as well. His income for the next year or two was in those flames.

Now there was nothing - nothing of any value. Except of course his family, he remembered guiltily. Thankfully they were all safe. He hadn’t had much time for them these last few years with work being so pressurised. They were still all there, still part of his life and still, apparently, keen to be in relationship with him despite his neglecting them for so long.

The same could be said of his friends. They too had played second fiddle to the pursuit of a better salary, bigger commissions and prestige on the career ladder. Perhaps now there would be time to remember and value family and friends.

He might not have photographs and souvenirs but he still had memories. Interesting that the best ones seemed to be of quite a few years ago. Good memories from recent years were scarcer. There just hadn’t been time for good time. In fact there had been time for very little other than work. It looked like postfire he might have a lot more time available.

And though he was badly off now, he was conscious he had more than many others. He has friends, acquaintances who had ended up with nothing at all. And when they had come looking for help he simply hadn’t wanted to know. The intention had been there to get to them in due course. But the due course hadn’t arrived - no time, no energy and no real desire to give up something for the sake of others.

As he watched the flames consuming, he tried to remember that story he had heard years ago from the Scriptures about the man who had become very rich but died at the height of his success. How did the line go? “What profit does someone have if they gain the whole world but lose their own soul?”

Perhaps the reverse might also apply. What has someone really lost if they lose all their wealth but in the process recover their own soul?

And what has a nation really lost if it loses all it has but in the process recovers its own soul?

Sean Mullan has been working in church leadership for many years. He is developing a new project in Dublin City Centre called "Third Space".

"Listening with the Heart" Foundation Course in Christian Counselling 100 hours of training over 3 modules (4 days blocks)

Trainers: Vital Connexions’ Stuy Wilson and Louise Ward Dates: Beginning in February 2011

Venue: Ballyfermot Community Church

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their skills in working with people or who want to pursue a career in Counselling.

Next Diploma starts in October 2011 with Andrea Wigglesworth and Vicky McEvoy Contact Vital Connexions Stuart@zestlife.ie phone 01 2943799 30 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011

In a time of uncertainty there is something you can count on..

“.. the word of the Lord endures forever.�

1 Peter 1:25

Build on a solid foundation for your life and ministry Courses in Applied Theology Apply now for September 2011

www.IBI.ie VOX | Apr Jan - -Mar Jun 2010 2011 | 31

32 | VOX | Jan - Mar 2011