The Lamb of God Chronicle August 2015

Transcription

1 The Lamb of God Chronicle August 2015 The Lamb of God Community PO Box Phone [03] Mobile Website: INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1 Our People, News & Articles Page 2-5 House Group Resource Page 6 Kairos NZ News Page 7 Web Sites Page 7 Members/Info/Records Page 8 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page 8-9 National Prayer Watch Page 9-11 REFLECTIONS Our Needs and His Timings Veronica and I are on the move after thirty-six years at No9. In fact we have been moving car and trailer loads of household items for about a week now but it has been rather difficult in needing to negotiate a narrow fenced pathway, now an absolute mud-bath of a track. But tomorrow, as I write, we have permission to access a one-day pathway through a live workplace [big machinery, loaders and drilling machines] to complete our move. Getting through these earthquakes and the need to move from our home has at times seemed a nightmare of complexities, stress and difficulties. I also know that my prayer has struggled and that many times prayer was more like a why and wish-list than faith and fervour for the Lord. But this would be nothing new for the Lord who walked the earth as so many sought Him with a priority for what He could do for them. Even though their needs were often legitimate, Jesus would have known the motives behind the seeking. There is a fine line between selfishly trying to use the Lord to get what we want and humbly coming to Him with our needs and struggles. What we call faith can at times become a whining set of demands. We need now to seek to re-focus as we emerge from these challenging years, and turn to help brothers and sisters in the cluster who are still struggling. We give thanks to God for His mercy and grace during this long journey out of the devastation of the earthquakes. Your brother in the Lord- Roger Senior Coordinator Lamb of God Community

2 OUR PEOPLE 2 Congratulations! To Fr John Rea, who recently celebrated 60 years since ordination into the priesthood. Congratulations from your Lamb of God family! [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 BLENHEIM AND NELSON BRANCH GATHERING Sisters and brothers from the Nelson branch ventured east over the Whangamoa's to over the weekend 23/24 May. This type of event is hoped to be a bi-annual gathering, hosted alternately by each branch. This gathering saw Michael and Dianne Staite, Peter and Stephanie O'Connell, Terry and Sandy Westbury, and Carole Crocker join the sisters and brothers form. The Saturday evening began with a Lord s Day Meal, followed by some games and fellowship. After Church Services on Sunday, we joined for a shared lunch, and fellowship. Then by mid- afternoon the Nelson contingent departed whilst road conditions were good. It was an awesome weekend, where fun & fellowship reinforced great relationships. A reciprocal event is on the drawing board for later in the year.

3 AUCKLAND WINTER OASIS 2015 YOUTH CAMP 3 The Branch of the Lamb of God Community hosted Winter Oasis Youth Camp for young adults. Fifty seven participants, members and guests of the community, from school Year 9 to Year 13 attended this weekend camp held in July to refresh themselves on their Christian journey. Yohanna D Costa shares with us on how this time away impacted our young people. The theme this Winter Oasis was Take the Plunge. We were challenged to step out of the boat and fully commit and surrender to God. In our first talk, Jesus asked us two very important questions. Who do people say I am and who do you say I am? Though all of our answers and thoughts about Jesus were different, we were united through our belief that Jesus is our salvation and the ultimate life vest. Uncle John tackled other topics about our faith; are we baby Christians or are we mature Christians? Do we thirst to know who God is, are we desperate to feel his presence and continue to mould our lives according to his will? Or are we content with our current level of spirituality? Are we content to never improve our relationship with God? Our other three talks and workshops were led by Rosanna, Uncle Patrick, Uncle Lionel and Aunty Mel. They covered the power of prayer and the benefits you can reap if you institute it in your life. I realised how many barriers there are that prevent us from taking that leap of faith into the deep where Christ is calling us to. There are barriers or faith, barriers of sin, barriers to the word of God and barriers to being a witness. There are so many things that can stunt our spiritual growth as Christians and harm our relationship with God, but with Scripture, Community and the Fruit of the Spirit, we can always persevere on the road to heaven.

4 4 I believe Winter Oasis showed how well a Community works together. It was beautiful to see how every single one of the adults was driven to helping us meet our purpose and grow closer to God. In turn every single youth present in the camp put an astounding amount of energy and passion into praising the Lord and honouring His name. It was fantastic to see everyone s smiling, warm, welcoming face from early in the morning where most are still asleep, to late at night where fellowship took place in the form of dance, laughter and games. Overall, Winter Oasis was an invigorating experience where I was able to have a one on one with God and equip myself for the challenges that lie ahead in my life. I thank all those who helped us in any way during this journey, with you it would not be complete! AUCKLAND WOMEN S BREAKFAST July s Women s Breakfast saw over 40 women and children be blessed with praise and worship led by Renita and a great reflection shared by Pam. Food and fellowship were enjoyed at the start. Thank you to God for such a lovely start to the day. WELLINGTON BRANCH MEN S RETREAT PHOTOS A Bond of Brothers on the Way to Eternity was the theme of the Wellington Men s retreat held last week of June. A couple of photos are below.

