The Lamb of God Chronicle October 2009

Transcription

1 The Lamb of God Chronicle October 2009 The Lamb of God Community PO Box Christchurch 8640 Phone [03] Fax [03] Mobile Website: INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 Our People Page 2 News and Articles Page 2-6 House Group Resource Page 7 Kairos NZ News Page 8 Web Sites Page 8-9 Fr. John: 2009 Itinerary Page 9 Members/Info/Records Page 9 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page National Prayer Watch Page REFLECTIONS... Testing the Gear and Learning Lessons... Last week I surfaced from a very busy time and took a day off and headed for the mountains. I m glad I live in Canterbury as inside ninety minutes I was up in the Torlesse Range, quickly kitted, and heading up a ridge line for a snow [more like ice] field at about 5,700 feet. As I gained altitude I stopped frequently to take in the magnificent and changing views- way down there Lake Lyndon, south east to the peaks of Mt Hutt, south towards the big peaks on the main divide. The views took my mind off those aching legs and that heaving chest! The purpose of this climb was to catch a late snow field to test out some new gear, and try out some safety techniques. On reaching the snow I found it reasonably iced and in parts quite deep. It was also steeper in pitch than it appeared from a lower altitude, plus I also noticed discolouration in parts indicating areas to keep away from, perhaps ready to slide. This was all good to test my gear and my reaction times in a relatively safe place where if I goofed I would likely not slide too far and hopefully do little damage. My new and high quality crampons [previously I had borrowed] were great and bit well. I was surprised at the ease of ascent, and even more surprised at their ability, speed and sure-footedness in snow field descent. But there was a problem with the left boot semi-mechanical locking devise as twice the crampon worked loose. And my second hand ice-axe cut steps with ease, but there were two problems. One, I was not comfortable with the 65cm shaft as I felt it too short for my comfort. And two I found step cutting is hard and tiring work. You wouldn t want to need to cut too many in short time at my fitness level. I finished my play in the snow by carefully probing and studying the discoloured areas, the snow ripple patterns, and seeing how the snow/ice broke away from the rock areas at the sides and often gouged deeper hidden side channels. A great day, and one tired body later I headed back to Christchurch, albeit somewhat wind burnt.

2 On the drive home I found myself thinking about the lessons I had learnt. Danger areas in some snow patterns, being wary near the sides for deeper covered drifts, the need to check that left boot mechanism and get it right before going out again, understanding how carefully one needs plan to allow adequate time to cut steps in snow and ice, and making sure I get a longer handled ice-axe. There were some important lessons to learn before for my next outing. Then I thought of the parallels in my Christian walk. Do I have the right gear? Do I know what the gear can do if used correctly? Do I know the damage it can cause if not used correctly? Do I think ahead and pick the best path ahead? Do I take time to study the landscape and spot no go areas, giving them a wide berth? So my day in the mountains was not a day off, it was more a day of learning, a day of appreciating, a day for future preparation- at several levels. I lift up my eyes unto the mountains... and there are many lessons. Roger Foley: Senior Coordinator 2 Congratulations! OUR PEOPLE To Bill and Jenny McElhinney [Blenheim], whose second grandchild Lorenz was born August 26. To Petronella Kahonde [Auckland], who recently passed the Nursing exams she is now a qualified nurse! To Nathan Murray [Christchurch] in making the finals for poetry and speech, and his rugby team into their finals. To Adam Lyons and Jonathan Challies [Christchurch] for earning soccer team medals. To Grace Challies [Christchurch] in gaining the most improved player award in net-ball. To Sarah McKenzie [Christchurch] in gaining an Excellence Certificate for the Best Person She Can Be. To Danielle McKenzie [Christchurch] for winning Gold for her Alley Cat Poem. [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 Welcome to Our New Group in Ashburton It is with joy we welcome a new group in Ashburton into the Lamb of God South Island Branch. Well done to Philip Middlemiss and his team who took the group through a well attended Life in the Spirit Seminar, followed by connections to Fr John Rea Ministry, and then visited again with another follow up meeting with presentations on who we are and how we live. Last evening the group decided to connect with Lamb of God and we will assist them to develop as a Mission Group connected to Lamb of God Christchurch. God is good!

