ISSUE 72 | WINTER 2014
Informed decisions Navigating the intersection of faith & politics PAGE 6
When democracy doesn’t work » 10 Suicide and activism » 12 Kenya calls » 14 Election resources » 18 canvaseditorial
CANVAS aims to inform and encourage all who are interested in reaching students for Christ, and in Clean politics thinking Christianly about their life e like things to keep things tidy, don’t we. Whether and work. It is published four times you’re watching 5-year-olds invent rules for their home- a year by TSCF. Wmade games or you’re pulling pages of instructions Canvas Issue 72 out of the box with your new blender, you see how our need for
ISSUE 72 | WINTER 2014 Winter 2014 safety in order quietly frames our world.
Informed Cover Design decisions Navigating the intersection Mara Gilmore So it’s ironic that the very institutions that keep chaos at bay are, of faith & politics PAGE 6 Illustrations themselves, often messy – families, churches and always, always Simon Fletcher, When democracy doesn’t work » 10 governments. Even in New Zealand, with our “least corrupt na- Life, death & a time to speak » 12 Kenya calls » 14 Election resources » 18 Mara Gilmore, Brittany Smith tion on earth” trophy on the mantle piece, we get a pre-election scandal-stirrer called Dirty Politics. (Granted, scandal here does is a founder member of the TSCF sound more like “she is so mean” than “and then he had them all International Fellowship of Evan- assassinated,” but dirt’s dirt.) gelical Students and serves to help students reach students for Christ As voting season approaches – the first, for many students – we nationwide by enabling them to might overreact to our disordered means of creating order. We can reach maturity in Christ, so that they understand and proclaim the skirt the mud, sidling into the voting booth holding our nose, cynically truth about Christ and serve God choosing the lesser evil. Or we can dive into the mire armed with ref- by showing his love in the student erences that clearly spell out right and wrong, enjoying the fray. world. Some of us are built for battle, and some of us are built for re- Send your thoughts, comments, questions and letters to us at flection, so political engagement takes many forms. But as Geoff [email protected] Robson writes in his helpful blog series, reworked here on page 6, we all need to start with a few biblical principles. TSCF PO Box 9672, Marion Square, These are key: God appoints leaders, and God answers prayer. Wellington 6141 If we miss the significance of human authority, we’ll also miss the +64 04 3847274 www.tscf.org.nz | [email protected] privilege of participating in a democracy. And the first and best way to participate is by praying for our leaders, which we can do
Editorial team whatever our political system. Robyn Drake, Mark Grace, Nigel Pollock, Andy Shudall, Do we expect God’s sovereignty to bring ultimate good from Maryanne Wardlaw, Joyce Yip politics’ endemic messiness? Do we believe there is only One who Design can actually transform societies from the inside out? Then our Maryanne Wardlaw hopes won’t be pinned on one leader or another, and our own ef- canvasgreen forts to encourage order and justice will grow stronger and wiser. If you would prefer to receive a PDF version of Canvas, or an email reminder when it is available Maryanne Wardlaw on the website please email Communications Manager [email protected]
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Engaged Chin Sun Jeng Yee as Mother, or more precisely as their advisor Rubee Yee’s mum. She passed Christina Shewan, Canterbury away peacefully on 23 May after a short illness. staff worker, andNathan Denmead, She was 97. Chin Sun Jeng opened her heart to CU president, will be married on many and they will miss her chuckles and smile. 24 January, 2015. Departed Married With sadness and joy we Benedict Kok, former Dunedin as- mark the departure of Simon sociate staff worker, marriedLydia Rabbidge. He has been an Lee San San in Malaysia in June. exceptional staff worker in Lin- Born coln for the past four years, doing anything and everything with various TSCF mission Ben Carswell, Wellington Team groups to see students reached for Christ and Leader, and wife Jenni welcomed changed for life. His work is having ripple effects Hannah Erin Joy into the world throughout the world. His enthusiasm and encour- on 18 August. agement have helped many students meet Jesus Died for the first time or to deepen faith in Jesus. He will be sorely missed by both students and staff. We Christine Lange, the wife of author and pastor wish him well as he transitions from staff to sup- Stuart Lange, passed away 15 August after a long porter, working on a dairy farm, knowing that God battle with cancer. will continue to use him to influence all around him For the past four decades, many international with the gospel of the good news of Jesus. students in Wellington Christian Fellowship knew – Timothy Hodge, Lincoln Team Leader
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re you committed to seeing the gospel ticular need for staff to walk alongside students in worked out in every area of life? Are Auckland, Wellington and Lincoln, and graduates Ayou excited by the challenges and op- around the country through Catalyst’s ministries. portunities that young adults face during their TEAM LEADER university years? Do you relish seeing commu- TSCF is accepting applications for the leader- nities strengthened, pennies dropping, hearts ship of the Wellington team. We are looking for growing, and fleeting opportunities grasped? At someone who can develop both staff workers TSCF, we are and we do. and student leaders, helping them build com- STAFF WORKERS munity, study the word and share the gospel.
