The Lamb of God Chronicle October 2014

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The Lamb of God Chronicle October 2014 The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 8640 Phone [03] 383 2631 Fax [03] 383 0609 Mobile 021 817 232 Email: Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz Website: www.

net INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 Our People Page 3 News, Articles, Notices Page 3-8 House Group Resource Page 9 Kairos NZ News Page 10 Web Sites Page 10 Members/Info/Records Page 11

training, and to attend the Prayer Meeting at the HART Compound. The HART is a fenced compound of twenty-two one bedroom units which house women who have been abandoned and/or abused.

It is so good to see several of the sisters who live at the HART coming into the Lamb of God Prayer Meetings, some alone, some with children, some with grandchildren.

1 The Lamb of God Chronicle October 2014 The Lamb of God Community PO Box Phone [03] Fax [03] Mobile Website: INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 Our People Page 3 News, Articles, Notices Page 3-8 House Group Resource Page 9 Kairos NZ News Page 10 Web Sites Page 10 Members/Info/Records Page 11 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page National Prayer Watch Page REFLECTIONS: Building in the Midst of Poverty, Faith and Much Joy Recently I was again in Fiji to conduct further leadership training, and to attend the Prayer Meeting at the HART Compound. The HART is a fenced compound of twenty-two one bedroom units which house women who have been abandoned and/or abused. There is a modest common hall, called a shed in Fiji, and this is where the Community meets- right in the middle of the high needs. It is so good to see several of the sisters who live at the HART coming into the Lamb of God Prayer Meetings, some alone, some with children, some with grandchildren. These women do not have much at all in material things, but many of them have deep faith. In January we are bringing three Lamb of God Nadi pastors to visit our community for about a month and so look out for Timoci, Koroi and Inoke [left to right in the photo]. The lower photo shows Pastor Inoke s son Gideon. Veronica and I are Gideon s sponsors [God-parents] and it is a joy to see him growing. His sister Millie is left side in the photo. The work in Fiji is now developing in three distinct areas. One is the building of three branches of one community being located in Nadi, in Lautoka, and a rapidly growing newer work in RakiRaki. Interestingly the High Chief of the District of Ra has recently endorsed the community in public. The second development is a growing group of associated pastors seeking a form of affiliation with us. These fine men cannot necessarily join or develop community in their own churches, but they seek and hold our values in strengthening Christian family life. These men want me to organise a visit to their regions and then meet with groups of pastors with whom they relate. We need to develop a way of responding to these new friends and potential allies. And the third development is the continued growth of the Patmos

2 2 Community based in Suva. This recent trip I shared a meal and fellowship with Patmos members and it was a joy to meet Elise Turner from Antioch Community in London who has joined to give a year of service to Patmos. And a joy to see the commitment of Patmos to enter year two of starting to send their children to New Zealand each January to attend Summer Oasis. I was able to gift Patmos a significant gift towards their fundraising as such trips are rather expensive. FIJI NEEDS - recently Pastor Timoci has asked if we can help with Christian materials for the starting of Children s Ministry in RakiRaki and other districts. We are looking again for Children s Bibles and books, toys and other appropriate items. And we are again looking for used spectacles to give away at the HART, and Bibles for adults. Please give to or contact Roger. LAPTOPS FOR FIJI - and we are always grateful for used laptops. Please get these to Tom, or give to me, as Tom checks and refurbishes these before they are taken over. Thank you for your continued generosity, people of the Lamb of God. Roger Foley: Senior Coordinator OUR PEOPLE Congratulations! To Joel and Tiza Sison [Wellington], for their son Seth getting a scholarship in St Patrick s College. With sadness, yet confidence in the Lord, we remember: Karen and Andre Geelen [Hawke s Bay] as Karen s mum has passed away. Paul and Shauna James [Wellington], as Paul s grandmother died recently. [Note to all Branch leaders: Please send your local news/snippets to Roger Foley or Tom Caballes so that we can acknowledge important occasions in the lives of our brothers and sisters and make sure we do not miss any of them.] NEWS AND ARTICLES WOW- THAT WAS SOME TESTIMONY, BERNARD! Fr John Rea has recently ministered at seven Prayer for Healing meetings organised by Lamb of God in the South Island Branch. Due to travel I was only able to attend one. It was indeed a good and uplifting meeting with an excellent talk and a blessed time of ministry prayer. But the Lord also ministered to me through the testimony time when Bernard Forster [family photo on left] gave witness. Firstly I could see just how nervous Bernard was. He kept making eye contact with me and I sensed he was seeking a nod that he was doing okay. He didn t need my affirmation. He gave a powerful and sincere witness which honoured the Lord, honoured the Lord working through Fr John, and honoured the Lord in his wife Andrea,

