The Lamb of God Chronicle October 2015

Transcription

1 The Lamb of God Chronicle October 2015 The Lamb of God Community PO Box Phone [03] Mobile Website: INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 News & Articles Page 2-9 House Group Resource Page 11 Kairos NZ News Page 12 Web Sites Page 12 Members/Info/Records Page 13 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page National Prayer Watch Page REFLECTIONS: Sinking sand, where? I don t see it Most of us like things to go well, we like life comfortable, we are busy enough in this fast moving society, and the last thing we want is to give more of our pressured and precious time to trying to deal with more problems, even problems that can rob away everything we have, maybe even our faith in God. Yet in the words of the old song by Edward Mote [ ] we are reminded of a basic reality - My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is just sinking sand. Yes - sinking sand. Do you remember those movies where all of a sudden the hero or heroine suddenly finds they are crossing over unstable land, sinking sand, which they did not know was there? In some cases they simply disappear down and all we see is a final grasping hand getting sucked under. Yuk - all gone. Right now there is a danger that all we have built in Christian Community, and in our local churches, and the values we hold in Christian family life are all getting surrounded and eroded by swampy sinking sand. Many of the values that we inherited and relied on as perpetual we have developed into teachings, and then taught them to our families. Can this foundation be under threat here in Aotearoa New Zealand? The Land of the Long White Cloud? God s own country as is so frequently declared? Yes. And - because our foundation is shaken, we often feel overwhelmed because we sense we are powerless to halt this tsunami on our own, and that is true. But we can respond. We can determine to live with everything we have for Jesus Christ- individually, in our marriages, in our house groups, in our branches, for whatever years the Lord will allow for our lives this side of the Eternal Kingdom. We are not called just to live comfortably, nor for sport, nor for wealth, nor for

2 2 mainstreaming into a society which rejects the Lord - we are called as light in darkness, as hope in hopelessness, as friendship in despair. Edward Mote also included this verse - When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; dressed in His Righteousness alone, faultless to stand before The Throne. This is absolute rock solid truth and reality if we dare to live for Christ alone. The age of living as the 5 th Gospel is here, and I am signing up. How about you Your brother in the Lord Roger, Senior Coordinator - Lamb of God Community NEWS AND ARTICLES CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH LEADERSHIP CHANGE From October I am delighted to advise and introduce to you a new senior leader in the Branch- John Murray. Veronica will continue to serve in leadership of the Women s Leadership Team into 2016, when a change will also occur in that position. I trust you will all give John the sort of support you have demonstrated to me these past many years. Your brother- Roger Welcome John My name is John Murray and I m currently 48 years old. I m married to Kath, with 4 children and 1 grandchild (on the way). Here s some details of my journey within the Lamb of God, of my calling to where I am now. In the later years of my schooling I was being called by God but didn t realise it at the time. I was brought up as a Catholic and I would attend early morning church before I started school on a couple of occasions a week. I believe during this time that God was calling me to Him. At school I was quite full on into the sporting life and was captain of the 2nd XV cricket team and during one of the games I was invited to a Youth for Christ outreach at the then named Lancaster Park led by Ian Grant. There were a lot of young people who attended the outreach. At that time I was then invited to attend the Lamb of God Community General Gathering the next day 11th March 1984 at the age of 17. When I arrived I found there were a lot of young vibrant people who had a love of God that was different to what I had experienced up to that point of time, and just starting was a Life in the Spirit Seminar which I duly attended. Over the time of Life of the Spirit, I gave my life to the Lord, probably without realising the true cost! At the end of the school year I started searching for a career as I wasn t really interested in attending varsity. I enrolled in the army as they were looking for people, but found that went totally against what I had been learning over the past year so I left and found a job at the Post Office back in. For the next while I was part of the Lamb of God, attending general Gatherings and part of the Encounter Jesus youth program. I was asked to be part of the leadership of the Encounter Jesus as we were being trained on how to be leaders, quite difficult for a shy and introverted person. For the next few

