Challenge the Good News Paper

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THE GOOD NEWS PAPER No. 415 SSEEINGEEING TTHEHE LLIGHTIGHT AAMIDMID SUFFERINGSUFFERING Losing a child rocks your world, your marriage and your belief in God to its core, as well-known Christian singer songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman can testify, but he determined it would only make him stronger.

teven says that as a child he “grew up in a was the reality of having a relationship with Jesus relatively happy home”, although his parents that meant the most to me. ‘This is a good day,’ I fought often and his father “carried a heavy thought. Sload of shame and anger” that he sometimes “What God did in my heart that day in a small took out on Steven and his older brother Herbie. Kentucky church when I was just an eight year The atmosphere at home changed profoundly, old little boy was eternally signifi cant in my life.” however, when Steven was seven years old and his SUCCESSFUL CAREER parents and brother committed their lives to Christ The other defi ning infl uence in Steven’s life was during a gospel revival at their church. music. Steven’s dad ran a music store and taught Steven, himself, didn’t respond at the time but the guitar, so even before he was eight, Steven was later that year, seeing the change in his parents, he reading music and song writing. was challenged by the Scripture where Jesus says, He and Herbie would perform together as the “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone Chapman Brothers – he on guitar and Herbie will open the door, I will come in.” singing. “I don’t remember anything else the pastor “I have been fascinated with the whole idea of said,” Steven shares, “but this was very clear to song writing for as long as I can remember,” he me. I could sense Jesus knocking at the door of recalls with a smile. “It was how I found my voice.” my heart. I had seen a change happen in my family Steven’s fi rst album, First Hand, was released in so when I heard this. It was what God used to ask, 1987, topping at number 2 on the Contemporary ‘Will you invite me in?’ Christian Music (CCM) chart. Steven recalls the day in his autobiographical He maintained consistent success over the next book Between Heaven and the Real World: My 30 years, winning fi ve Grammy awards and 58 Story: “I knelt down and prayed while the con- Dove Awards in various categories (more than ABOVE: gregation continued singing… I was happy just to any other artist to date) with 19 more albums, 10 Musician know I was on my way to heaven. I didn’t have a of which went gold or platinum. Steven Curtis lot of deep, dark sins to confess, so my conversion THE ACCIDENT Chapman. experience wasn’t as dramatic as some. ’Am I sup- In October, 1984, Steven married Mary Beth and INSET: The posed to cry?’ I wondered aloud. ‘I don’t feel like together they had three children, Emily, Caleb, and extended crying. I feel like smiling!’ Will. They later felt called by God to adopt two little Chapman “It wasn’t fear of hell or even a strong desire girls from China, whom they named Shaohannah family in a to go to heaven that motivated me to respond. It Hope and Stevey Joy. photo from ● Turn to page 2 Facebook.

Fun for Kids PPagesages 55,6,7,6,7 THERE IS HOPE FOR HYPOCRITES BY CHRIS BRENNAN ItIt makes us mad when we see examples myself looking for the short cuts when it is the BACK of ppolice who are supposed to be guardians, long road that needs to be walked. PAGE HYPOCRISY just caughtcau in corruption or carelessness, and then But here is the good news for a hypocrite makes us mad doesn’t theret are examples of hypocritical clergy, like me. Jesus said: “I have not come to call the it? Politicians speaking preaching and standing for morality while righteous, but sinners.” of tightened belts, while living out the worst kinds of immorality. No hypocrite Himself, Jesus lived a life consistent endorsing payments for HypocrisyHyp rightly makes us angry. We hate with His beliefs, and no mere talker, He gave His life themselves. hypocrites.hypoc Hypocrisy makes us cynical. Hypocrisy so that hypocrites and sinners might be saved. There is the hypocrisy off makesmake us distrustful. Jesus said of Himself: “For even the Son of Man some media fi gures speaking I hate the hypocrisy that I see in those around did not come to be served, but to serve, and to of truth and objectivity, while at the same time me, and the damage that it does... but there is a give His life as a ransom for many.” advancing a personal or political agenda with kind that I hate even more. I hate the hypocrisy Is that a get out of jail free card for hypocrites? OONN TTHEHE inaccurate or selective reporting. that l see in myself. By no means, rather it is the certainty of our There is the hypocrisy of some doctors I hate it but sadly, I’ll hypocritically point out judgment, while at the same time an o er of mercy BBALLALL supposedly committed to the Hippocratic Oath, the failures in others much more quickly than I’ll for those who would recognise their guilt and turn MMAYAAYA MOOREMOORE while at the same time advocating killing. confront it in myself. I hate hypocrisy, but I fi nd away from their hypocritical, self-justifying ways. ● 2 Challenge Edition 415 Jesus in jeans: a SSeeingeeing tthehe llightight aamidmid 21stC parable SStevteveenn ssaidaid thethe hardesthardest songsong toto IF Jesus had chosen to come to fancy our playplay afterfter hhisis ddaughter’saughter’s ddeatheath earth in modern times, some of phone ssufferinguffering was his hit asCinderi nhisde hitrel lCa.ella. His parables may have been a or tablet, bit diff erent. He used stories and unless it is charged, it is useless. pictures that the people could That is how much we need Jesus. He readily identify with from what they doesn’t just enhance our lives like a saw around them. pretty cover or phone jewel. Without For instance, maybe John 15:1-8, Him we really can do NOTHING. It instead of being about vinedressing, all starts with plugging into Him. would have sounded something like Without the power of God fl owing this: through our lives, all the potential “I am the true power source, and and talent within us lies dormant. my Father is the IT manager. He The Bible says we are “dead in our disconnects every device plugged sins”. into me that malfunctions, while However, fi lled with the “power” every device that does run, He of God, the darkness in people’s updates so that it can function even lives is replaced by light and they more optimally. You are already have purpose and understand why virus free because of the word I have they were created. They are useful in spoken to you. Remain connected to society and to God’s Kingdom. me, as I also remain attached to you. The more we use our devices, the No device can run without charge; more they need charging. Many ● From page 1 could hear me and scream until my voice was almost gone. it must be connected to the power. people say they are too busy to “It sure didn’t and doesn’t make sense. But I never felt Neither can you process data unless spend time praying, reading their In 2004, Steven fl ew back to China with strict orders like God abandoned us.” you remain in me. Bible and being quiet before God, from his wife: “Don’t even look at any orphan babies.” THE AFTERMATH “I am the power source, you are but the truth is busyness is not a But within seven months, another little girl was added In all the grief and trauma that followed, Steven and his the devices. If you remain plugged virtue and often we just need to sit to the family, Maria Sue. “This little one just grabbed my family refused to blame God for the tragic loss of Maria. into me, you will process much data; still, spending time with God, being heart,” Steven explains. His heart would break just a few Steven says that at the time, his prayers were simple and apart from me you can do nothing. recharged. years later over that little girl when on May 21st, 2008, she desperate. “God, I’m going to trust You. I have nothing If you do not remain in me, you are Reading the Bible to learn God’s was killed in a tragic accident. else.” like a device that is at 0% battery perspective on our self and our Maria and two of her sisters were playing in the back- Steven turned back to music to help him channel his and useless; such devices are thrown world is like getting regular software yard when older brother Will pulled his SUV slowly into pain. He wrote numerous songs about his little daughter away and recycled. If you remain updates. The Bible also provides the driveway. Maria took off running towards the car, and released an album in November, 2009, called, ‘Beauty plugged into me and my updates us with anti-virus software so that eager to greet her brother, ignoring the warning screams will Rise,’ in memory of her. But, as the title attests, it’s remain in you, ask whatever you we can guard against attacks that from her sisters. Suddenly Will made a turn in her direc- more than a collection of grief and sadness. It is a declara- wish, and it will be done for you. This corrupt our data and prevent us from tion. He never even saw his sister. tion of faith in God’s redemptive hand and belief in the is to my Father’s glory, that you run running optimally. “I was on the phone to my manager, when suddenly promise of Heaven. many apps, showing yourselves to be Come on fellow devices, let’s I heard screams from out back,” Steven writes. “These That same year, the Chapmans fi nished work on Maria’s my disciples.” “switch on”, “power up” and get with screams sounded different than any I’d ever heard before Big house of Hope, a medical care centre in China that We know that no matter how God’s “program” in our lives! ● … I quickly headed to the garage and as I rounded the provides holistic care to orphans with special needs. corner, the sight that met my eyes staggered me. Steven’s autobiography is available on Amazon. His “I got down on the ground and starting doing CPR on wife, Mary Beth, has also written a book about coping our daughter,” Steven remembers. “I applied compres- with loss, called ‘Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Strug- sions, praying loudly in between, ‘Breathe! Breathe!’” gle and Hope.’ Crossword Maria, critically injured, was taken by helicopter to “God has not forgotten us, Maria is safely in His care, hospital where she was pronounced dead. and life – although different – will go on,” Steven con- ACROSS 11 VIP car 16 Pressure meas. 24 Stadium section “We didn’t know how we were going to take the next cludes. “I can only see a part of the picture He is painting. 1 French President 2018 12 Long book, movie 17 They hold plants 25 Dog command 4 Very small 13 Wide-eyed, 19 Urban haze 26 Outbuilding breath,” Steven recalls sadly. “I would go to where nobody I don’t have a clue. But I know God does.” ● 7 Calendar span enthralled 20 Consider / judge 27 Lower the lights 8 Partner of void 15 Winter downhill / hold to be 10 Close by activity 21 Burrow DOWN 1 City in Minnesota 2 Musician, cello ResurrectionResurrection ppromiseromise 3 Stocking fi bre 4 Summer shade 5 Resentment The final part in a short series that explores the ultimate end of us all. 6 First human in outer space (4,7) BY RICK LEWERS and the transformation is beautiful. In perishable, it is raised imperishable; it 9 Pooch a ection other words there is a continuity with is sown in dishonor, it is raised in THERE 13 Holdings, article is a story of a little blind boy what is sown but a diff erence in terms glory; it is sown in weakness, it is of value who, while fl ying his kite, was asked, of transformation. raised in power; it is sown a natural “You can’t see the kite so how do The Bible makes clear that this body, it is raised a spiritual body.” 14 Attention- grabbing ploy you know it is there?” The blind boy is what resurrection is like for the In the face of death the Christian is responded, “Because I can feel the tug Christian. The body is buried, covered off ered the most extraordinary gift: 18 Summed together of the string on my fi nger.” And so it is over, and new life springs forth from a new life recognisable with the old, 22 Swelling reducer in the heart of people when it comes the grave. There is continuity as out of a better life beautifully transformed, 23 Reel’s partner to life beyond the grave. People may the ground will come you - not me or and an eternal life with a body to suit. not know what is out there but they someone else. But there The implications are magnifi cent. SOLUTION can feel the tug in their souls. will be a diff erencence “Recognisable” rings PAGE 11 Following the resurrection of Jesus in that you with the possibility of Christ that tug on the soul had people will be reunion with our loved asking, “How are the dead raised up magnifi cently ones. “Transformation” 21 5 and with what body will they come?” transformed. will mean perfection’s Sudoku That’s a great question which bleeds The second blessings. And “suitability” 64 others like, “Will I be recognisable as illustration is fi sh means the end of grief and an Fill in the grid so me? Will there be reunion with loved having bodies suitable for water unending friendship with God and that every row, every 97 5 43 ones beyond the grave?” and many and birds, for the air. Each uniquely each other. column, and every 3x3 more. These are answered by two designed for their environment. The For the Christian, one minute after box contains the digits 87illustrations given in the Bible. point is that in the resurrection you you die, life just gets better. I say for 1 through 9. 593 The fi rst is the illustration of a seed. will have a body suitable to your new the Christian because all this depends Puzzle Level: Medium We know that when we dig a hole, put place of existence. In other words you upon the merciful reconciliation 49the seed in it and cover it over with will be clothed with a body suitable Jesus Christ off ers us in His death on 6 3 8 dirt new life begins. What you plant is for heaven and eternity – one that the cross made certain through His 52 7 34 not what will be, but rather, out of the suff ers no illness, no breakdowns, no resurrection from the dead. 4 2 9 ground will spring new life consistent injury and no death. To those who are not Christian, I say 15with the seed sown but magnifi cently This is what the Bible says, “So Jesus Christ would welcome you into 7 5 1 transformed. From a rose seed buried will it be with the resurrection of all this, if only you welcomed Him into SOLUTION PAGE 11 467 you don’t get tomatoes you get roses the dead. The body that is sown is your life. ● Edition 415 3 TTruckie’sruckie’s llongong hhaulaul ttoo hhealingealing Truck driver Anthony Bootes has had harrowing experiences with suicide, rape, loss and rejection in his life, yet he found healing and wholeness through a series of events that began as he was embarking on a murder- suicide plan to end his pain.

nthony grew up in Townsville, Queens- for a while in his truck. When he land, attending various schools, mov- tried to end the relationship, she ing around a lot and constantly getting revealed she was pregnant. into trouble. In November 1987, when “I didn’t even know how to look Anthony was 13, his father, who suf- after myself, let alone a child, but feredA from Parkinson’s disease, committed sui- it takes two to make a baby so I cide by shooting himself at 5am one morning. packed up and moved to Wagga as Anthony was the one who found the body. well,” he continues. The couple lost Anthony’s truck declares ‘Forgiveness matters’ and is a testimony to his freedom from bitterness over his past. His life was turned upside down but he wasn’t a second child at just six weeks old offered any counselling to work it through. and then had a third little girl. rebuking Satan and his demons out of my life time, to Sarah. Anthony stopped driving long- His loss and trauma were then exacerbated The pressure on Anthony to drive longer in the name of Jesus. All these black shadows haul trucks last year after being involved in a when his martial arts instructor started sexually hours in order to earn more, caused him to start left the room and I fell asleep and woke up to a fatal crash (that wasn’t his fault) but previous abusing him, until Anthony’s mum sent him using the drug speed to stay awake. whole new different life.” to that he had a big sign on his truck declaring away to boarding school. At that time, after more moves, Anthony The following weekend Anthony went to “Forgiveness Matters”. Anthony ran away from there and was kicked bought a house, hoping to give his family some church with a cousin, whom he found out had Indeed it does. As the Bible says in Mark out of his next school for calling in a hoax bomb stability. been earnestly praying for him. There a woman 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if threat, which is how he ended up in a horse rid- “I thought this would make me happy but he didn’t know gave him a Bible. He then joined you have anything against anyone, forgive him, ing school for troubled teens. the bills and debt, which I hadn’t taken into a Bible study group. that your Father in heaven may also forgive “The horse riding school taught me a lot account, put more pressure on me to drive even In 2013 Anthony had the opportunity to you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, about horses, and also taught me life skills and more to make more money to support the home share his story over the radio and was over- neither will your Father in heaven forgive your how to behave around other people. It was the budget and my drug habit,” he explains. whelmed by the response from people saying trespasses.” best 13 weeks of my life,” Anthony remembers. Eventually, his wife gave him an ultimatum how much it had helped them to forgive others And Anthony’s life is proof that no matter From there he began working as a jackaroo, – ‘us or speed’ - but when Anthony tried to cold in their lives. how you have been sinned against, forgiveness then studied at agricultural college. When turkey off the drugs without any help it ended The following year he married for the third is possible by the grace of God. ● Anthony was offered a job driving a water truck, in them separating. he moved to Charters Towers just before his His wife took up with another man and 18th birthday. Anthony was only allowed to see his daughters On his birthday, Anthony’s boss got him for two hours at a time, on supervised visits. drunk, and raped him. That was when he hit rock bottom. “I didn’t tell anyone about what had hap- “My depression and stress levels were so high pened to me. I moved away and went from I couldn’t see any more hope in this life, so I King Manny and the art state to state working on cattle stations. I was was going to end it by driving the truck through just surviving the best way I could. I turned to the house that we bought and kill my wife, her alcohol and ended up an alcoholic at the age boyfriend and myself,” he admits. of 23,” he recounts. When he was hospitalised