birth of daughter Siobhan at twenty-seven weeks it took me back to all of the significant challenges this family have face over many years.

3 3 who was not present. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose any of the personal journey shared [but ask him when you see him if you were not there] except to say that when Bernard talked about the miraculous birth of daughter Siobhan at twenty-seven weeks it took me back to all of the significant challenges this family have face over many years. A journey Veronica and I and many others have walked with them. As Bernard spoke about his family I recalled a talk given by Steve Clark many years ago in our community when Steve said expressing love increases love. I noted this in my main diary at the time and have since carried it forward each year. Bernard s witness certainly blessed me and increased my love, I just sat there and thanked God for the privilege it is to walk this journey, and live this life, with such people as Bernard and Andrea and the girls. Thanks Bernard! Your brother Roger. BLENHEIM BRANCH LORD S DAY Blenheim Branch excels in generosity and hospitality, and always has. Relationships are supportive and strong and the Branch has a good feel. Roger and Veronica joined with members in September and attended a very enjoyable Celebration of the Lord s Day. A few days earlier founding member Chris Fredericks was released home from a long hospital stay following a leg amputation. What an incredible brother Chris is as Anita [what a woman] wheeled him into the Lord s Day Celebration. That is commitment big time. Well done, Chris and Anita! LIGHT OF CHRIST COMMUNITY 35 th ANNIVERSARY Veronica and Roger, together with Michael and Diane Staite and Peter and Stephanie O Connell of the Nelson branch, attended a joyful afternoon of activities to celebrate the 35 th Anniversary of our good friends the Light of Christ Community. Following a time of worship and welcomes we enjoyed several short films from the early years. Well done to our brothers and sisters of the Light of Christ, we appreciate you! AUCKLAND UPDATES Members of the Lamb of God Branch spent a soul searching month, in taking time to take stock of what we are engaged in and how we can improve our call to Mission. Covenanted members met at a Committed Body Night where groups in different programmes of outreach, while outlining their outreach activities, also spelled out their goals. The outreach activities proclaim the kingdom of God by word and action so that others might experience conversion to Christ. In heeding the call to Mission, the goals members have set themselves is to bring others into a deeper relationship with Christ and a fuller understanding of the truth, and if God s Spirit leads them to be part of our Community or reconnect with church. Bearing testimony to this are our new comers to Community, who have been inspired by the way brothers and sisters live out

the call to Mission, living lives in unity,

4 with all who love the Lord and are called

weeks, came to fruition with two young people

To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.

After celebrating the Lord s Day and dinner,

4 the call to Mission, living lives in unity, serve Him. 4 with all who love the Lord and are called to The Alpha Course, which ran on for ten weeks, came to fruition with two young people returning to the faith. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. LAMB OF GOD COMMUNITY S GOT TALENT WELLINGTON BRANCH The Wellington branch recently had a special talent night. After celebrating the Lord s Day and dinner, each family or group shared a talent performance including dancing, singing, violin-playing, lion-taming and synchronised table tapping. A few sang songs using the Karaoke machine. Congratulations to the different category winners but especially to Tep Roxas, who won the prize for talent of the night.

