The Lamb of God Chronicle May 2010

Transcription

1 The Lamb of God Chronicle May 2010 The Lamb of God Community PO Box Phone [03] Fax [03] Mobile Website: INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 Our People Page 2 News and Articles Page 3-5 House Group Resource Page 6 Kairos NZ News Page 7-8 Web Sites Page 8 Members/Info/Records Page 9 Retreat News/Fiji Computer Page 10 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page National Prayer Watch Page REFLECTIONS... Where there is no relationship, there is no community The Branch has returned to a season of what we call Our Story [or My Story] which replaces teachings at the General Gathering for a season. I really enjoy Our Story and my experience is it deepens love and appreciation, and that impacts our depth of relationships, and relationships are the cement of Christian Community. During this season we invite couples to share [not teach] and the encouragement is to make it personal and to cover things that many may not know about you. Yes- your house group might know, but how about the whole branch? These seasons over the years have been wonderful and the new season started last Sunday. I was away in, but what a blessing to come home and find so many saying how great Our Story was from Ron and Helen. They have been in the branch thirty years and the richness and honesty of their sharing touched many. We really do assume so much at times. We talk of the cluster, of Encounter Jesus, of the Lamb of God Centre- but as we grow, and our children become teenagers, then young adult members- they need hear how all of these things started, of the struggles and the joys, the sacrifices and the rewards. And Ron and Helen added much to the history of the building of the Burwood Cluster. For example, they shared how they were invited, over twenty-five years ago, to consider selling their home and to move right across the city to lead the embryonic cluster. They did, but it cost them much in disruption, stress and a good degree of did we do the right thing? Then they shared of the many rich rewardsthe relationships, the sure and steady growth of the cluster, the fact that their three sons all met their eventual wives because of the new living situation. That sort of honest sharing strengthens community and deepens appreciation and love.

2 2 This past week, and because of the Our Story Season, I found myself thinking a lot about the brothers and sisters in the Sword of the Spirit who have inspired me. Yes I am a founding member of Lamb of God, but my reality is I am also a fully committed member of a much larger entity, the Sword of the Spirit. But how do I know and feel personal membership in such a large and geographically spread International Christian Community? My answer is in the same way I do in the Lamb of God. Structures are necessary and helpful, but relationship builds the heart of a community. Community is after all a network of committed relationships. I am grateful to many brothers and sisters worldwide who have sacrificed much for the building of the Sword of the Spirit. The Lamb of God came into the Sword of the Spirit with its own already substantial history of seventeen years. But we joined into a body which had its own particular history and many strong foundations in place. We liked what we saw and we engaged it with fervour and commitment. But it has taken time to absorb the history of the journey and because of the privilege of my heavy travel schedule I have some opportunity to ask questions and observe situations, and learn the my/our story of so many who have sacrificed much to build our international reality, the Sword of the Spirit. In closing I want to honour one such couple - David and Margaret McGill, long time leaders of the Community of the Risen Christ in Glasgow, and David a Past President of the Sword of the Spirit. I recall a period of much criticism of certain leaders in the Sword of the Spirit by other international leaders- often voiced at conferences I attended. And I recall David McGill standing up year after year and both correcting and challenging such talk. It was the integrity of men like David, and women like Margaret, and others, that planted within me a growing conviction that the Lamb of God would find its place within the Sword of the Spirit. It is likely no two communities on earth are so far geographically distant from each other [Glasgow to ] but the Lord has knitted true relationships among us. Veronica and I thank David and Margaret, and congratulate their community on being a haven of family and hospitality. You have brought much encouragement and inspiration into our lives way down here in Aotearoa. David and Margaret celebrated another wonderful milestone on 23 April - 50 years of marriage. What an inspiration. Yes we did talk to them on the phone but goodness me - what a party that would be way over there in Scotland! Precious community building memories indeed! Roger Foley: Senior Coordinator OUR PEOPLE Congratulations! To Robert and Karin Van Doorn [], whose daughter Monique Milnes gave birth to her and Aaron s fifth child - Connor Joseph, on April 11. To Undine Cavanagh [] another great-grandchild, Meikah Rose born to Rebekah and Nathan. To Marie Burke [] at the birth of her first grandchild, Dakota Reuben to Gina and Dan. [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.]