3 3 Fr. John Rea News from Miami and La Nueva Jerusalen The ministry here has gone well thanks to our wonderful and wonder-filled God. We have had two public meetings and I've visited sick members in their homes. Juan Bernal's comment was, "I think we've had revival." A teenage girl with failing vision experienced a marked improvement in her sight. A married woman felt something leave her body and believes that marks the end of her frequent migraines. She also received better eyesight. A married man responded to a detailed word of knowledge which described him exactly and was freed from chronic fear of a heart attack. Another woman was healed from chest pains that doctors hadn't treated successfully. We had a whole bunch of people ministering in Word of Knowledge. I felt like the three on Mount Tabor, "Lord it is good for us to be here." After a time I stepped aside and let the Holy Spirit carry on. Fr. John Rea Spring Family Fiesta August 29 was a special night for the Auckland branch as it held its Spring Family Fiesta in Onehunga. Although the night was meant for raising funds for various purposes, brothers and sisters and their guests thoroughly enjoyed the night dancing, with a live band performing various numbers. Hampers were given as prizes for the night, novelty items were sold, and food and drinks were served as well. A thoroughly enjoyable evening and a significant amount was raised! Luan s Meanderings Christchurch, Southern Branch and Fiji My time within the Christchurch branch of Lamb of God has been filled with love and laughter. I barely had time to miss my mum or pay much attention to the cold! And it was freezing! A large portion of my time in Christchurch was spent around young children; and I found myself wondering aloud to the Lord one afternoon about how, what I was doing right then, could be called service for Him. Immediately, I was reminded of those people within Lamb of God who spend a majority of their time driving people who have no other means of transport, taking food to the sick, babysitting for those who cannot afford childcare, running errands for those who can t, etc. These are invisible, time consuming tasks that they perform every day as part of their own Christian walk. Working in Christchurch with each of the families I stayed with and the families within the larger community has made me look twice at the word service and what it entails. No longer will I think that service is merely the big, important, visible tasks that I undertake. It is my love and concern for my neighbours translated into action whatever action that may be.

4 During my time in Christchurch I was privileged to have been a part of the 30 th Anniversary celebrations of the Lamb of God community. Hearing about how community began and how it has evolved into what we know today, I now have a better understanding of how community is meant to work. It also reinforced my decision to respond to God s calling in becoming a part of the Lamb of God. The celebration weekend also brought home to me the breadth and diversity of the Lamb of God community spread across New Zealand, of which I was a part of. One of the highlights of my stay in Christchurch was my visit to the Southern Branch of the Lamb of God, in Dunedin. Ably demonstrating that quality triumphs over quantity, the Southern Branch is a small but dedicated group that I had the privilege of meeting. I was able to experience a delightful dose of the famous Southern hospitality with more offers to come visit them again! Travelling through South Island (due to the gracious McKenzie tiki tour!) made me realise just what a beautiful country New Zealand is. The awesomeness of God and his fingerprint was etched into every kilometre that we covered, and I found myself giving thanks for the opportunity to see more of the country I now call home. And last but not least, just like how Pit Stop rocket launched my time of service for the Lamb of God, Mid Winter V refreshed my soul and brought me back to earth. The theme of serving the Lord was just apt for me. Not only did I now have a practical understanding of listening and serving, but it felt like God was further preparing me for the months of service ahead. I have finished with the NZ leg of my journey and now on my trip to Fiji with Patmos. I have been thoroughly blessed in very different, yet very special ways by each of the branches that I have visited and each of the families who hosted me. And so, until the time when I can say, Bula! God bless! Luan Antao [Auckland] EDGE Family Night The EDGE [Everyday God Experience] Group had its Family night on September 12 in Auckland. EDGE members invited their families and some of the EDGE members shared how the group meant for them and then, fun games were held. Biju Joseph, the EDGE adult leader, shared what they do in EDGE and towards the end, EDGE members were honoured for their faithfulness and their commitment. A fun family night indeed! 4