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9 9 CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY Resource for House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes An Abundant, Overflowing and Victorious Christian Life October 2014 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [John 10:10] We all face different challenges and problems at different points in our lives. How we face them makes all the difference. Are we victims in this life, or are we victors in Christ? If we let problems and worries overwhelm us, it can rob us of the joy and the peace that we can enjoy instead. As we walk with our daily lives, are we depressed, burdened, and anxious? Can people around us see the life in abundance that God has promised? Do we attract others to God because of the overflowing and radiating joy that we have inside? Or are we a problem-focussed person? If we are to enjoy an abundant, overflowing and victorious life that attract others to God, we need to change our attitudes and disposition in life. So How Do You Have an Abundant, Overflowing and Victorious Christian Life? 1. It all starts with having a thankful heart. Look with thanksgiving God s blessings to you daily. Recount and remind yourself how God has been good and faithful to you today and yesterday. 2. Trust and have faith that God is there with you and He is greater than any problem that you face. If He has been faithful in the past, will He abandon you now? Know that God will bring good to you, even if you do not fully understand what is going on at the moment. [Read Romans 8:28] 3. Pray. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7] Guard your peace! 4. Surrender your situation with God. Know that all trials and difficulties are only temporary. In God s time, He will deal with your situation. There is hope there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 5. Focus on this: delight, enjoy and be thankful in what you have, and not sulk with what you do not have. There are so much that God has blessed you with count them! Be assured that one day and in faith, this area of difficulty or trial will also be a blessing to you! 6. Rejoice with the realities that does not change God s love and providence for you, His gift of His own Son, His forgiveness, His redemption, and His promise of eternal life. See how blessed you are! 7. Choose to be a victor, and not be a victim of the situation. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:35, 37-39] It truly is your choice to be sad and worried, or to be happy and at peace. OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: 1. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [Romans 8:18] 2. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. [2 Corinthians 4:17-18] 3. Other references: 1 Corinthians 2:9; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-9. FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING: 1. What do others say about your disposition: are you usually joyful and peaceful, or can people see you that you are a problem focussed person? 2. What needs to change so I can enjoy an abundant, overflowing and victorious Christian life?

10 10 KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS Kairos New Zealand Schedule of Events for 2014/15 Jan 6 to 11, 2015 April 10 to 12 [tbc] Summer Oasis in BLAST Weekend in Wellington SUM M R T WEBSITES WORTH NOTING KAIROS South Pacific Web Site HAS BEEN UPDATED with 2014 photos go take a look Check it out at: You can network and chat with other young people by going to this website: We designated every Friday night at 10pm as a time to meet other young people. Go and visit the International Kairos Media website: Our Lamb of God website has been updated please visit Sign up [free] for Youth Culture Newsletter The most recent edition of the Youth Culture Newsletter is now available online. It will no longer be sent to you via the Lamb of God list but you can get it at this link: This is a recommended Sword of the Spirit publication for youth and parents. Living Bulwark Sword of the Spirit Highly Recommended! This Sword of the Spirit on-line publication has received more than 43,000 visits (an average of 135 visits each day) in its first year. All back issues for the past 12 months can be found at: The current issue of the online magazine can be seen at: SENDING NEWS FOR CHRONICLE PUBLICATION Branches are encouraged to news, photos, happenings and snippets to Tom Caballes at josethomascaballes@gmail.com. Each issue is closed around the 20th of the previous month.

11 11 IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OUR RECORDS Membership Records and Data: Branch leaders are responsible to keep updated records and then all new attendee additions, deletions, address and phone changes, births, deaths, transfers, etc. to Tom Caballes and copy to BIRTHDAY INFORMATION [Day and month, but year is optional.] Branch leaders are asked to keep updated records and all new attendee additions to Tom Caballes GETTING CHRONICLE & OTHER NEWS BY [1] If you are receiving The Chronicle as an electronic edition, we just need hear if and when you change your address. Notify [2] If you are receiving this by hard copy but you have an address, please send your address to [3] The Chronicle has a national and international mailing schedule. If you know of others wishing to be added, notify Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz. Wedding Anniversaries - Happy Anniversary! NAMES DATE 03/10 04/10 06/10 13/10 20/10 24/10 29/10 30/10 30/10 Richard & Christine May Collin & Vimath Sequeira Mike & Judy Prendeville Dennis & Blanche Hollingsworth David & Janet Aberhart Allen & Judy Carneiro Patrick & Judy Lim Patrick & Michelle Amaral John & Monica Haughey BRANCH Southern Southern Blenheim Birthdays for This Month - Happy Birthday! NAMES Kathleen Murray Ginetta Pali Iris Saldanha Paul Sison Lizzie D'Souza Eddie D'Souza Amanda Dalgado BIRTHDAY 01/10 01/10 02/10 02/10 02/10 03/10 04/10 BRANCH Blenheim Central