3 3 years Encounter Jesus grew and Summer Oasis became an outreach program for the youth of Lamb of God NZ. During this time I travelled overseas and visited different communities within the United States. This showed me there s a bigger picture here. We were a small community but where I went overseas they were the same as us, had the same beliefs and lived in cluster. The community in Augusta Georgia inspired me about living in cluster. As time went on I was a member of men s households and flats and built up strong relationships with brothers that are so important to this day. As life went on and the younger people were getting married and starting to have families, I was wondering what my life was bringing me. In 1984 I bought my own house within the Burwood cluster and moved in with a couple of flatmates and have remained in the same house since. After this time I was starting to spend time with Kath and was looking at developing a relationship with her. We both knew what we wanted in life, both committed to God and both wanting to raise our family in God s ways and both committed to community. Kath came from a previous John & Kath with Mark & Kirsten wedding day marriage with 3 young children who came and joined with me once we were married. We moved out of the Encounter Jesus area and eventually became house group leaders. Just after we were married I lost my job, retail sales, and was out of work for approximately 6 months at which time Nathan was born. Our reliance on God was immense and he provided for us incredibly. We never went without, we didn t have lots left, but God provided for us. After this time, I ended up studying computer programming, which I fell in love with, and have now made that my career as a software test engineer. Since then I was asked to be part of the Service team and later on to the Body of Elders. I have been serving as an Elder now for about six years. AUCKLAND BRANCH UPDATES 19 Sept 2015, a day that every member of the Branch will remember with great happiness and honour. It was indeed a blessing and a privilege to be present at the Diaconate Ordination of our brother Austin Fernandes. Austin has been a member of the Branch for several years, a regular presence at our General Community Gatherings and Pastoral Group Meetings. His quiet and meaningful contributions, with a lively sense of humour always enlightened us

4 at Pastoral Group Meetings. needed his help at any time. 4 His outreach extended to members and others who We wait with anticipated joy for that day when Austin will be ordained a priest in the Lord s vineyard. Rest assured of our prayers for you Austin, as you progress on your journey. In another evening of fellowship, two cell groups of the Lamb of God Branch got together to host the Community s third Lord Day Celebration. The entire evening was dedicated to honouring the senior members in the Branch. This from Karyn & Neville Coutinho, who were part of the organising team: O how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity for there the Lord has commanded a blessing. Both groups worked closely together and everyone from the youngest to the oldest had a part to play. The planning meetings which began in June were well attended by members from both groups. Soon after the children of both groups started meeting every Friday to rehearse the medley of songs from the 60 s that they were going to perform on the night. Whilst the children practiced their singing, some of the adults decided to put their passion for dancing on display and it was decided to do the Malhou a much loved Portuguese folk dance. Week after week both groups came together to use their talents to warm the hearts of our seniors and set their feet tapping. As the days approached, the preparations reached a fever pitch with teams meeting in smaller groups to plan the Trivia, decorations, music and other finer details. It was edifying to see each and every member of both groups rallying together in love to host this evening. Thank you to our senior member, Yvonne D Souza, who, on behalf of the others, encouraged us with these words: I would like to honour all concerned for their solidarity and hard work in putting together this evening. What better way to honour the 60+ as a Community, than by having the 60s theme. More than anything, the marshalling together of all hands on deck makes Lamb of God a vibrant Community.

5 UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN OUTREACH RETREAT GET SET Towards the end of August, University Christian Outreach () was proud to host for the very first time: Get Set 2015 a retreat for young people ranging from tertiary students to working professionals. The whole retreat was blessed from the get-go with almost 50 attendees from various churches all over New Zealand coming together to Karanga Camp in the remote Waitakere, eager to spend time in prayer, fellowship and learning more about Christ s call for us to live as his disciples. The name of the retreat Get Set captures this call by reminding us that we need to prepare ourselves (as one would for a race) to live out our mission as Christians, whether it be at our workplace or places of study. This year s specific theme Set Apart reminded us that when we do accept Christ s call we are indeed set apart, marked for him and the work of his Kingdom. Being young adults, many of us have already chosen Christ in our past teenage years. However our actions cannot end there as we are then further called to be Christ s light on a Hill, proclaim his Good News to others. The material at Get Set in turn reflected this and was well received, primarily as it was tailored for young adults currently learning to live out the Christian faith that they have spent their last few years building. Three main talks (presented by a range of speakers such as a well-respected Pastor and members of other Christian communities), together addressed the importance of understanding who God is to us, the importance of being active within our church and community as young people and the vitality of changing our lives for Christ as we were reminded from Matthew 22:14 that many are called but few are chosen. By holding in-depth sharing and discussion sessions after each talk, the retreatants were able to reflect on what they had heard, whilst further learning from the lives and sharing of others in their group. Looking back, many of us now realize the importance of opening up and being accountable to our brothers and sisters, as we all walk this spiritual journey together and need the support of one another. Some of the many highlights of the camp include powerful sessions such as ministry time and group prayer. But there were also several lighter moments that allowed us to bond with each other and showcase to our guests the positive and up-building environment that we instill at UCO. For instance, the sports, ice-breakers, bonfire and Amazing Race