5 LOG-ON It is that time of year again for brothers and sisters of the Wellington branch come together to fellowship and have fun together... And, we called it LOG ON 2009! The fun-filled event happened last September 6 at the Tawa College Recreation Centre. Brothers and sisters wholeheartedly shared hidden talents in Chop Suey (a relay of eating hardboiled egg, blowing of bubble gum, balancing of straw on the upper lip, spinning a hula hoop, and solving puzzles), Bato-bato pick (paper, scissors, rock game), Patintero (a game of runners and guards) and Word Scramble. Of 4 teams, team Matthew coveted the top prize, but everyone felt like winners as well because of the camaraderie and friendships, the support and love that people have experienced with one another. It didn t look people were competing at all --- it was all simple fun and fellowship, deepening and strengthening of relationships. The Dads did not get away without a celebration on Father s Day. The Mums and children rendered two songs with messages of love and honouring for the Dads. It was a very pleasant event ending with lots of food and prizes to share. Watch out for LOG ON 2010!!! Ludeth Mariposa [Wellington]

6 6 Lamb of God Women s Weekend HANMER SPRINGS AA PARK Friday to Sunday November 27-29, 2009 Come and enjoy a time of worship, teaching and relaxation Speaker- Linda Perry of Antioch Community, London What to bring Recreation clothing, swimming gear, rain coat, toiletries and towels, sleeping bag or bedding and pillow, Bible, notebook, and any musical instrument Camp cost Adults $45.00, aged $20.00 Payable to Veronica, before or on Friday at the Camp. Cheques payable to: Lamb of God Food Costs $20.00 pp to Mary Joslen or Kath Murray Transport Contact Helen McKenzie if you need, or can offer a ride, on or Those seeking a ride should cost share with t Five Ways to Register. 1. Mail name, address, phone to: Lamb of God, Box , Christchurch 2. Give the above details to Kirsten, Alison or Veronica at a gathering 3. Text Kirsten [ ] or Alison [ ] 4. Call Kirsten [ ] or Alison [ ] 5. Kirsten kirsten@clear.net.nz or Alison a.d.m@clear.net.nz Registration money can be paid either at the Camp or in advance BUT regos must close by 16 November for accommodation/catering

7 CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY Resource for House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes What Drives You? October What makes us rise up from bed in the morning? Why do we do things the way we do them? What drives us to pursue all our daily interests and activities? Something drives us whether we are aware of it or not. Each one of us is free to pursue what we want. We are not robots or machines that perform tasks without our own will. Proverbs 29:18 says, Where there is no vision, the people perish. Many people are driven by guilt, anger, resentment, materialism or by approval of others. Some are driven by good causes like human rights, protection of the environment, etc. Jesus gives us a hint as to what should drive us every day, in Luke 10:27: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself. Paul is a very interesting character. He was very passionate and gave everything he had for his cause, even if it was the wrong one. When he came to know Christ, his life changed and he paid for it. It drove him to do the following: I have been in labours more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more, in deaths many times. Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the deep. I have been in travels often; in dangers from waters; in dangers from robbers; in dangers from my race; in dangers from the heathen; in dangers in the city; in dangers in the wilderness; in dangers on the sea; in dangers among false brothers. I have been in hardship and toil; often in watching; in hunger and thirst; often in fasting; in cold and nakedness; besides the things outside conspiring against me daily, the care of all the churches.(2 Corinthians 11:23-28) What drove Paul s life? All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life. (Philippians 3:10-11) According to Dave Quintana, there are two greatest tragedies in life one is giving your life to the wrong cause [or if I may add, even to a great cause but not the best one], and two, finding the right cause but not giving yourself wholeheartedly to it. Discussion starters: 1. What drives you? What is your purpose in life? What do you want to accomplish in your lifetime? What legacy do you want to leave behind to your friends and family? Are you passionate with the cause or the purpose that you believe in? 2. How can you accomplish them? What steps or decisions do you need to make so you can be in line with your life s purposes? Share them with your group. 3. Are loving God and loving your neighbour part of your daily purpose for living? 4. Are you willing to pay the price [pain, sufferings or even death] for your cause? What is your limit?