While Anthony was writing a suicide note, of finishing strong with alcohol poisoning, and told that if he kept his phone rang and it was a Christian man, DO YOU FEEL GUILTY? Have you done a lot of and asked God to drinking he would die, Anthony quit. Graham Hood, who knew Anthony’s sister and stuff you’re not proud of? Hurt a lot of people? help him fi x it. Following a failed marriage, and several jobs who ran a programme called Recovery Road. Broke a lot of laws? Do you think you have In the and moves, Anthony met an 18-year-old from He and Anthony chatted for about two hours done too many bad things for God to forgive course of Wagga Wagga, who travelled around with him and Graham promised, “I’ll ring you every day you or make your life right? time Manny’s until you get out of the darkness back into Let me tell you the story of Manny. enemies let him goo anandd the light”. Manny had a privileged upbringing. His dad he returned to his clanclan Through an amazing “coincidence”, was a very rich big shot, the boss of a clan with and started doing thinthingsgs Anthony’s boss called the same day to lots of clout. His dad was also a good guy who right. He got rid off all say they had got a new trucking contract was religious and well liked. Manny, not so his occult paraphernalia,ernalia, to Brisbane, where Graham was, and much. rebuilt his neighborhoodorhood Anthony was able to go to meet his rescuer Manny became clan boss when he was just and started treating in person. The men spoke for hours, they 12 years old and right from the start he worked people fairly and doing what the priests told watched the Christian movie Courageous, as hard as he could to undo all the good his him. He became a totally diff erent person and about fatherhood, together, and Anthony dad had done. He destroyed everything his a deeply religious man. was invited to stay for dinner. dad had treasured and wasted his wealth. He He died with dignity, was buried with “I asked if I could have a shower before was mean and cruel as a leader and went in honors and is now in heaven with the God who dinner,” Anthony recounts, “and Graham for voodoo and the dark arts in a big way. They forgave him. said to me, ‘Ask God into your life while say he murdered so many innocent people Manny’s story is in the Bible (2 Kings 21 you are in there’. So [in the shower] I said, that the whole city ran red with blood. He even and 2 Chronicles 33). He was King Manasseh, ‘Righto, God if you want me to believe in killed his own kids - deliberately! and although he is mostly remembered as You then You better send Your only Son You would think this guy was totally one of the most wicked kings of Judah, God Jesus to me because I have got nothing unredeemable. Sounds like a Pol Pot or Stalin. doesn’t remember his sins any more because else to give in this life of mine.’ Well, I But his story wasn’t over yet. Manasseh humbled himself and repented came out of the shower feeling peace - no Manny’s enemies attacked his clan, (asked for forgiveness and turned away from more anger or hurt, and this pain I had destroyed his ‘hood, took all his gold and his sins). had in my right arm that went from my money, killed his mates and dragged him off You see it is not about all the awful, stupid ribs to my fi ngertips was gone.” as a prisoner. And while Manny was being held things you have done in your past, or the mess Just as the shower washed his body, captive he had a lot of time to think about your life is currently in; it is about what you do that prayer washed Anthony’s soul clean the havoc he had wreaked and the mess his from here on in and how you fi nish the race. It of his past, his pain and his sins. “You life was in. He remembered his dad and how is never too late to make a fresh start. You may were washed, you were sanctifi ed, you diff erent the outcomes were for him because not be able to make everything right or fi x all were justifi ed in the name of the Lord he was a religious man who did the things the your poor choices, but God is able to redeem Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (I priests told him God approved of. what is left and to bring beauty out of ashes. Corinthians 6:11) Manny cried out to the God of his father, If God can turn Manny’s life around, I know He says, “That night I lay on the bed admitted what a mess he had made of things, He can make something of yours. ● Anthony and Sarah Bootes look happily with my arms outstretched like a cross towards the future together. 4 Challenge Edition 415 TTruerue cchangehange iiss ppossibleossible lthough Hannes Grové grew and felt a powerful presence sur- now, serving the Lord as up with a minister as a father, round him. a minister,” Hannes says knew a lot about God and “I felt God say to me, ‘You poor, sadly. “I wish my dad had even prayed tearfully to distressed sinner, unworthy and could be here now that A fearful, come to me and Jesus Christ I can make him proud. God in his late teens to save him, he now knows that it was not until he will accept you and protect you.’ I felt I didn’t do that while he truly surrended his desires and will tears run down my face as I prayed, was alive but I will see to Jesus in 2015 that he became a ‘God, save my soul.’ God confi rmed him in heaven one day and Christian. to me that I was now truly saved.” because of his example “I was on my way to hell and I did Hannes had a vision of a man on I now stand fi rm on the not know it, because I thought I was a dark mountain calling out ‘Follow Bible and preach God’s saved,” he explains. “I had allegedly Me’. words. been led to Christ 10 “Although I could not “I intend to follow years ago and told to see His face, I knew that it Christ and Christ alone,” immediately ‘go and tell was Jesus. While climbing he declares. “My prayer is people what God has “I WAS the mountain, He showed that God will be glorifi ed done for you’. I did not SCARED, me parcels, letters, and [made famous], not me. items—each one had a My life belongs to Christ want to but they made ALONE AND me “testify” and, at some label written on it. I saw and not myself. My Lord stage, I began to believe EMPTY” myself picking these up. walks with me and He the lie. I thought if I On top of the mountain, leads me on. I cannot do said it enough it must we came to a cliff. Jesus anything without Christ be true. looked at me and told and I want people to know “I was bound in my sin. I confessed me to throw each item away. The that King Jesus is alive some of it but I never stopped sin- moment that I threw these over the and when He saves you, ning. My life did not change. I was edge, I knew these represented my everyone will know that Hannes Grové now understands that being a Christian isn’t about trying harder but it a slave to sin and my sin became sins. Now I knew that God had saved something is different.”● is about being radically changed from the inside out by the power of God inside you. worse,” he confesses. me and that my name was written in In his 20s, he says he “began doing what the Bible calls the Book of Life,” awful things”. He smoked and drank shares Hannes. a lot and was sexually immoral. He “God met with me and He saved manipulated people, hated Christians me. Jesus did what I could not do and all they stood for and had a very - paid the price for my sins on the bad temper that expressed itself in cross at Calvary and saved me from hell and the power of sin in my life. From Boyzone to God’s own beating up people. “My anger was always out of “After that everything changed. control. Christian friends pointed Suddenly I loved Christians for the icked out of school at 14, Shane this out to me. However, the more I fi rst time. Everything is now about Lynch was a real problem child. confessed my wrongdoing, the more the Glory of God, where before it was But he proved his critics wrong I sinned, and the more I felt I was all about me. My temper is gone. I do Kby rising to fame in 1992 with boy losing touch with God. I became not beat up people anymore. I quit band Boyzone. desperate. I started sincerely to seek my job and became a pastor - the one With his moody, dark looks and God. I was scared, alone, and empty,” thing I never wanted to be.” multiple tattoos, Shane didn’t quite Hannes admits. A few months later Hannes’ father fi t the band’s clean cut image. Indeed, Then in January 2015, Hannes died. it seemed that throughout his years read a sermon by Jonathan Edwards, “I wish my father could see me with them the former mechanic was intent on rebelling against conformity. Infamously, he embarked on a drunk, expletive-fi lled rant at the 1999 MTV European Music Awards. ENTERTAINING ANGELS “Every time I spoke I had no respect for myself or anyone else,” he confesses. WHAT comes to mind when you Jude 9; Isaiah 14:12). “I was a very angry individual and I was think of angels? Fat babies with ● There are various types and lost in the world.” wings? categories of angels mentioned, At the height of its fame, when Boy- Shane Lynch Did you know that far from e.g., cherubim (Genesis 3:24; zone was enjoying a string of number one then and now. being babies or adults with wings Ezekiel 10:1–20), seraphim (Isaiah singles, albums and sell-out tours, Shane as depicted in so many images 6:2, 6) and watchers (Daniel 4:17, should have been one of the happiest – the only time angel wings are KJV). They also appear to diff er men alive. However, he found himself mentioned in the Bible is in in rank and dignity, some being in a “dark place and lost”. Isaiah, where the angelsels