12 12 Felecia Fernandes Cutie Zalamea Jo Collins Jonathan Ashfield Roswell Mendonca Kenjo Zalamea Mia Alejandro Ayesha Carneiro Nicole Lim Kwan Alisha D'Souza Chris Fernandes Oliver Lyons Alan McKenzie Priscilla Martis Nick Barber Mhel Caballes OG Gueco Steven Sequeira Karin Van Doorn Maureen Lyons Lyn Keane Cassandra D'Souza Dominic Stolten Raechelle Amaral De Zoysa Julia-Mary Christian Stolten Undine Cavanagh Chris Lyons Chris O'Connell Loreno Anora Judy Homes John Haughey Valerie Menezes Lukanne Lowe Alexander William Lyons Elizabeth Locke 04/10 05/10 06/10 06/10 07/10 08/10 09/10 09/10 09/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 11/10 12/10 13/10 15/10 15/10 17/10 17/10 18/10 18/10 20/10 21/10 23/10 23/10 24/10 25/10 25/10 25/10 26/10 28/10 29/10 29/10 30/10 30/10 31/10 Central Central Central Southern Nelson Central Central Ch/Ashburton Southern PRAYERWATCH - SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE Reinforce the guard, station the watchmen, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out his purpose Jeremiah 51: 12 Back in July the spirits of arrogance, bigotry, deception, fear and timidity were added to the strongholds and spirits we pray against in the spiritual warfare section of the Prayerwatch. This month I want to look at fear and timidity and why they were added and the implications they have for us in the Lamb of God community. The dictionary definition of fear is feeling of distress, apprehension, or alarm, concern or anxiety, and for timidity lacking courage or self-confidence, shyness or fear. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1: 6-7 NIV

13 13 Paul is very clear to Timothy that fear or timidity have no place in the Christian life and so for us today Paul s words are very clear. Political correctness in New Zealand is making it difficult to speak up on issues that Christians need to be heard on. The direction New Zealand society is going in by showing contempt for or flouting God s laws means that Christians need to stand up and proclaim the benefits of living by being obedient to God s ways. Because of people moving away from God we as Christians are hesitant in stepping out to evangelize as we suspect we will not be welcomed or thought of as being stupid or out of date. Evangelizing New Zealand has been described as plowing tarmac so we can become very discouraged by rejection and peoples apathy to hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ and his saving grace and become fearful and timid in stepping out. We need to overcome fear and timidity as we stand up as soldiers in Jesus army so a first step is to fight these spirits in the spiritual realm by waging spiritual warfare especially with taking our place on the Prayerwatch. As members of the body of Jesus Christ we are called to encourage, comfort, exhort, love and lead, but also to warn and seek the lost and be the good news to a sick and lost society that is seeking in the wrong ways for fulfillment. We need to remember that the battle belongs to Jesus who has won the victory and he is with us, gifting us with every need today and forever. My children do not tire of doing good. My children I see what you do and I see that some of you are weary and I say to you this day my children, I have many gifts to give you, so reach out and take them. Take the gifts for the renewal of your faith. Take the gifts of gratefulness. Take the gifts of peacefulness. Take the gifts of loving and helping one another. Take the gift of giving out to others. Take the gift of sharing about me and my love. Take all these gifts my children. Take the gifts of growing in my spirit. Take the gifts of the gifts of the spirit. Just reach out and take them. Ask me and I will give them to you. For my children I hold you dear in my heart. You are my dear children and I see how you try and love and support one another. I see when you struggle and want to give up. My children do not give up for I am with you. I am with you always my children and I hold you close to my heart. CHRISTCHURCH PROPHECY 10/8/14 [Edited] Soldiers of Christ, Arise, and put your armour on! If you have any comments or questions concerning the Prayerwatch then please send them to me or give them to one of your branch leaders to send to me. God bless and watch over you all. Alan McKenzie - National Coordinator, Prayerwatch LAMB OF GOD PRAYERWATCH - PRAYER INTENTIONS SPIRITUAL WARFARE Against strongholds of Apathy, Witchcraft, Confusion and other named spirits. INTERCESSORY PRAYER COMMUNITIES Protect and bless the life and mission of SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, Patmos & Cornerstone Lamb of God [Fiji], Families for Christ [Melbourne], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], The Covenanted Community For Christ, [Penang & Taiping], protect and bless their life and mission.