8 KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS 8 Summer Oasis 2010 Something big is on the horizon Summer Oasis 2010! We will expect some international speakers, guests and participants from Europe, Asia and Fiji! Make sure you are able to come from January plus January for the leaders training. Our theme for 2010: For Such A Time as This... from Esther 4:14: For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" More details and rego forms are available on the website: and then go to Summer Oasis 2010 Registration. Kairos New Zealand Schedule of Events 2009 Dec 11 Kairos Christmas Party Auckland Jan Summer Oasis 2010 Christchurch Jan S/O Leaders Training Christchurch Jan Men s Summer Household TBA WEB SITES 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. 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.

9 9 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: FR. JOHN REA HEALING MINISTRY ITINERARY FOR October Samoa; Carmelite Retreat and ministry for Archbishop Alapati November South Island Healing Services with Lamb of God Community November Wellington Ministry/Healing Services SENDING NEWS FOR CHRONICLE PUBLICATION Branches are encouraged to news, photos, happenings and snippets to Tom Caballes at Each issue is closed around the 20 th 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 josethomascaballes@gmail.com Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz 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 josethomascaballes@gmail.com 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 Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz. [2] If you are receiving this by hard copy but you have an address, please send your address to Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz. [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.

10 Birthdays for October 10 SURNAME NAME BIRTHDAY BRANCH Murray Kathleen 01/10 Christchurch Pali Ginetta 01/10 Blenheim Saldanha Iris 02/10 Auckland Sison Paul 02/10 Wellington Surrey Mary 02/10 Auckland D'Silva Shirley 03/10 Auckland D'Souza Eddie 03/10 Auckland D'Souza Teresa 03/10 Auckland Namay Jio 03/10 Wellington Dalgado Amanda 04/10 Auckland Fernandes Felecia 04/10 Auckland Zalamea Cutie 05/10 Central Attewell Megan 06/10 Christchurch Collins Jo 06/10 Auckland Cullen Melissa 07/10 Christchurch Dekker Michael 07/10 Blenheim Wilhelmus Clay 08/10 Blenheim Zalamea Kenjo 08/10 Wellington Alejandro Mia 09/10 Wellington Carneiro Ayesha 09/10 Auckland Lim Kwan Nicole 09/10 Auckland D'Souza Alisha 10/10 Auckland Fernandes Chris 10/10 Auckland Lyons Oliver 10/10 Christchurch Rufino Bubbles 10/10 Central McKenzie Alan 11/10 Southern Martis Priscilla 12/10 Auckland Barber Nick 13/10 Nelson Caballes Mhel 15/10 Auckland Gueco Orencio 15/10 Central Sequeira Steven 17/10 Christchurch Van Doorn Karin 17/10 Christchurch Fonseca Lenny 18/10 Auckland Lyons Maureen 18/10 Christchurch Joy Christine 19/10 Auckland D'Souza Cassandra 20/10 Auckland Stolten Dominic 21/10 Auckland Amaral Raechelle 23/10 Auckland Braganza Chrislyn 23/10 Auckland Stolten Christian 24/10 Auckland Cavanagh Undine 25/10 Christchurch Lyons Chris 25/10 Christchurch O'Connell Chris 25/10 Christchurch Braganza Danver 26/10 Auckland Geneta Paul Alexis 28/10 Wellington Homes Judy 28/10 Southern Pereira Clarence 28/10 Auckland

11 Haughey John 29/10 Christchurch Menezes Valerie 29/10 Auckland Lowe Lukanne 30/10 Auckland D'Santos Jude 31/10 Auckland Locke Elizabeth 31/10 Auckland 11 Wedding Anniversaries for the Month of October SURNAME NAMES DATE BRANCH May Richard Christine 03/10 Southern Sequeira Collin Vimath 04/10 Auckland Prendeville Mike Judy 06/10 Southern Aguinot Danny Lilibeth 07/10 Christchurch Hollingsworth Dennis Blanche 13/10 Auckland D'Mello Richard Angela 14/10 Auckland Aberhart David Janet 20/10 Blenheim Carneiro Allen Judy 24/10 Auckland Braganza Dominic Cynthia 26/10 Auckland Samson Lito Maryann 28/10 Central Lim Patrick Judy 29/10 Auckland Amaral Patrick Michelle 30/10 Auckland Haughey John Monica 30/10 Christchurch PRAYERWATCH: SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 Spiritual warfare is similar to physical, worldly warfare but at the same time there are profound differences between the two. Jesus never used physical weapons against people but used love, a godly example, prayer, preaching the truth and divine authority were his weapons. As Christians we are called to use the same weapons as Jesus in spiritual warfare not the physical weapons of worldly warfare. Worldly warfare breeds hate, resentment, division, bitterness and other lusts of the flesh so no wonder Jesus calls us to love in Luke 6: 27: But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. We hate sin, lies and the evil consequences that results from them, we hate what opposes the Lord but we must always love people as Jesus death was to save all. To love people who are made in God s image, we must desire the very best for their lives and to work and pray for their salvation and do not condone their sin in any way. We live in the world but need to avoid getting caught up in worldly ways of hatred, division and rebellion of any kind but we are soldiers who fight a spiritual battle knowing we have divine power by the way we live with a godly example of love and service. Being people of prayer and study, always seeking the truth, letting our lives preach the Good News of healing and salvation for all people.