5 5 July - September 2015 WINTER MISSION APPEAL 2015 Our International and National Mission Work Throughout the Sword of the Spirit, the international community of communities to which we belong, individual members of the communities are encouraged to contribute to an Annual Appeal to assist with the high costs of Mission and Community Building work. The Lamb of God has decided to maintain the Winter Appeal as our means to encourage members and friends to be generous in supporting our ability to continue and expand mission work in the Pacific and here in New Zealand. We enjoy a land of plenty, despite what some are calling times of recession. We do have adequate infrastructure, access to clean water, little pollution, and homes full of many modern conveniences. Yet many people worldwide with whom the Sword of the Spirit work struggle for the very basics. But they love the Lord and they are his people as much as are we. As well as throughout New Zealand, the Lamb of God works particularly in the Fiji Islands, Australia and in parts of Asia and our work is growing. You can talk with any of our young people who have participated in our Mission Teams. Mission work does impact and change lives in both ways. We now work with many groups in Fiji and we have established a new community in Nadi. The Fijian economy is under stress and even breakfast cereals we are familiar with can cost as much as F$14-16 a box in a Nadi Supermarket. Most of the people with whom we work in Fiji would earn less than F$4.00 an hour. The environment is challenging. Will you please consider a donation to our work? Enclosed is a prepaid reply envelope. Cheques should be made payable to the Lamb of God. You can also donate online - BNZ Chch Branch, Account Name: Lamb of God; Number , but please inform Tom Caballes, our National Senior Administrator, by phone or [ ; josethomascaballes@gmail.com] regarding the amount and date so it can be traced and receipts given accordingly at the end of the tax year. The Lamb of God is a Registered Charitable Trust and receipts will be issued to those indicating their name and address in the panel below. With sincere appreciation, Roger Foley Senior Coordinator Lamb of God National Council Your name: Address: Amount gifted:

6 6 CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY Resource for House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes Blessed, Privileged and Special August 2015 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. [1 Peter 2:9-10] When you look at a mirror, who or what do you see? I suppose you see a familiar face that you take for granted. But have you ever wondered how God looks at you? You are very special in His eyes. Your name is engraved in His palms. God knows the number of your hairs. He knows your past, present and future. He sent His only Son Jesus to die in your behalf. And He, the Creator of all the universe, wants to spend eternity with you! Don t you think you are so blessed, privileged and special? So when you look at a mirror again, you have all the reason to smile and be happy! You are looking at a unique God s adopted son or daughter - blessed, privileged and special! So What Do I Do Now, Knowing that I am Blessed, Privileged and Special? 1. For you to fully respond to being blessed, privileged and special, you need to decide to follow God with all of your life for the rest of your life. God is inviting to spend a full and abundant life [John 10:10] with Him now and forever. Give your 100% to God, not just enough to pass the minimum standards to go to heaven. It is worth giving our all to God He knows what is best for us. 2. Your greatest identity is that you are a son or a daughter of God. Do not let people steal or step on your primary identity. Your being a child of God should be the source of your joy, hope, confidence and self-worth. Even at times of sorrow, pain, loss or a seeming defeat, you are God s son or daughter. 3. You are not a weak, hopeless or a useless person. You need to look at yourself the way God looks at you that you are a unique individual who has special gifts and talents, and can contribute to the community and society. Do not believe the lies of the enemy and the truth shall set you free. 4. You have a special audience before God so you can pray and intercede for your and others needs, knowing that God has a listening ear for you. It does not mean you will get everything you want only what is right and good for you at the right time. Yes, you have a special access to God. 5. You do not have to pursue earthly riches as you life s goal because you are rich beyond compare. Love and serve God, and be generous to those in need and to His people. Your riches are safely stored in heaven. So start looking at how you can amass riches in heaven, not on earth. How? By living a life of love, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and gentleness, among many things. 6. In life, have an attitude of being a conqueror rather than the one being conquered. You are meant to be on the winning side because God is with you and for you - He loves you with an everlasting love. No matter what life throws at you, God will work for your good see Romans 8:28. OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: 1. Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. [Isaiah 49:15-16] 2. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. [1 John 3:1A] 3. Other references: John 1:12-13; Romans 5:6-8; Romans 8:31-39; 1 Peter 5:7; and Revelation 3:20. FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING: Do you understand the extent of what God has done to make you blessed, privileged and special?