3 NEWS AND ARTICLES 3 AUCKLAND BRANCH UPDATES AQUA BLAST April 9 was a fantastic time for the members of the Branch to splish and splash their waves into the Mt. Albert Aquatic Centre swimming pools more 250 brothers and sisters and their friends had a great evening with some painting and drawing competition, aqua games, side games and others. Food and snacks were excellent! Many brothers and sisters invited their families and friends and saw a different side of the community that we are not just always praying but we also enjoy good clean fun! Fr. John Rea Series of Teachings Fr. John Rea ministered in the branch from April 12 to 15 with a series of teachings held at Kelston Girls College. Fr. John talked about different topics of great interest to all and then prayed over people. On April 16, Fr. John gave a talk about Healing and Forgiveness to Kairos and their friends. On Sunday April 18, he celebrated mass with the brothers and sisters and their friends and almost filled up the church at St. John Vianney! A blessed week indeed.

4 4 Encounter Jesus [EJ] Service Day March 27 saw about 18 young brothers and sisters from EJ put on their gloves, boots and hats to some cleaning, gardening, sweeping and ironing for a few families in the branch. The families were chosen by random and they were appreciative of the service done by EJ to the branch. Well done! ASHBURTON MISSION GROUP Veronica and I visited the Ashburton Mission Group mid April and what a joy it was! The group formed last August following an initiative by Philip and Alison Middlemiss and a team who went south and presented a Life in the Spirit Seminar. The trip is a minimum sixty, maximum ninety, minute drive from the Burwood cluster of the Branch. The group meets twice monthly and is currently being taught the short courses Pearl of Great Price and Kingdoms in Conflict, and on completion will do the Lamb of God Newcomers Course. These courses will open the way into membership late this year. An initial leadership team is in place and will receive particular support. The April meeting agreed the group will now become a formal Mission Group extension of the Branch, and support to get that decision in place is now underway. This is a reminder to Branch members that you are most welcome to join our support teams travelling south- just let your willingness be known to Philip. Welcome Ashburton to the Lamb of God family! Roger and Veronica FR. JOHN REA News Here is part of an I received recently: I want you to know that my son Oliver was healed from a rare and progressive kidney disease after I made contact with you over the telephone ten years ago. You mailed a handkerchief which you had prayed over and I recited a prayer you sent while laying the handkerchief on him. He recovered completely to the astonishment of the medical profession and has had ten years of excellent health. Oliver still sleeps with the handkerchief under his pillow. The time span indicates that the healing was not a flash in the pan. It is a true miracle. During a parish mission in Wairoa, during the first fortnight in Lent, the Lord healed an elderly lady who had been suffering from a bladder condition. The Lord freed another lady, who had two slipped discs, from back pain. He released yet another person from a spirit of witchcraft and the curse that accompanied it. Fr. John

5 The Gift of Tongues, a Doorway to Miracles Latest book by Linda Schubert 5 Author of The Miracle hour and more Linda s latest book has just been released and is already gaining wonderful reviews worldwide. It features testimony by two Lamb of God Community members, Darren Humphries and Philip Middlemiss. Lamb of God has secured a limited supply and we anticipate our stock arriving for distribution in a couple of weeks. In the gift of tongues God has provided a way for Christians to communicate with Him beyond their human ability. Just as He turned the water into wine at the wedding in Cana, Jesus can turn your natural sounds into a private language with Him that can open the doorway to miracles. It's all about love and the power of the Holy Spirit. HOW TO ORDER [we only have limited supplies, so act NOW] To reserve your copy, or copies, your order, giving quantity, name & address to Mikyla godzangelonearth@hotmail.com then post your cheque or give your cash to Mikyla at the below address. NO ORDER is confirmed until paid. Copies are $7.00 each [or $10.00 or more if you wish to support our Youth Mission to Fiji by adding a donation- thank you if you do]. PAYMENT AND DELIVERY- first in with orders and payment will be supplied. Cheques should be payable to Lamb of God Community and mailed to: Mikyla Challies 20 Cossar St, Burwood 8083,.