12 12 If you have any comments or questions concerning the Prayerwatch then please send them to me at 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 Community & Lamb of God Nadi Branch, [Fiji], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], The Covenanted Community For Christ, [Penang & Taiping], Protect and bless their life and mission. FAMILY Auckland: Keith & Rohini Lewis, Jo & Anila Collins, Gladys Gomes, Bernie MacNevin, Peter Celestine, Yvonne D'Souza, Basil & Reena Fernandes, Ivan and Sheila D'Souza, Joseph & Teresa Gomes, Elizabeth Locke, Dominic, Sandra & Francis Rajkumar, Wayne & Michelle Cammell, Caedmon and Nicky Rebello, Lionel & Carol D'Souza, Alwin and Mira D'Souza, Central: Orencio & Riza Gueco, Jun & Angie Briguera, Cutie Zalamea, Rose Buladaco, Blenheim: Jamie & Judith Rodgers, Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, Christchurch: Roger & Veronica Foley & Family, Robert & Karen Van Doorn & Family, Darren & Julie Humphries, Bev Cummins, Philip & Alison Middlemiss, Lesley Tilston, Bernard & Andrea Forster, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Richard & Christine May, Margaret & Alan McKenzie, PREGNANCY HEALING CANCER Auckland: Christine Pinto, Central: Bryan Scoullar, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, Christchurch: Margaret Considine, Fr Paul Duncan, HEALING HEART Auckland: Alfred Saldanha, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Central: Paul Oliver, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, Jamie Rodgers Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Philip Middlemiss, Chris O Connell, HEALING Auckland: Thomas Hong, Edward D'Souza, Ceejay Rodrigues, TJ Brown & Samuel, Elise D'Souza, Valerie Menezes, Cheryl Lobo, Kati Cammell, Jesse and Peter Delgado, Fatima Joy, Audrey Cabral, Collin and Vimath Sequeira, Ruby Lowe, Tili Leatitagaloa, Philomena Lobo, Susan Dias, Lovlin Franswah, Sheila D'Souza, Cynthia Braganza,

13 13 Dorothy Fernandez, Manuel Lobo, Joel Tham, Nathan Coutinho, Dominic Braganza, Alwin D Souza, Maureen Lowe, Grace Collins, Sean and Teresa Joseph, Teresa D'Souza, 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, Christchurch: Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, David Black, Siobhan Forster, Andrea Forster, Catherine Roberts, Andrew Black, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Sara Homes, Pat Forster, BEREAVEMENT Blenheim: Gail Price & Family, Christchurch: Imelda Van Der Werff, Andrea & Bernard Forster, OTHERS NEEDS Auckland: Keith & Rohini Lewis & Family, Mark & Elizabeth Stolten, Bradley Pinto, Bob Misst, Greg Hall, Christine Fonseca, Deepak D Souza, Alwin D Souza, Allen & Judy Carneiro, COVERING PRAYER National Council, Kairos Ministries [especially EDGE group], Branch Life, Lamb of God Centre, Branch Visitations, Clustering in Auckland, Ministry of Fr John Rea, Employment of Members, Light of Christ Special Ministry, Wellington branch [sickness among extended family], Luan Antao in Fiji, West Auckland District's Children's Life in the Spirit Seminar, Fiji Mission trip, Sep 24 Oct 6 and Summer Oasis I have made you a Watchman Ezekiel 33: 7