7 7 KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS Kairos New Zealand Schedule of Events for 2015 August 28 to 30, 2015 January 5 to 10, 2016 UCO Retreat in [for Post-High Schoolers] Summer Oasis 2016 in SUM M R T UCO Retreat Get Set 2015 The University Christian Outreach [UCO] team is busy planning for the first ever UCO retreat called Get Set The theme is Set Apart In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. This will be the first time we will have a retreat for tertiary students and young professionals. The dates are August 28 to 30 at the Karanga Camp, 79 Te Henga Road, Waitakere. Camp fee is $70 per person. Come and be part if it! Register online here: Please contact Dominic at or uco.auckland@ gmail.com for more information. 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:

8 8 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 previous 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 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 02/08 07/08 12/08 27/08 29/08 Greg & Maryanne Hall Jamie & Judith Rodgers David & Kathleen Black Terry & Barbara Ryan Kerry & Angela Fordham BRANCH Birthdays for This Month - Happy Birthday! NAMES BIRTHDAY Grace Collins Monica Haughey Chris Blanch Theresa Gomes Charmaine Vessaokar Clarese Caballes Anita Stocks 01/08 01/08 01/08 02/08 02/08 03/08 03/08 BRANCH

9 9 Rosemarie Buladaco Arca Fernandes Cynaika D'Costa Judy Carneiro Ashlyn Fernandes Joan Corbett Moira McMahon Mark Challies Christopher Dalgado Mary Jackson Vivienne Southby Judith Steele Kimberly Fernandes Lionel D'Souza Ethan Collins Rohan D'Souza Lyncia Fernandes Tony Ashfield Bianca Blanch Audris Hong Bernadette MacNevin Shayna O'Malley Charlotte Lyons Mary McCormick Kimberly Saldanha Bev Cummins Jamie Rodgers David Sison Christine Oliver Renella Carneiro 04/08 05/08 08/08 09/08 09/08 11/08 11/08 13/08 15/08 15/08 18/08 18/08 19/08 19/08 22/08 22/08 22/08 22/08 22/08 23/08 23/08 23/08 26/08 27/08 27/08 28/08 28/08 29/08 30/08 31/08 Ch/Ashburton Ch/Ashburton PRAYERWATCH - SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE Reinforce the guard, station the watchmen, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out his purpose Jeremiah 51: 12 SWORD, WORD OF GOD Ephesians 6: 13, Therefore put on the full armour of God 17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This month I return to the Armour of God and the next piece we are encouraged to put on as soldiers of Christ is the sword. The first five pieces [belt, breastplate, boots, shield and helmet] we looked at are all defensive or armour that protect us from being hurt or destroyed. Now we look at a piece that we can use in defense but also is offensive and can be used to attack and destroy, this being the sword, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. As a soldier we can use our sword to parry attacking blows, so when Satan harasses us to sin we can use scripture to resist the attack and understand God s truth about the area under attack. Jesus in Matthew 4: 111 shows us how to use scripture when he was tempted in the desert at the start of his ministry. As our defensive weapon, the bible leads us to understand our role in the body of Christ and the ways of the world in tempting us. The Bible is most necessary as we

10 10 fight the evils of the world as it is divinely inspired and rightly used, God s word is powerful. The Word of God is important in our families as we lead our children, grandchildren to know the Lord Jesus and to walk in his ways. As we seek to lead others into God s kingdom, the sword or the Word of God is an important part of our equipment. Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. We can never win God s battles on our own as they are his battles not ours or defeat God s enemies without God s book. The Bible needs to be our constant companion and our most used book as when we are without our sword [Bible or know its contents], we are weaponless and as a soldier we are useless. In research the New Zealand Bible Society has found that surprisingly, 68% of New Zealanders own a Bible. Yet, only 11% of Christians read it daily. Are we among the 11% or does our Bible gather dust? Finally the Lord may quicken our spirit with a word of prophesy, a warning of an attack, a word of encouragement for when we should attack and claim a victory in defending the Lamb of God or a brother or sister in the Lord. 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 The 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, : Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Rose Buladaco, Joel & Tiza Sison, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & Mhel Caballes, : 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, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville,

11 11 OTHER NEEDS : Mark & Elizabeth Stolten, Allen & Judy Carneiro, Gillian Puch, Joseph Gomes, Allan Carvalho, Blanche Fernandes, Peter Dalgado, HEALING CANCER : : Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, : Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Kerry Fordham, Trevor Wall, Southern: Christine May, HEALING HEART : Isabel Morais, : Paul Oliver, : 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, : Stephanie O Connell, Sharon Powick, Michael Powick, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Rae Taylor, Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, : Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Judith Rodgers, Barbara Ryan, Jamie 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, BEREAVEMENT : Peter Stoddard & Family, : Ron & Jacqui Blackwell, 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