14 14 FAMILY : Yvonne D'Souza, Peter & Margaret Stoddard, Desmond & Charmaine Vessaokar, Tili Leatitagaloa, Blanche Fernandes, Sequeria s & Saldanha s Families, Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Ivan & Hilary Carvalho, Valerie Menezes, Russell & Gidget Mendonca, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Rose Buladaco, Joel & Tiza Sison, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & Mhel Caballes, Blenheim: Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, : Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karin Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai & De Stirling, Bruce & Bronwyn Harborne, Niul & Coila Kay, Lyn Keane, Pauline Marsden, John & Monica Haughey, Annette Sargisson, Toni May, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Joan Corbett, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville, PREGNANCY Central: Pogia [Talea] Afamasaga, HEALING CANCER Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, : Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Kerry Fordham, Greg Gourley, Southern: Christine May, HEALING HEART : Isabel Morais, Central: Paul Oliver, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, : Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Philip Middlemiss, Niul Kay, Andre a Forster, HEALING : Annette Carvalho, Winona D'Costa, Olivia Fernandes, Lucy Misquita, Blanche & Denis Hollingsworth, Cheryl Donald, Mira D'Souza, Jemima Rebello, Peter D'Souza, Delia D'Mello, Fr John Rea, Elizabeth Locke, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Bruce Donald, Rosana Kuresa, Thomas Hong, Vimath Sequeira, Karyn Coutinho, Manuel Lobo family, Michelle Amaral, Margaret Stoddard, Alwin D Souza, Eddie, Cynthia, Clyde D'Souza, Joan Lobo, Christopher Dalgado, Pam D Souza, Christie D Costa, Grace Collins, Tili Leatitagaloa, Alfred Saldanha, Central: Stephanie O Connell, Sharon Powick, Michael Powick, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Rae Taylor, Blenheim: Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Judith Rodgers, Barbara Ryan, : Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, Andrew Black, Bernie Black, John Murray, Chris Lyons, Monica Haughey, Joan Corbett, Mikyla Challies, Bruce & Bronwyn Harborne, Pauline Marsden, Ian Hamilton, David Black, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Pat Forster, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Steven Homes, BEREAVEMENT Central: Karen & Andre Geelen, Southern: Florence Quigley & Family, Judy & Mike Prendeville, OTHERS NEEDS : Mark & Elizabeth Stolten, Bob Misst, Allen & Judy Carneiro, Gillian Puch, Joseph Gomes, Allan Carvalho, Blanche Fernandes, Peter Dalgado, COVERING PRAYER National Council, Kairos Ministries, Branch Life, Lamb of God Centre, Branch Visits, Clustering in, Ministry of Fr John Rea, Employment of Members, Light of Christ Special Ministry, Wellington branch [sickness among extended family], and the Ashburton Group in. I have made you a Watchman Ezekiel 33: 7

The Lamb of God Chronicle January 2015

The Lamb of God Chronicle January 2015 The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 Christchurch 8640 Phone [03] 383 2631 Fax [03] 383 0609 Mobile 021 817 232 Email: Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz Website: www.lambofgodcommunity.net