6 6 (credit to the fantastic team that organized this event) was a hit. On the other hand Dom Schryvers games night and renowned Cardboard-box Bull rush consisted of several literal hits (one which he can personally testify for). We ended on a late Sunday afternoon not tired but very much refreshed and invigorated to live out all that we learnt. Upon returning to our daily routines and lives, together we look forward to outreaching and spreading the joy that Christ in his mercy and grace has blessed us with. Our utmost gratitude to all those who served at the retreat: guest speakers, those who assisted with transport, the many helping hands in the kitchen and of course to the various branches of the Lamb of God who have kept us in prayer and supported in many ways. May God bless you mightily! The UCO Team

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10 10 ***STOP PRESS NOTE- 11% OF ACCOMM0DATION IS ALREADY BOOKED*** THANK YOU WINTER APPEAL 2015 Winter Appeal 2015 will formally end by the 30th of September and we wish to thank everyone who donated and became partners of mission of the Lamb of God. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. [2 Corinthians 9:6-8 ESV]

11 11 CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY Resource for House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes Victors, Conquerors, and Overcomers Not Victims: October 2015 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 8:37-39 ESV] Friedrich Nietzsche, a 19th century German philosopher, once said: I might believe in the Redeemer if his followers looked more redeemed. Many of us face different trials and difficulties in life that at times it dictates how we carry ourselves we look gloomy, defeated and lonely. But Jesus came to give us life in its abundance [John 10:10]. Ephesians 1:3 says we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. 1 John 3:1 says we are sons and daughters of God and if God is our King and our Father, then we are princes and princesses in God s eyes! As Paul asks in the book of Romans, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [Romans 8:35] We have been infinitely blessed by being called by God to live with Him forever. Despite our failures, challenges and trials, we should look not like victims or losers but rather victors, conquerors and overcomers in this life winners, not whiners! So what do you do so you become victors, conquerors and overcomers in life, and not victims? 1. Have a balanced perspective in life. God has already won the victory through His Son. Although you still struggle in this life in various ways, in due time the trial or difficulty will pass away. This life is never meant to be easy; rather, you should be willing to endure what life has to offer on your way to eternity. 2. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [Romans 8:32] Think of this - if the Father, the King of the universe, gave you His own precious Son already, why will He deny you anything else? We are on God s side and winning! 3. Have faith and hang on to God s word and His promises. When the skies are dark and the horizon seems hopeless, hang on to God s word He will never forget or abandon you [Isaiah 49:15]. 4. Look beyond the trials you face rather than just be overwhelmed by the issue on hand. At times we need to wear spiritual horse blinders so we are focused on what is ahead of us rather than stuck just where we are. We need to have an eternal perspective in all life s challenges. 5. In the midst of trials, smile! Rejoice! Your inheritance that can never fade, rot or get stolen is coming in due time. You are more than like a son or a daughter of the richest man alive because your riches are forever, eternal! You have God as your Father and He will take care of you in the best way possible. 6. Lastly, even if you are in the midst of trials, share God to others as you look like a winner and a victor. The way you carry yourself can determine your credibility as a witness to God and His goodness. OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: 1. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice... 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 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:4, 6-7 ESV] 2. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. [James 1:2-4 ESV] 3. Other references: Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; and Colossians 3:1-4. FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING: How do people around you see you a joyful and blessed person, or a whiner needing a redeemer? Will you let your current trials be an obstacle between you and God, and your witnessing for Him?

12 12 KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS Kairos New Zealand Schedule of Events for 2015 January 5 to 10, 2016 April 22 to 24, tbc Summer Oasis 2016 in BLAST Youth Weekend in Wellington [dates to be confirmed] SUM M R T WEBSITES WORTH NOTING KAIROS South Pacific Web Site 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.