6 CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY Resource for House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes Living in the Light Personal Accountability May walk as children of the light...take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them... Ephesians 5: When you look back at your life, did you make some important decisions you wished someone gave you an advice beforehand or at least prayed with you about it? We go through life making decisions without knowing its consequences and we sometimes make the wrong ones. And what do you do when sin or temptations keep on bothering you, how can you get help and be set free? There are brothers and sisters in our community who can help us move forward if we are willing to live in the light. What does it mean to live in the light? Living in the light means we live a transparent life we have no hidden secrets that no one knows about - except God. We look at our lives and share our lives as if it belongs to God, and not ours. We allow others to speak into our lives, and not be defensive about anything, even if we are wrong or make mistakes. It also means for us being honest with ourselves when we need help and be willing to confide to others our own weaknesses, sins and struggles, knowing that they are there to love, support and encourage us in our walk with God. It also means being open to our brothers and sisters about any significant decisions in our lives and allow them to have a say with that. At the end of the day, we still make the final decision, but we listen to them, take their input into prayer and consideration, knowing that our own good is in their mind. In the community, we encourage personal accountability in the context of our house cell groups, especially with our house cell group leaders. Transparency works best when there is love, trust and confidence in the relationships between the two sides. Living in the light protects us from making bad decisions that we will regret later and gives us added input from others who may have more knowledge and wisdom than us. It also helps us overcome nagging temptations, addictions, weaknesses and difficult habits to break. Living in the light does not guarantee all our decisions will be the right ones nor we will be able to overcome all our sins and weaknesses, but it gives us peace in knowing we have sought God with help and wisdom of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Other Scripture References: Romans 14:12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Hebrews 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. James 5:16a Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8...live as children of light...we are not of night or of darkness... For Personal Reflection and Group Sharing: 1. Do I understand the principle of personal accountability and living in the light or do I find it burdensome? Do I see how can it work in my life? 2. How can I improve my relationships with my brothers [or sisters] in my house group so I can become more transparent and accountable in my life? 3. Are there any hidden and secret areas of my life that I need to be transparent about? 4. Are there any significant decisions that I need to make and I have not shared it with my brothers [or sisters] in my house group or to my leader?

7 7 KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS Pitstop 2010 Youth Camp - Blenheim April 9 to 11 were three amazing days shared with friends from, Wellington, Blenheim and Branches. When we arrived, we were not sure what to expect but from the first day, Pitstop 2010 proved to be an incredible weekend. The theme was As the Father sends me, so I send you. The three days were filled with many great teachings which included Keeping Topped Up, Being Called By Name and Having Good Christian Fun, while we praised and worshipped our hearts out to God throughout. The weekend was insightful and provided us with a challenge, giving us 72 hours to make a change in our lives, if ever we were to make one. Although we were a small group, we all got to know each other much better and the fellowship and friendships formed was one of the highlights of the whole experience. Coming back, we agreed that Pitstop was an incredible experience and we definitely want to be back again next year! Clarese Caballes

8 8 Kairos New Zealand Schedule of Events 2010 June 4-6 July 9-11 September 23-Oct 5 January 9-15, 2011 Mid-Winter V Winter Oasis The Fiji Mission Trip Summer Oasis 2011 WEB SITES WORTH NOTING KAIROS South Pacific Web Site go take a look Check it out atwww.kairossp.com 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. The Kairos Media website was launched last month and you can find it here: 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 linkhttp:// This is a recommended Sword of the Spirit publication for youth and parents. Living Bulwark Sword of the Spirit 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: New Lamb of God website! Visit and bookmark:

9 9 SENDING NEWS FOR CHRONICLE PUBLICATION Branches are encouraged to news, photos, happenings and snippets to Tom Caballes at Each issue is closed around the 20th of the month. 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 this 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. FR. JOHN REA MINISTRY with the LAMB of GOD NELSON BLENHEIM LINCOLN ASHBURTON RANGIORA CHRISTCHURCH Sunday 14 November Monday 15 November Wednesday 17 November [to confirm] Thursday 18 November [to confirm] Friday 19 November [to confirm] Saturday 20 November to Sunday 21 November NOTE: Witness to Wonders, a book about testimonies of miracles and healings with Fr. John, has been reprinted and is available for sale. It is great for inspiring reading and also as a gift to your friends and families. Copies are available from Pleroma Christian Supplies, Otane, Hawk s Bay: orders@pleroma.org.nz

10 10 Be Transformed Men s Retreat - Branch The Lamb of God Branch will have a Men s Retreat on May 8 Saturday from 8am to Sunday May 9 3pm at Chosen Valley Christian Camp in Drury. The theme for this year is Be Transformed based from Romans 12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. We will have talks about prayer, relationships, servanthood, and becoming like Christ plus we will have a ministry time on Saturday night. We will also have time for group sharing, personal reflection and fun time together. Registration will cost $45 for bunk beds or $65 for units. If you are interested or have any queries, please call [9] or [9] See you there! LAPTOP COMPUTER NEEDED FOR PASTOR TIMOCI [FIJI] Has anyone a Laptop for sale [or donation] please? We need one to gift to Pastor Timoci as he builds community in Nadi, Fiji. His old one is quite dead and that now means that whenever I need communicate with him by , and that is frequently, I need text him to say an has been sent, and he then needs catch a bus to go find an internet cafe to go get the message! Conditions for Cornerstone Lamb of God are challenging and even the bus fares and internet cafe fees can be at times awkward. I am looking for a laptop [P4 or above] which can handle s and some basic word processing- nothing more. Please contact me at Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz or phone [03] or mobile , giving specifications and cost. Should anyone from overseas who is attending the International Assembly be able to help, please contact me, as I can bring a laptop in a carry case back to New Zealand after our meetings.

11 11 Birthdays for May SURNAME McKenzie Pereira Pinto D'Souza Middlemiss Patrao Celestine Castelino D'Souza D'Mello Lorca Matthews O'Malley Prendeville Lewis Briguera Middlemiss D'Souza Mariposa Greig Rebello D'Costa Lowe Slovak Fredericks Celestine Blackwell Coutinho Coutts Joy Samson Burke Garrett Lobo D'Costa Nicholas Hall D'Sa D'Santos D'Costa NAME Rachel Epifanio Elroy Nigel Philip Martin Shayna Saahil Clyde Gail Blessie Emily Kathryn Mike Rohini Juan Carlos Alison Cynthia Ludeth Sue Kester Winona Ruby Daniela Anita Peter Jacqui Kimberly Thomas Anthony Monique Sanchia Mike Leroy Winnie Sarah Maryanne Dominic Priscilla Rex BIRTHDAY BRANCH 01/05 01/05 01/05 03/05 04/05 04/05 05/05 05/05 06/05 07/05 07/05 07/05 08/05 08/05 09/05 12/05 12/05 13/05 13/05 14/05 14/05 15/05 16/05 16/05 18/05 22/05 22/05 22/05 23/05 23/05 23/05 24/05 25/05 25/05 26/05 26/05 27/05 28/05 29/05 30/05 Central Southern Wellington Central Blenheim Blenheim Blenheim Nelson Wellington Blenheim