If you have a vision to invest in the next generation Please email [email protected] for an of leaders in any region of Aotearoa New Zealand, application form and job description, or we would love to hear from you. There is a par- telephone (04) 384 7274.
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Heather Brockett has finished Churches of NZ, committed to as an associate staff worker in a 10-year stint. Gary will use his Auckland. She and her husband, science, technology and busi- Gary, met at the University of ness knowledge to help alleviate Auckland and were both in- poverty and prevent trafficking. volved in EU, as have been their Heather will work with women, children Stephen and Kelly. children and possibly students.
Heather and Gary are now in To receive their news, email Bangladesh with the Baptist them at [email protected].
Wahine Toa E tupu atu kūmara, e ohu e te anuhe. (As a alongside Nigel. Val also delivered conferences, person’s importance increases so do those recruited and trained staff, advocated for gospel who seek their favour.) integrity, pushed others to think hard, and worked to bring harmony. She also augmented Val Goold has moved on after 13 years with TSCF’s international ties with Fiji, Ecuador and TSCF to teach at Laidlaw College and to pursue India, and through her contributions at two IFES further study toward a PhD. She is a strong World Assemblies. leader, a woman of integrity, and we will miss her. Whilst on staff Val has re- connected with her own She has left a legacy behind in the lives whakapapa, personally of students and staff. From her days at working through the Victoria University as a member and a complexities of weav- leader of CU (1988-91) she motivated ing Maori and Pakeha and empowered fellow students, heritage together to- which become her trademark. ward real strength. Her Following a year on staff in Auckland, she mana has further grown moved to Wellington and became Head of through her Masters study in Student Ministries in 2003. She had previously adult education at Massey University. trained at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute and We’re thankful to God for all that Val has Laidlaw College, then worked as a teacher. Her brought to TSCF and are confident she will work for TSCF had her charging around NZ en- continue to contribute to His work in this nation couraging and strengthening staff and students. and beyond. Nigel Pollock arrived as National Director in He hono tangata e kore e motu; ka pa he early 2006 and promised “change, chaos, taura waka e motu. (Unlike a canoe rope, a clarity, complexity, community and challenge.” human bond cannot be severed.) Val ensured continuity was also present as she strengthened old and forged new relationships – Andy Shudall, Head of Strategic Development
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with students on this commuter campus. They hope to meet students and pool resources to involve them in activities across the city. Dunedin Red Frogs continues to be a fantastic opportunity to serve first-year students and have conversa- tions about spiritual matters. The Christian Medical Fellowship borrowed the Red Frogs pancake kit to serve pancakes to med students while giving out invites to a “grill a Christian” event. An encouraging Summit’s Great IFES Party inspired a variety of cultural (and not so cultural) dress. number of people responded.
Summit Partnering in Fiji For the fourth time, and last as a TSCF staff TSCF’s new annual leadership conference, worker, Simon Rabbidge joined with Students Summit, took place in Hamilton the first week International in Fiji to let Kiwi students loose in a in July. About 50 students and some graduates mission context. The team spent two weeks in July came together to hear Nigel Pollock teach from building, painting, gardening and getting to know Nehemiah and to study various aspects of being each other and those they were serving. both a disciple and a leader. Thanks to a grant from a local trust, the team in Dunedin were able “The coolest thing for me to see was not the stuff to take 10 students, including Zee Min Teo, whose getting done, but it was the change I saw in the testimony is on page 17. students while we were there,” Simon wrote in his final newsletter. “One of the highlights was our time Auckland of sharing personal testimonies in the evenings. EU and other Auckland groups are having their an- ... I could just hear how God’s love was changing nual combined retreat 5-7 September in Muriwai. situations in their lives.”
In South Auckland, MIT Christian Fellowship faces “Year after year I have seen the sites change and the challenge of most students working and many improve and I have actually been able to see the compulsory lunch-time tutorials. This semester difference two-week missions, over a long period CF has been split, with half the group moving to a of time, can do.” new campus above the Manukau City rail station. It includes a plush Muslim prayer room but nowhere for student groups. Please pray that a fellowship of students emerges who engage in a dynamic witness. Wellington Rev Ian Cook, newly appointed Chaplain at Mas- sey University, Wellington has brought together TSCF and a number of other ministries to connect Students and staff returned to Fiji in July.
canvas winter 2014 | 5 canvasfeature Informed decisions Navigating the intersection between faith & politics
hey say you’re not sup- posed to discuss politics or T religion in polite company. I’m going to boldly attempt to do both at once, even though I feel unqualified to talk about the politi- cal side of things. Don’t get me wrong, I’m interested in politics and I think it’s vitally important – even if much of what I’ve learnt about it comes from The West Wing. But it’s not my speciality. And who could ever do justice to two areas of thought that are so profound and varied?