describeddess as archangels, “I had everything in terms of materialistic things — a have six wings each?! princes,p or rulers (1 £1m house, a Mercedes, a Porsche. I had everything “Above [the Lord] Thessalonians 4:16; Jude money could buy, but I wasn’t happy,” he admits. “I were seraphim, each 1; Daniel 10:20–21, 12:1; was quite lonely and I was searching for something else. called The Chancer, which he wrote “to encourage oth- with six wings: Ephesians 6:12). It’s true what they say, money can’t buy you happiness. ers to make the most of the opportunities life presents With two wings ● They are/were called “For a while I tried to fi ll the void in my life with all them with, rather than get hung up on material things”. they covered their holy and elect (Luke the kind of sex-drugs-and-rock-‘n-roll things which are “I was written off as a child, not for being dyslexic, faces, with two they 9:26; 1 Timothy 5:21). supposed to be cool,” he recalls. but as a problem child not getting on in life or with the covered their feet, ● They are more powerful “I dabbled in the occult and was dancing with the school system. However, not being able to read or write and with two they werere than mankind (2 devil, and doing all sorts of negative things looking for did not stop me from being successful. I had to take a fl ying.” (Isaiah 6:2) Thessalonians 1:7; 2 escape from myself. I’d lost respect for myself.” chance on things and I ‘chanced’ my way through school Thanks to Oprah and the New Peter 2:11). When Boyzone took a break in 2000, after seven years by cheating in my exams and using my charm. That’s Age movement, belief in angels has ● They can appear among, and of non-stop touring, he found himself with too much where the title of the book comes from. almost become a religion of its own. interact with, humans, even killing time on his hands to dwell on things. His marriage to “It’s plain to see around us that there are so many But what does the Bible actually say them on occasion (Genesis 16:9, Esther Bennett, the lead singer in now-defunct girl band people searching for comfort and happiness. That’s about angels? 19:15; 1 Chronicles 21:15; Psalms Eternal, crumbled as Shane became withdrawn, moody why there are so many turning to drink and drugs,” he ● They are spirits (Hebrews 1:14), yet 78:49; John 20:12). In Exodus 12:23 and in his own words “an extremely angry man”. The explains. “But I’m no-one to tell anyone how to live their they always appeared to humans God’s destroying angel killed all the pair split up in 2002. life. I’m simply telling them about mine.” as physical men/males (Gen. 19:1; fi rstborn in Egypt, and in 2 Kings “I was very immature and selfi sh during that time, In August 2007 Shane married his long-term girl- Luke 24:4), even eating food. 19:35, an angel sent by God killed but I worked my way through that, found my Christian friend Sheena White, a former backing singer for West- ● They number in the hundreds of 185,000 soldiers in one evening. faith and understand the world and myself nowadays,” life. They met at church and have had two daughters. millions or perhaps more (Hebrews ● They can appear physically, and Shane explains. “Some people mocked me when I announced that I 12:22; Revelation 5:11). so real to humans that we do not The change came about when he shared his strug- was a Christian,” Shane recalls. “But this is no fl ash in ● A third of them followed Satan recognize them as angels (Genesis gles with a friend and was advised to turn to God. In the pan experience. I am stronger, freer and happier when he rebelled against God, and 18:1–16; Hebrews 13:2). November 2003, he was baptised [immersed in water] than I have ever been in my life and it gets better and are now evil. (Revelation 12:4) ● They are not to be worshiped as an outward sign of his new-found Christian faith and better. ● Only three angel names are (Romans 1:25, NKJV; Colossians now tours the UK telling his story. “I owe everything to Christ. I have been freed of eve- mentioned in the Bible - Gabriel, 2:18; Revelation 19:10). ● “I turned to God and asked for His help and He gave rything … Every day is a brand new adventure. I am a Michael, and Lucifer (Luke 1:19; Adapted from CMI it to me,” he says simply. better man for the faith which has been placed in my Recently, Shane shared his story in his autobiography heart,” he declares. ● 8 Edition 415 SSavedaved fromfrom death,death, broughtbrought toto llifeife n 1949, Peter Overliese Balancing and his family escaped war-torn Amsterdam and work and Iemigrated to Australia for a fresh start. prayer “As a 12 year old, I was really excited about the great BY KARL FAASE adventure ahead,” Peter recalls. “I was keen to taste DIFFERENT personality new things and attend exciting types respond to the life new schools and learn to speak of faith and belief with English.” diff erent attitudes. There When Peter became an are those who gravitate adult, he was determined to towards work and action. seek his fortune overseas in For them the prayer and his own style. He travelled contemplation is pointless extensively and worked and introspection and they lived in Europe, Africa and believe action is needed. Australia. Others are very However, Peter’s earlier rec- comfortable with sitting ollections from his growing-up quietly, years were not as pleasant. thinking He was born in Holland, about the 1938, one year before the Sec- world, ond World War began. they “My earliest memories and consider crystal clear experiences are what those of a war child of that needs era, and of those dreadful changing fi rst years of my life,” Peter and begins. “I was only seven years believe old when the Allies liberated Peter Overliese (centre) and his wife Adele with their children and grandchildren in Perth in 2017. that as Holland.” they Peter shares that occupied cleverness and good fortune. I when all of my doubts and bring Salvation Army Amsterdam was “a dreadful didn’t need God.” reservations about the exist- their founder place” with no electricity, no In 2000, Peter joined a new ence of God were swept away concerns William Booth gas, no coal for heating, a church in Perth. for good. It was the most won- before chronic shortage of food and “I remember after a service, derful experience of my life!” God He will respond to their only a central, coupon, Ger- I went up to the pastor and Looking back, Peter realises prayer. man-controlled food system. asked him how I could make how the hand and protection These two attitudes are “My family was a ‘Christian sense out of my life,” Peter of the Lord were on him all often held up as being in values’ family,” Peter shares. explains. “It was a life full his life, and how God loved con ict. “But we never went to church. of good things, good health, and kept him from harm ever A great fi gure and a giant I grew up without any knowl- fi nancial success, and wanting since he was a small child in in Church history, William edge of Jesus in my life.” for nothing. Holland. Booth, who started the Later the family doctor “I told the pastor, ‘I don’t “God has blessed me with a Salvation Army, sought to warned Peter’s mother, tell- understand why I need this wonderful marriage of almost hold these two attitudes in ing her to take Peter to the ‘God-thing’ in my life’. He 49 years now, two fi ne chil- tension. These attitudes are “Boeren” – the rural farm- smiled at me and said, ‘Let’s dren and two beautiful grand- to be done in the context of The church in Vlachtwedde where Peter, his sisters ers – as he would not survive ask God and say the sinner’s children,” Peter says. “I attend someone who is already a and their parents found Jesus during WWII. without better nourishment. prayer.’ a wonderful church fi lled with believer in Jesus; a Christian. At this point, the family Dutch church in Vlachtwedde It would have crashed into “I immediately balked at loving, devoted Christians and He said… decided to escape Amsterdam Den Harpel. their farm but lifted up and this idea, thinking, ‘Oh no, not I thank and praise God every “Work as if everything and walk north in the country “They were wonderful peo- over at the last second. that silly kiddie prayer.’ day for His love and guidance depended upon your work, to fi nd food in the rural com- ple,” Peter remembers with a “We blessed that wonderful “I didn’t want to hurt his in my life. and pray as if everything munities. Being illegal refu- smile. “They found us billets, pilot in control for missing us feelings, though, so we stood “It is with peace in my heart depended upon your gees without travel permits, it work for Mum and Dad, and that night. Later we learned aside in church and said the that I thank Him every day for prayer.” took them six days and nights did much more. These loving, there was NO pilot or crew words with feeling, together. His Grace [undeserved love] to There is great wisdom in to arrive at their planned caring Christian people saved aboard … they all bailed out “That was the moment me, a sinner.” ● those words. ● destination, which was a local our lives until the war ended.” safely and spent the rest of the In 1945, the war was coming war as POWs.” to an end and many miracles Four years later, they were happening. Early one arrived on a WW2 migrant evening, everyone was outside ship in Melbourne, Australia. watching the searchlights, fi re However, “it never occurred ARE YOU THERE, GOD? and bombing sounds com- to our family to give thanks to ing from the Allies at a great the Lord,” Peter states sadly. BY MAX LUCADO distance. “We simply accepted our good “Suddenly a blazing fortune as coincidence.” ONCE there was a man who dared God to speak. British Lancaster bomber Many years later, after Peter “Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God and I will follow. came straight for us!” Peter had grown up and fi nished his Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God and I will exclaims. “It was at treetop travels, he settled in South fi ght. height with four propeller Africa where he married his Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God and I will listen.” motors screaming and afl ame wife. And so the man went and sat by a bush, near a wall close to from end to end. I remember “Over the years, we met the sea and waited for God to speak. the terror of the situation.” many wonderful Christian And God heard the man, so God answered. friends in Africa and were He sent fi re, not for the bush, but for a church. involved with much church He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin. activity as a young family,” He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of a soul. he says. “We have wonderful And God waited for the man to respond. Delivery Address: We are looking forward memories of the era right up to And he waited ... PSSM Mailbox Club to hearing from you! WWW.CHALLENGENEWS.ORG the 80s when we moved back And waited ... PO Box 357 (07) 5433 1628 Testimonies Children’s pages to Australia. And waited ... Morayfi eld 4506 [email protected] Lifestyle articles Sports But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; Published 11 months of the year by Challenge “I would come along to Queensland pssm.com.au Literature Fellowship (ABN 98 206 125 814) church regularly as a moral bricks, not lives; seas and not souls, he decided that God had in association with the international family of Challenge newspapers. support gesture, but was done nothing. Editor: Carl Carmody. Staff writers: Jody Bennett, Ainsley Gaebler. bored by it all,” he admits. “I Finally he looked at God and asked, “Have you lost your PRICING never took part in prayer or power?” https://au.challenge.news/pricing/ accepted the Lord. I honestly And God looked at him and said, “Have you lost your Order Challenge from Challenge Literature Fellowship believed my success in life hearing?” PO Box 978 Cloverdale WA 6985 Call 08 9453 3311 was due to my own perceived From A Gentle Thunder : Hearing God Through the Storm Email: [email protected] Edition 415 9 FFromrom ssickbedickbed ttoo sstardomtardom Singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle now has the world at her feet, but a few years ago she was ill and housebound.

alented Lauren Daigle has ren found herself at a turning point, her beloved grandfather fell termi- seemingly come out of where she decided to surrender her nally ill. Devastated, Lauren imme- nowhere in the last few years dreams to the Lord. diately went home. Her grandfather to rock the music industry After her American Idol stint, passed away fi ve days later. with a new spin on contem- Lauren enrolled at Louisiana State Laurens explains that her song, poraryT Christian music. Univeristy (LSU) to pursue a degree Trust in You was written during that The beautiful 26 year old has won in Child and Family Studies. But time of tremendous loss and grief. two Billboard Music awards, an her dream of pointing others to “My grandfather was one of the American Music award and fi ve Dove hope through music remained on most infl uential men in my life,” Lau- Awards for her powerful vocals and her heart, so she continued to sing ren recalls. “He was the fi rst person inspiring lyrics, even performing on throughout college, even leading the really close to me that I had lost. [The American Idol. student choir. song] is about trusting that the Lord But just a few months after being While still a student at LSU, a local is going to be there for you.” nominated for a Grammy Award, band asked Lauren to sing back- Lauren eventually returned to Lauren reveals the challenging path ground vocals on an EP they were Nashville and her career continued to that led to her rise to stardom. recording. When Centricity Music take off. Her full-length album, How “I grew up in Lafayette, Louisi- heard the track, they reached out can it Be was released in April 14, ana, emersed in an environment of to Lauren, inviting her to an “artist 2015, debuting at number one on the zydeco, blues, and Cajun music,” retreat” in Washington as a solo art- Billboard Christian Albums Chart. Lauren says. “As far back as I can ist. When another band’s lead singer Lauren’s life is a beautiful picture remember, I was constantly singing. was suddenly called away with an of what happens when you entrust My brother used to cry to my Mom, emergency, Lauren was asked to fi ll your plans to the Lord. ‘Please make her stop. I cannot hear in his place. “Proverbs 16:9 says, ‘The mind Celine Dion anymore!’” “I had fully entrusted my dreams to of man plans his way, but the Lord Lauren shares that her parents the Lord, and now I found myself on directs his steps.’ were very supportive of her gift, being centre stage,” she says happily. “God “I’m standing in amazement of big fans of Christian music. They took care of the rest.” God,” Lauren concludes. “I have taught their daughter to seek God in In 2013, God’s plans for Lauren held dearly to this verse ever since I all of her endeavours. fi nally came into fruition, and the was a little girl. I am so humbled, so Lauren was convinced that the young singer signed with Centricity honoured, so thankful that He has Lord wanted her to sing, but at only Music. directed my steps along this journey. Recording artist Lauren Daigle arrives at the 52nd Academy Of 15 years old, tragedy struck. But upon moving to Nashville, her He alone has brought me to places I Country Music Awards on April 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I was diagnosed with a debilitating album’s project came to a halt when could only dream of.” ● (Photo Allen Berezovsky/WireImage for Fashion Media ) virus,” Lauren explains. “I was placed on homebound rest for two years with an immune defi ciency. It’s funny how God sets things up, as I was super- busy. I was in high school running all over the place and God stopped me – He stopped me in my tracks.” Addvicevice fromfrom a mmanan wwithoutithout aarmsrms Those last two years of high school were painfully isolating for the joyful, BY DANIEL RITCHIE taken your time to make me just bubbly, outgoing teenager, forcing like I am. I am not an accident or her to let go of her dream of getting eirdo.” “Gross.” “Freak.” a genetic mutation. I am, by all involved with Christian mission Those are words I’ve accounts, different by design. work. had spoken to me over God didn’t offer up an “Oops” “It was during that season when the past few years at when He made me. Everything I truly began to know God and His “W restaurants. All of them, directed at went according to plan and when character,” Lauren shares. “He gave me, not because I was doing anything He formed me, He saw His work me hope the entire time; that I wasn’t offensive, mind you. No, I was being as wonderful. And it was in that going through this for any reason. shamed because I was eating. The issue moment that I began to see it as God was setting me up for something is … that I don’t eat like everyone else. wonderful, as well. My sense of and I needed to stay focused. I eat with my feet. self-worth, value and identity “So every morning I would get up I also drive with my feet and brush my shifted. and read the Bible, doing the same teeth with my feet. I was no longer who people said every night before bed,” she contin- I do everything with my feet because I was. I was who God said I was. ues. “The Word was fi lling me up I was born without arms. But, that It was at this time that some- so much during a time when I was doesn’t limit me. By God’s grace, I’ve thing even more amazing hap- completely alone. God affi rmed me been able to live a full life that has pened. I began to see others as and who I was in Him! included graduating college, marrying wonderful, too. What was true Daniel Ritchie affi rms: “I am diff erent by God’s design.” “I was baptized [immersed in water my best friend Heather, raising two of me, was true of them —regard- as an outward sign of commitment beautiful kids and serving in the church less of how different they may be. to Christ] as a little girl, raised in for over a decade. The way I’ve lived my life isn’t fend off a rude kid at Disney World — the happiest African-American or Hispanic, liberal or conserva- the church, and a part of a Christian much different than anyone else. place on earth. And then there was the time my tive, Christian or not. Arms or armless. Each and family … but it changed from that to Well, from my perspective, at least. parents and I were asked to leave a restaurant every life has God-given value that I must acknowl- God being MY source, MY Saviour.” The issue comes from the fact that the outside because I was eating with my feet. edge. But, it doesn’t stop there. I’m commanded Ultimately, the Lord would turn world sees me as “different.” It is that label that The weight of being different became more than to love them. everything around – like only He can I’ve worn for 33 years. And it can be a lonely badge I could bear as I grew into my teenage years. The That change in my perspective, the realization of do – and use a torturous season for to wear, because I don’t have words of others began to warp my per- that