12 12 Wedding Anniversaries for the Month of May SURNAME Joy Sison Hong Westbury Challies McManus Pereira Barber Carvalho Dias Muollo McKenzie D'Costa D'Costa D'Souza NAMES Anthony Joel Thomas Terry Mark John Edwin Nick Ivan Vincy Raema Alan Tony Rex Ronnie Fatima Tiza Irene Sandy Kirsten Janet Anna Rosalie Annette Gracie Ray Margaret Christie Winnie Reena DATE BRANCH 01/05 01/05 02/05 03/05 09/05 10/05 10/05 11/05 11/05 12/05 14/05 15/05 21/05 26/05 27/05 Central Nelson Southern Nelson Nelson Southern PRAYERWATCH: SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE Another Satanic stronghold is vain ideologies and philosophies which we see running rife in today s world, especially with the influence and the availability of the media through print [papers, magazines, etc], vision [television, movies, etc] and the internet. Paul warns us in Colossians 2:8; See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Most of these philosophies or arguments deny the existence of our heavenly Father so that unbelief may lead us to sin and be disobedient. Humanism and the theory of evolution deny that God exists so that man becomes the apex or pinnacle considering himself as a god. This is idolatry, an obstacle to knowledge of God and needs to be destroyed. 2 Corinthians 10:5; We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Again, we need to soak in the Word of God knowing who he is and what he is about, sharing regularly with our brothers and sisters so we are not taken in by these false arguments, focusing our lives on God s call. Let us take seriously Paul s warning in 1 Timothy 6:20; Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. If you have any comments or questions concerning the Prayerwatch then please send them to me at alan.mckenzie@clear.net.nz 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

13 13 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], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], The Covenanted Community For Christ, [Penang & Taiping], protect and bless their life and mission. FAMILY : Keith & Rohini Lewis, Jo & Anila Collins, Bernie MacNevin, Peter Celestine, Yvonne D'Souza, Basil & Reena Fernandes, Ivan & Sheila D'Souza, Joseph & Teresa Gomes, Elizabeth Locke, Dominic, Sandra & Francis Rajkumar, Wayne & Michelle Cammell, Caedmon & Nicky Rebello, Lionel & Carol D'Souza, Peter and Margaret Stoddard, Stanley & Teresa D'Souza, Lovlin & Honorine Franswah, Neville & Karen Coutinho, George & Dorothy Fernandez, Central: Orencio & Riza Gueco, Jun & Angie Briguera, Cutie Zalamea, Rose Buladaco, Joel & Tiza Sison, Blenheim: Jamie & Judith Rodgers, Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, : Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karen Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai & De Stirling, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Richard & Christine May, PREGNANCY Central: Aly [Milton] Fernandes, HEALING CANCER Central: Bryan Scoullar, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, : Fr. Paul Duncan, HEALING HEART : Alfred Saldanha, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Central: Paul Oliver, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, : Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Philip Middlemiss, HEALING : Thomas Hong, Edward D'Souza, Ceejay Rodrigues, TJ Brown & Samuel, Elise D'Souza, Cheryl Lobo, Kati Cammell, Jesse & Peter Delgado, Fatima Joy, Collin & Vimath Sequeira, Ruby Lowe, Tili Leatitagaloa, Philomena Lobo, Susan Dias, Lovlin Franswah, Sheila D'Souza, Cynthia Braganza, Manuel Lobo, Nathan Coutinho, Dominic Braganza, Alwin D Souza, Maureen Lowe, Grace Collins, Sean & Teresa Joseph, Teresa D'Souza, Annette Carvalho, Winona D'Costa, Marinelle Misst, Olivia Fernandes, Lucy Misquita, Blanche & Denis Hollingsworth, Central: Stephanie O Connell, Raphael (Bubbles) Rufino, Alice Rufino, Sharon Powick, Michael Powick, Jacob Muollo, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Blenheim: Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Micah Rodgers, Anita Fredericks, Jamie & Judith Rodgers, : Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, Andrew Black, Bernie Black, John Murray, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Pat Forster, Michael Quigley, Margaret McKenzie,

14 14 BEREAVEMENT : Alwin and Mira D'Souza, Central: Paul & Christine Oliver, Blenheim: Gail Price & Family, Julia Dekker and Family, OTHERS NEEDS : Keith & Rohini Lewis & Family, Mark & Elizabeth Stolten, Bob Misst, Greg Hall, Alwin D Souza, Allen & Judy Carneiro, Reena Fernandes, 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 Ashburton Group. I have made you a Watchman Ezekiel 33: 7