The wonderful diversity in the Christian community means that we bring with us all kinds of pas- sions and commitments. Some- times, sadly, trivial matters can become our consuming desire, while we remain coolly indifferent to things that should put fire in our bellies.
Other times, it is just a matter of personal preference; the things that excite one person leave the next person unmoved.
Should politics capture our atten- tion, energy and imagination? Or Informed decisions Navigating the intersection between faith & politics
is it just all a matter of prefer- ence? How should we think Too often, Christians segregate about our governments, and (for their faith from other parts of life, those living in democracies) our responsibility to elect or un-elect including their political views. them? ment, all earthly governments will and design for his world. We approach this subject are instituted by God himself. He Morality cannot be legislated, with different views, different gives them power to administer but good laws set norms and passions and voting histories justice and bring order to society values, restrain evil, and over and backgrounds. I hope to be as they work for the good of time set the direction and ethos sensitive to those differences their citizens. They mediate his of a society. while outlining where as Chris- authority to the world, almost as tians – following the guidance Knowing that laws in line with though God chooses to govern and instruction we receive from God’s revealed will can bless a societies through his appointed God’s word – we can be of the society, we pray and sometimes governments. With this authority, same mind. they have the right to make and act to ensure that laws reflect God’s order. That is part of our Too often, Christians segregate enforce laws. For example, the their faith from other parts of life, government has the right to de- role as good citizens, working including their political views. But cide that there should be a bus for the good of our cities. We at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, lane outside your local shopping find our own prosperity in their in the Great Commission, Jesus centre between the hours of 3 prosperity. We should pray for says that all authority in heaven and 6pm. And even if I don’t like them, working for their better- and on earth has been given to it, they have the right to fine me ment – alongside the govern- him – he has total authority over $150 for driving in it. (Not that ment as it also seeks these every single part of our lives. I’m bitter.) things. So earthly governments are more than just legitimate in In Romans 13:1-7, we read that In a good government, laws God’s eyes; they are a good and every person is to be subject to will be made that work for the necessary gift for the ordering of the governing authorities. And good of those being governed. a good society. regardless of the human pro- As Christians, we know that cesses that lead to their appoint- the best laws will reflect God’s For those of us living under
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Just because something is legal, therefore they may be solved The gospel gives it is not necessarily right. by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of an enormous So what issues will we engage human destiny is beyond human over, and how do we go about beings.” amount of that? On many issues, there freedom for us is no “Christian” position. For Is JFK right? Of course not. example, are trade unions good The Bible, not to mention as Christians or bad? Is GST a good idea? Is our experience of watching the exploration of space worth politics in action, tells us that in all kinds of pursuing? The gospel gives an emphatically. Government can areas, including enormous amount of freedom never fix the world. Fortunately for us as Christians in all kinds of God’s plans and purposes the formation areas, including the formation of are not focused on earthly of political political convictions. governments; they are focused What about those issues where on Jesus Christ. convictions. Christians should agree, as the This means our allegiance to Bible clearly directs them to earthly governments is limited. democratically elected a particular position? In these We won’t always acquiesce governments (for which I am areas, we need to understand and agree with whatever our very thankful), it’s helpful to the difference between gospel governments say. Sometimes remember that they are still absolutes and different opinions we will agitate for change – in flawed. As Winston Churchill about tactics. Christians can the first instance, legally and famously said, “Democracy is differ on the latter, but we should respectfully disagreeing by the worst form of government not differ on the former. contacting local members, – except for all the others that For example, we agree that attending public meetings, using have been tried.” we are to be good stewards our vote judiciously or even The gospel teaches us that of God’s creation. But is a running for office ourselves. we are all fallen, limited and carbon tax the wisest way to Because God has spoken to sinful. These problems are not ensure that? We are to love our us, even the youngest Christian overcome simply because we neighbour, but is deregulation can know what is best for a all get together and agree on the best way for a society to do society in ways that the most something. In fact, they could that? We must protect the life experienced politician who doesn’t hear God can’t. be made worse. As the saying of every person made in God’s image, but is tighter gun control goes, two wolves and a sheep Another reason governments a helpful step to that end? voting on what to have for will never be our ultimate hope is dinner is democratic. Truth is not The late American President that they can only pass laws to democratically decided; truth is John F. Kennedy once said, protect people and restrain evil. reality from God’s perspective. “Our problems are man-made, Jesus changes his people from