truth, has altered the scope of my entire life. His glory and for Lauren’s good. a tribe to call my own. I can ception of the value of my life. I felt like And I believe it’s only that perspective that can Lauren found herself turning to count on one foot the number damaged goods, broken and unlovable. change how we relate to one another in our increas- worship and began singing at her of people I’ve met face to face “GOD DIDN’T Isolation and darkness were beginning ingly hostile and divided culture —a culture where local church, knowing that one day who were born without both OFFER UP AN to sweep over me. I started to hate many demand that their differences are celebrated, she would become a singer. arms. So, that reality made myself and other people. but are offended by the different ethnicities or Lauren was convinced by her par- being armless an isolating ‘OOPS’ WHEN It was in this time of loneliness and political ideologies of others. In that place, we ents to try out for American Idol in proposition. I had very, very HE MADE ME” negativity that I came across a Psalm have to see people fi rst as God sees them. We have 2010, but she was cut before the fi nal few people in my life who in the Bible that would change my to approach them in love and with an understand- 24 contestants. She made it to the knew exactly what I was going perspective and my life. It was Psalm ing of their worth, before we can engage them in Hollywood round in 2012 but was cut through. 139, where King David praises God for cultural dialogue. in the fi rst Las Vegas round. So, I was different and I forming him while he was still in his In this, there can be no compromise. The competition’s exhausting knew it. But the problem came when others wanted mother’s womb. In verse 14, he says, “I praise you, Different was His design. Not a call to arms. ● audition process was the catalyst to let me know. I remember coming home from a for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonder- God used to bring clarity to Lauren’s trip to the grocery store with my mom at seven ful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Daniel Ritchie is a speaker and writer from Huntersville, North life. Surrounded by people fi ghting Carolina. He is a husband and father of two. His fi rst book, My years old, in tears because someone had said insult- I sat in my room and let that verse wash over A iction for His Glory (Kirkdale Press) released in April. He also writes to climb the ladder of success, Lau- ing things to me. There was the time that I had to me. Wonderful are your works God. You have at www.danielritchie.org and tweets at @DanielRitchie. 10 Edition 415 Believe it BBornorn toto ccommunicateommunicate or not The astonishing rise of a new language in 500 deaf children gives Brain size us insights into the gift of language in our first parents. does not BY KEVIN MAY making sounds without meaning as Kegl, a behavioural he explores the possibilities of what neuroscientist at determine anguage—its use is the most he can do. Words begin to come one Rutgers, described important thing that sets at a time (typically ‘Mum’, ‘Dad’, ‘car’ it as ‘the fi rst docu- ability humans apart from other mam- etc.), then in basic clauses (like ‘want mented case of the mals. We are able to express all drink’), and then in sentences. No birth of a language.’ L BY CREATION MINISTRIES kinds of ideas and feelings besides matter how complex is the grammar She continued, talking about material objects, and of the mother tongue, the child learns ‘Little kids about INTERNATIONAL can discuss hypothetical matters as it and uses it. By about age fi ve he the age of three or NOTED linguist William Foley well as realities past, present and knows all the signifi cant grammatical four got exposed future. patterns, even though his vocabulary to that make- claims that language developed People have experimented with is quite small. Vocab grows by leaps shift pidgin and when brain size in the evolving certain animals and birds, teaching and bounds after that, so that by the absorbed it. And then, by virtue expressions for it, like ‘pass away’, or ‘go humans took an upward 1 them to respond to certain words. time he is a teenager he is learning of their own language-generation to heaven’. leap. As brains grew larger, For example, chimpanzees have been new words at a fantastic rate. This capability, they came out with a The text gives us no hint that Adam their complexity of neural taught to use sign language express- ability to pick up language is itself full-fledged language.’ This sign did not comprehend it. Even if he did not connections became very much ing a limited range of concepts. But evidence of an innate drive to com- language had no precedent. In our understand its full signifi cance and hor- greater and language became no animal has ever displayed lan- municate. But there’s more. own culture, sign language has been ror, he must have known that it was a bad possible. guage ability coming anywhere close When children grow up in an handed down from one generation thing. God could have explained it as He But really it is not brain size to that of their teachers. 1 We are truly environment of deafness, the inner to another, but these children had talked with Adam in the garden. But we that matters, but how that brain ‘wondrously made’. compulsion to communicate can no such background. Their language must conclude that he knew the meaning is organized.ed. LANGUAGE IS PART be seen more clearly, was entirely of their own of the word that God used even before he Brain sizee OF BEING HUMAN because it can be done making. ‘There is noth- had experienced what it signifi ed.8 in humans even without spoken ing that they could have Language was an important part of the Language is an essential part of HUMAN ranges human existence. It makes us unique words. If the child is used as a model’, says reason why we read in Genesis 2:20 that, widely, in the animal kingdom. How then did deaf, and the parents use LANGUAGE Kegl. ‘It’s clear evidence before Eve was created, Adam found no typically humans acquire language? sign language, the child of an innate language partner suitable for himself among all somewheree ABILITY IS 7 Is it a learned ability, made pos- quickly learns to express capacity.’ the animals. They couldn’t talk to him! between 1040 ml himself in sign language Adam needed a partner who could com- sible by evolutionary development INNATE Adam had language and 1595 ml.2 Even though too. If the parents are from the very beginning municate fully with him, as well as being from primitive hoots and grunts, or brain size tends to correlate deaf, the child will learn one with whom he could raise a family. an innate and essential part of being The first humans, with body size, it would be just the same; and if his Adam and Eve, had the So God gave him Eve, and he recognised human? Philosophers and linguists simplistic and false to say that have debated this question for ages, own hearing is intact, he will also ability to communicate with each that she was just right for him (Genesis a large person with a 1500 ml especially since Charles Darwin learn to speak fl uently and naturally other (and God) from the outset, 2:23). God knew what was best for Adam, brain should be nearly twice as popularized the theory of evolution. through his contact with other peo- using language. This includes the and gave it to him freely—just as He does intelligent as a pygmy with a Many experts, unwilling to con- ple. In effect he becomes bilingual, mental ability (and desire) to com- today for all who depend on Him. ● 900 ml brain! template the existence of a creator, because sign language is a true lan- municate, the physical means to References and notes People of all body sizes have have sought to explain the develop- guage with recognizable grammatical produce speech sounds, the ability to 1. For example, recursiveness—concepts within con- ment and use of language by natu- and syntactic4 structure, only using hear them, and the mental ability to cepts, e.g. ‘I told you to read this article’. A child can potentially the same mental hand gestures and facial expressions understand; no chimp ever could, regardless of the abilities, simply because they ralistic means. So they tell us that process the sounds and connect them sign vocabulary used. A child can also put himself as man evolved he developed a vocal instead of sounds. So the desire and with the concepts they represent. into another’s mind. See Cosner, L., Monkeying are human. It’s true that some tract of the right shape to produce ability to communicate via language Since they had no experience of many around with the origins of language, August 2006; have a higher IQ than others. www.creation.com/monkeying. various speech sounds, and that as is there, with or without actual speech of the words that God used, much of That’s part of the ordinary 5 2. Chomsky is famous for developing the method his brain became bigger he developed ability. their vocabulary may have been pre- of analysis of grammatical patterns known as variability between individuals. the ability to control and use his vocal THE DEAF CHILDREN programmed, rather than acquired. ‘transformational grammar’, which was based But IQ does not correlate with particularly on the patterns of English. It has not 3 tract for communication. Initially, we OF NICARAGUA When God fi rst created Adam He always been fruitful in the  eld for analyzing other the physical size of the brain. ● are told, he used grunts and hoots languages. But it seems he got the innateness of A particularly striking example of said several things to him such as, References language right. to express himself, and over a long this is to be seen in the experience ‘You may eat freely the fruit from any period he refi ned these into what we 3. See Sarfati, J., Refuting Evolution 2, chap. 12, Master 1. Foley, W., Anthropological Linguistics: of some deaf children in Nicaragua, tree in the garden, but you shall not Books, Arkansas, USA, 2004. An Introduction, Blackwell Publishers, today call spoken language. 