13 13 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 BIRTHDAY Kathleen Murray Philomena Coutinho Ginetta Petersen Iris Saldanha Paul Sison Lizzie D'Souza Eddie D'Souza 01/10 01/10 01/10 02/10 02/10 02/10 03/10 BRANCH Blenheim Central

14 14 Amanda Dalgado Felecia Fernandes Cutie Zalamea Jo Collins Jonathan Ashfield Roswell Mendonca Kenjo Zalamea Ayesha Carneiro Nicole Lim Kwan 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 04/10 04/10 05/10 06/10 06/10 07/10 08/10 09/10 09/10 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 Central Central Southern Nelson Central Central Ashburton Southern PRAYERWATCH - SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE Fight the good fight. Reinforce the guard, station the watchmen, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out his purpose, Jeremiah 51: 12 NIV SOLDIERS OF CHRIST PRAY IN THE SPIRIT Therefore put on the full armour of God And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6: 13, 18 Two months ago we looked at the first offensive weapon that God gave us, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The other weapon Paul includes in the armour of God is Prayer in the Spirit. No earthly weapon can be compared with it, so it is given by God for our benefit. Firstly, our prayer needs to be constant, not just when we feel like it or in a crisis but in every event of our life whether good or challenging. For the Christian

15 15 daily strength comes from daily prayer and can be a part of whatever we are doing whether at home or work, leisure or recreation. Secondly, it must be intense and demands that every faculty we have be focused on God. We must keep persevering, as Satan will keep reminding us our prayer is weak and not serving the purpose God gave it to us for. Thirdly, our prayer must be unselfish as it is for all God people. The Jews have a saying, Let a man unite himself with the community in his prayers. We must learn to pray as much and as intensely for others and with others, as for ourselves. We are fortunate in the Lamb of God with the Prayerwatch as we are praying with a body of people by taking our turn. Also we are praying for the Lamb of God and its needs along with the needs of the people who are the Lamb of God. We would do well to remember that no Christian leader or preacher can go on unless his people are ever upholding his hands in prayer. Prayer is an important part of the life of the Lamb of God so we need to be a prayerful people. Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord s will is. Ephesians 5: 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], FAMILY : Yvonne D'Souza, Desmond & Charmaine Vessaokar, Tili Leatitagaloa, Blanche Fernandes, Sequeria s & Saldanha s Families, Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Ivan & Hilary Carvalho, Valerie Menezes, Russell & Gidget Mendonca, Wendell & Glynis Fernandes, Manuel Lobo, Delia D Mello, Marisa & Cosmos Misquita, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Rose Buladaco, Joel & Tiza Sison, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & Mhel Caballes, Peter & Stephanie O Connell, Blenheim: Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, : Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karin Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai & De Stirling, Niul & Coila Kay, Lyn Keane, Pauline Marsden, John & Monica Haughey, Annette Sargisson, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Ian & Pārbati Hamilton, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville,

16 16 OTHER NEEDS : Mark & Elizabeth Stolten, Allen & Judy Carneiro, Gillian Puch, Joseph Gomes, Allan Carvalho, Blanche Fernandes, Peter Dalgado, HEALING CANCER : Collin Sequeira, Central: Ron Blackwell, Collin Sequeira, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, : Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Kerry Fordham, Trevor Wall, 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, Peter D'Souza, Fr John Rea, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Bruce Donald, Rosana Kuresa, Thomas Hong, Vimath Sequeira, Manuel Lobo family, Michelle Amaral, Alwin D Souza, Eddie, Cynthia, Clyde D'Souza, Joan Lobo, Christopher Dalgado, Pam D Souza, Christie D Costa, Grace Collins, Alfred Saldanha, Arca Fernandes, Rex & Winnie D Costa, Ronnie & Rina D'Souza, Shalini Saldanha, Philomena Coutinho, Allen Carneiro, Central: Stephanie O Connell, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Rae Taylor, Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, Blenheim: Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Judith Rodgers, Barbara Ryan, Jamie Rodgers, Micah Rodgers, : Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, Bernie Black, John Murray, Chris Lyons, Monica Haughey, Mikyla Challies, Bronwyn Harborne, Pauline Marsden, Ian Hamilton, David Black, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Pat Forster, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Judy Prendeville, Others: Louise & Julianne Masilomani, BEREAVEMENT : Peter Stoddard & Family, John & Dora Tham, 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 in. I have made you a Watchman Ezekiel 33: 7