6 reported by Peter Radetsky. Around eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge 4. Syntax = the patterns by which words are formed Oxford, UK, p. 60, 1997. The famous 20th century linguist 500 such children came together for of good and evil, for in the day that into phrases and sentences in a given language. 2. 90% range. Extremes for normal Noam Chomsky (not a creationist) the fi rst time in schools for the deaf, you eat of it you shall surely die.’ 5. Sign language in deaf people uses the same areas humans approx. 900–2,000 ml. See Lubenow, M., Bones of Contention, tried to fi nd an explanation for lan- Unless Adam had been given some of the brain as hearing people do for spoken established in 1980. Until that time language. BakerBooks, Michigan, USA, p. 138, guage. He concluded, taking a stand 1992. they had had no established form of prior understanding of the meaning 6. Radetsky, P., Silence, signs and wonder, Discover against many of his contemporar- sign language. They had been living of the words, and the grammatical magazine, 15(8):60–68, August 1994. 3. Eg. Skoyles, J.R. and Sagan, D., Up from ies, that human language ability is in scattered parts of the country, patterns in which they were used, 7. Quoted by Radetsky, ref. 6. dragons: The evolution of human 2 intelligence, McGraw–Hill, New York, innate. Today we have more evi- communicating with hearing rela- God’s communication to him would 8. After all, Adam knew what ‘not’ meant, although p. 239, 2002, refers to a woman with dence to back up this claim.3 tives by gestures. Yet each child’s set not have worked. he hadn’t experienced a ‘not’—cf. Sarfati, J., Refut- a brain size of 760 ml and a normal IQ. ing Compromise, Master Books, Arkansas, USA, p. CHILDREN READILY of gestures had little in common with But Adam had not yet seen a crea- 223, 2004. LEARN LANGUAGE another’s. ture die, because death only began Watching a young child learning But when they came together in when Adam sinned (Romans 5:12). to talk is fascinating. At fi rst a child the schools, they quickly developed What then would he have understood can’t say anything. But after months a form of sign language between by the word ‘die’? We today are all of hearing his parents and others themselves. At fi rst it was rudimen- too familiar with the meaning of talking around him and to him, he tary, but before long it became a ‘die’, because we see death around us begins to say words that are intel- regular language with characteristic frequently. We are so uncomfortable ligible. For a time he will babble, rules of grammar and syntax. Judy about it that we use other, less stark Edition 415 11  Ask Y CAN YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M SAYING?? Peter Meadows answers your BY ROB FURLONG not purely dependent on your own are worthless,ss, especiallyespecially inin a conversation,conversation, eitheithere because bias but also on the way in which the if they were raised in a I am excited and engaengaged about questions about God. ast month we spoke about author has chosen to communicate home wheree they were thethe discussiondiscussion oror becausebecaus I am so becoming better listeners but the message. constantly familiarfamiliar with the subjectsubjec I neglect “If Jesus was so good how as I have refl ected on that, it There is nothing more frustrating told they to “fi ll in the blanks!” come He was executed?” Lhas occurred to me that we than trying to be a good listener but were dumb. I have discovered however,howe that if should also address the other side having the person you are speaking A better I do not taketake thethe timetime to fi ll in these of the equation: becoming a better with being unclear or vague about way to sayy itit blanks then the listener willw do it for ou are so right. Jesus was communicator! what they are saying. might be too ask, “Do meme – and not always with a desirable ‘good’ – although that has to In fact, being a good communicator Here are some things I have found you think thatat is wise?”wise?” outcome!outcome! be the greatest understate- is just as important as being a good that help me to communicate more The book ofof Prov-Prov- SpeechSpeech with gaps is lazylazy speech – Yment of all time. listener. clearly. erbs constantlystantly don’t keepkeep peoplepeople secondsecond guessing So how come He was strung To illustrate this, read the sentence encourages us to youyou in your communication!commun up like a common criminal? The Choose words carefully. answer – amazing as it must sound below and see what comes to your We all know the power that words choose our wordswords Tell it mind – GODISNOWHERE! carefully: “Like straightforwardly.straightfo – is that this was God’s plan from have and we have all been on the the start. Look closely and you will see that receiving end of cutting statements apples of goldgold in If you haveh a con- this can be read as either “God is settings off silver cern or a compli- You see, Jesus did not stumble that were designed to (and succeeded onto the stage of history. The nowhere!” or “God is now here!” in) hurting us deeply. is a word spokenpoken in ment,ment, thenthe be hon- Exactly the same words with two right circumstances”mstances” est and loving in script had already been written – However, there are times when we with Him as the central character. entirely different meanings and the intend to say something but inadvert- is good, practicalctical adviceadvice theth way you way in which you perceive them is on communicatingunicating express Jesus was to be the kingpin of ently caused the listener emotional God’s rescue plan. The One who pain simply because we used the carefully. it. Think carefully before you A relative of mine had a habit of would deliver us all from the mess wrong word. we have created. Think of a simple phrase like, speak. saying, “You can go off people you This is closely allied with the know!” when you did something that The Jewish scriptures had been “You’re being really stupid!” promising such a deliverer for Perhaps what the person is doing advice above and it is an encour- displeased them. agement for us to not The hint conveyed to the hundreds of years. They made or saying is foolish, but the mere clear statements – prophecies – use of the word “stupid” may also say simply the first perpetrator rarely worked thought or response though. recorded centuries before Jesus suggest to them that you think they was ever born. This included that comes into our FAR Far better to be honest heads. and straightforward with speci c details about the One Proverbs reminds us BETTER TO people when we are sharing who would come as the deliverer, that, “Reckless words our desires, compliments, such as: BE HONEST ♦ How can I become pierce like the sword, concerns or joys instead of He would be born in Bethlehem but the tongue of the ... WITH leaving them with thinking, and of a virgin. ♦ wise brings healing.” PEOPLE “I know there was a mes- He would be betrayed by a a Christian? When I take the sage in there for me, but I friend and sold for 30 pieces of time to stop and think am not quite sure what it silver. ♦ Anyone can gain the eternal life off ered though Jesus Christ before I speak, I fi nd was!” He would be struck and spat on. ♦ We read in God’s word: “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that I am able to convey my mean- Good listening and clear com- His hands and His feet would be that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16) ing in a way that is both clear and munication grows as we break out pierced – and so would His side life giving. of old habits and develop fresh, – but not a single bone would be OUR Separation from God Take time to fi ll in the gaps. positive ones by making a few simple broken. ♦ PROBLEM: “Everyone has sinned. Nobody is good enough because Sometimes I fi nd myself leaving changes. The soldiers would throw dice for God’s standards are perfect” (Romans 3:23) ADMIT His clothes. out important pieces of information It seems pretty clear to me! ● ♦ He would be buried in a rich GOD’S Jesus died on the cross man’s grave – and then rise from REMEDY / “God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we BELIEVE the dead. SOLUTION: were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) Imagine the odds for any one Trust Jesus by receiving Him person living a life that matched h e a P r t even a few of these prophecies. “To all who received Him, to those who believed in T eerr ’’ss n A P ffoo thatha ...... OUR His name, He gave the right to become children Yet Jesus ful lled them all. Without RESPONSE: of God” (John 1:12) COMMIT doubt He was THE one. God took all that trouble Here is an example of how you can pray. because of what the death of Jesus was designed to accomplish. He Dear Father in Heaven. I come to you now because I want to be saved. Please, forgive me of my sins. I believe that you sent your Son Jesus Christ to was to die as a sacri ce to pay the die for me and that you have raised him from the dead. I now ask Jesus Christ debt all of us owe to God for failing to come into my life as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Please to live His way. make me the person You created me to be. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen The Bible says that at midday the sky went black – as black as The Lord Jesus says: “I tell you the truth. Everyone who believes in me has eternal life.” (John 6:47). He gives life of a wonderful quality that continues forever. midnight. Sources outside the Bible con rm this. AS A NEXT STEP : WITH THE THREAT of cyberbully- ing, sexual grooming, sexting and teen Again this had been foretold. If you prayed If you have NOT prayed suicide brought almost daily to our Over 800 years earlier, a Jewish the above prayer, the prayer at this prophet, Amos, wrote that God tick this box stage, tick this box attention by the media, concerned par- ents of tech-savvy kids may feel they would “make the sun go down at noon and make the earth dark in I have prayed I would like to need a little help to keep their offspring broad daylight”. this prayer. think about this. safe navigating the digital world. Enter Bark, the app that passes all The darkness signi ed what was Please send me: Please send me: your kids texts, emails and posts (received and sent) through an algorithm taking place. Jesus – the innocent Bible More information as I am inquiring and sends you an alert if it detects inappropriate language, sexual content or one – was being killed by dark about being a Christian. Some ‘starting off ’ literature even signs of depression and suicidal tendencies. And apparently it is more forces of evil. He was dying not for I have a problem (see att ached lett er) Information on a helpful church sophisticated than just looking for key words or phrases, using “advanced His sins, but for ours. machine learning and data science techniques”. He made our forgiveness possible, so that we can have * Please tick and write clearly * It doesn’t give parents the ability to see everything, so your child’s privacy remains intact; it just fl ags concerning content. It also recommends ways of access to God. Name ______handling the situation when something untoward is detected. But, of course, that calls for a response from us. Are we willing to Address ______It can monitor text messages, emails and 24 different social media networks. It is also unobtrusive, not interfering with your child’s use of their device in admit we need God’s forgiveness? Phone ______any way. Peter Meadows is co-author of The Book of Bark is available on a 7-day free trial and after that costs $9/month for Y, the basics for the Y Course that explores Age and occupation (it helps) ______life’s biggest questions. If you have a question a family with unlimited devices. There are no lock-in contracts, so you can about faith or God, Peter will do his best cancel at any time. It can be used on Chromebooks, which many teens now Challenge Literature Fellowship Fax (08) 9453 3006 or email to answer it. Write to: goodnewseditor@ have for school, as well as all Android, iOS and Amazon mobiles and devices. ntlworld.com with ASK Y in the subject line, PO Box 978, Cloverdale WA 6985 [email protected] The perfect solution for parents and guardians who want to balance their or to: Good News Editor, PO Box 9831, All overseas enquiries are referred onto someone in their own country child’s growing independence with ongoing vigilance for their safety. ● Nottingham NG2 9JN. VVOICEOICE FORFOR THETHE VOICELESSVOICELESS PPhenomenallyhenomenally ssuccessfuluccessful WWNBANBA bbasketballasketball pplayerlayer MMayaaya Moore,Moore, nnamedamed SSportsports IIllustrated’sllustrated’s 22017017 PPerformererformer ooff tthehe YYear,ear, wantswants ttoo bbee rrememberedemembered fforor mmoreore tthanhan justjust shootingshooting hhoops.oops.

aya, drafted number one by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2011 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Mhas continued to excel, both with the Lynx and with overseas teams in Spain and China. Sports Illustrated called her the greatest winner in the history of women’s basketball, and with two collegiate titles, four WNBA championships, four Most Valuable Player awards, two World Championship gold medals and two Olympic gold medals to her name, among many other awards, it is not hard to see why. Maya has been praised not only for her playing but for the fi re, pol- ish, humility, integrity and friendli- ness she displays on court. However, her growing-up years were challenging. Maya Moore (in beige) of the Minnesota Lynx drives to the basket against Essence Carson of the Los Angeles Sparks “I grew up in a single-parent home during Game Five of the WNBA Finals on October 4, 2017 at Williams in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) in Jefferson City, Missouri,” Maya shares. “To keep me busy while she have to depend on the guidance and “I worked, played and trained “We are to be Christ’s hands and the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord cooked dinner, my Mom put up a toy stability that God provided. It was in every summer and school year and feet,” she says. “We’re called to be Christ you are serving.” basketball hoop in the living room. those years that I started to trust the ended up having a very successful loving neighbours. It might not be as “Because I am a public fi gure, By the age of eight, I realised I loved Lord and experience a relationship high school career. I played my popular, but we have to give a voice I depend daily on God to fi ll me basketball more than any other with Him as my Heavenly Father.” college basketball all the way in to the voiceless. with humility,” Maya admits. sports and that was the beginning Her mom’s career eventually sent Connecticut where the Lord blessed “It’s been a great journey living “I believe the best way I can be a of a nine-year journey of competitive them to North Carolina, then to me with some amazing coaches, and seeing the Lord’s perfect tim- role model is by living an amateur ball.” Georgia. By the eighth grade, Maya teammates, friends and mentors ing unfold, and I’m still growing. authentic, God-dependent lifestyle. Maya says that she went to church had attended four different middle through a Christian sports ministry In the big picture, God is going to Acknowledging God and His while growing up, but “I still had my schools. It was a life-altering time called Athletes in Action,” Maya do what He wants to in my life, and character is a priority and privilege struggles as usual. I knew about God in their lives, but for Maya and her recalls. “Through this support sys- He’s lined my course and given me each day He gives me. but didn’t necessarily know Him mother, the consistency and peace tem I developed greatly as a leader, so many ridiculous opportunities. “I want to be aware of how I treat intimately. I knew more about what provided by their commitment to person and disciple of Christ. It has Looking back over the last 10 years, others, not thinking too highly of was right and wrong.” Christ helped sustain them through been a challenging, exciting, and we couldn’t have timed it better than myself. To be a servant in a culture Seeking greater job opportunities, the changes. prayerful process as I navigate the He did.” that tries to place me on a throne Maya’s mother moved the waters of early adulthood. A part of Scripture that Maya has that only God should sit on. family to Atlanta when It’s been amazing to see incorporated into her life is Colos- “Through frequent prayer, diligent Maya was 12. what the Lord has done sians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, Bible study, and regularly engaging “It was a hard, lonely already, and I know He work at it with all your heart, as with other Christ-followers, my time,” Maya tells Christi- still has greater things for working for the Lord, not for human mind and heart remain convinced anity Today, remembering the future.” masters, since you know that you of His truth in a world that screams how the middle-school “Even though I’ve got a will receive an inheritance from otherwise.” ● kids mocked her 6-foot lot of awards and honours, height and her size 13 it is nothing compared to shoes. “It was really tough. what the Lord has done My mom and I were on in my life and what He’s our own together and we done for the world,” the had to fi gure out how to do 28-year-old declares. “I’m things on our own. grateful to have the plat- “We ended up using form of an elite profes- this time to seek God, sional basketball player, fi nd a church and decide and I want to do His will that God was important with my life.” to us. We started to really Maya’s mission is to use seek the Lord in a deeper her fame to help others way. When my mom got by advocating for pros- laid off from the job for ecutorial reform in the DISTRIBUTED BY: (L-R) Rich Batista, Maggie Gray, Maya Moore, which we had moved, she J.J. Watt and Bunchie Young attend the Sports American justice system had to work nights for a Illustrated 2017 Sportsperson of the Year Show and support for the less while, and that produced on December 5, 2017 in New York City. fortunate through Unicef the perfect storm for us to Kids Power. Print Post Approved 10001398. Published by Challenge Literature Fellowship (Aust.) Inc. of (Photo Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated) PO Box 978, Cloverdale WA 6985. Ph (08) 9453 3311. Email: [email protected] - Printed 8/2018