8 | canvas winter 2014 Your most important HOW TO VOTE contribution to the political don’t ... process happens not when • Vote for someone because you’ve always you step into the ballot box; it voted that way happens on your knees. • Vote with cynicism • Vote for someone the inside out. He doesn’t way as our non-Christian just because they’re just give us an example to neighbours. But we can a Christian; this is no follow; he died to make us also pray to the God of guarantee they will be a his people and poured out the universe. Your most good politician his Spirit, giving us new important contribution to the • Vote to impose hearts so we can actually political process happens Christianity on society consider others better than not when you step into the (Romans 13; ourselves. ballot box; it happens on 1 Timothy 2) your knees. There is one final and vital • Vote superficially; look principle for our participation So pay your taxes. Be a beyond the sound bites with governments: “First good citizen. Pray for your and slogans of all, then, I urge that government. Vote wisely. • Vote selfishly supplications, prayers, Give to Caesar what is • Allow your political intercessions, and Caesar’s. But put your trust preferences to divide the thanksgivings be made for all in Jesus alone, and give body of Christ people, for kings and all who yourself and your life to God. are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and These thoughts are do ... condensed from a blog quiet life, godly and dignified • Vote as a Christian; bring series on Geoff’s website, in every way” 1 Timothy 2:1- all your gospel priorities, Every Thought Captive. 2. The focus here is on theological knowledge The full series is online at and Christ-centred prayer. Knowing God’s desire geoffrobson.com. prayers into the ballot box for governments, we are to pray for it to come about. • Vote with the sovereignty of God in mind This is the most distinctive Christian contribution to • Remember one vote distils Geoff Robson a complex process into an the political process. We Canterbury can vote, act, speak out Staff Worker overly simple decision and protest in the same • Vote for the sake of others
canvas winter 2014 | 9 canvasviews When democracy doesn’t work s another election approaches, we are encouraged to do our civic duty and vote, Corruption is the curse of Abelieving that democracy is the best form of many developing nations, government there is. brought about by a I have lived in the developing world for most of the past 15 years, in both new and established democ- subjective standard racies, and I have seen the system fail and succeed. of right and wrong. Even democratically elected politicians can use their power to escape justice, appropriate their country’s or the grave. When a head of state is chosen on party lines, there is no independent judiciary or wealth, or persecute minorities. Democratically police force so it is all too easy for a democrati- elected governments have even been overthrown cally elected government to imprison opposition by military coups. Democracy’s promise of freedom, politicians, usually on justified corruption charges. peace and prosperity is not always fulfilled. Should the opposition ever get into power, they There is far more to making democracy work than naturally return the favour, leading to desperation individual votes, secret ballots and multi-party that can turn into violence. systems. There must also be a basic standard of In New Zealand, we have a well run political ethics in the voting population, so people vote in the system that is relatively free from corruption. We interest of the whole country and not just their own. come from a Judeo-Christian culture that believes They also must expect honesty from political lead- in the value of individuals made in God’s image, ers and hold them accountable. This means taking in an absolute standard of right and wrong, and a stand against all forms of bribery and corrup- in individual accountability to God for our actions. tion. Corruption is the curse of many developing This has left a mark on our political culture. While nations, brought about by a subjective standard of biblical beliefs may be waning in society, the ben- right and wrong. efit of those values remains even where their basis is no longer acknowledged. A tradition of valuing others, which leads to politi- cal compromise, is also helpful. In a functioning But that legacy is not guaranteed for future genera- tions – our culture’s values and morals are changing. democracy, a party that is not in power is in oppo- If the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, the price of sition. However many countries have a tradition of good government is found in obedience to God’s will. single party dictatorships, where the goal of those in power is to benefit themselves and their own Andrew has worked for 15 years in Asia doing clan. Opposition politicians end up in exile, prison missions and development work.
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Reverse cynicism
t’s 2014, and apparently our votes count and structural sin that pervades all political institutions our political participation is important. A range to a greater or lesser extent. of campaigns have been launched with the aim I Instead of embodying the naked self interest and of increasing voter turnout above the paltry 74% conceit we observe within our society, our political achieved in 2011 (the lowest recorded turnout behaviour should be governed by the example since 1981). Yet, if I’m honest, my instinctive of Jesus who embodied humility (Philippians 2:1- reaction to the present election campaign tends 11). Evangelicals have a proud history of humbly towards cynicism rather than engagement. standing up for the cause of those who have been It’s hard to get excited about an election campaign marginalised, causes such as women’s suffrage, where the main highlights so far have included the right of all human beings to life, penal reform a range of cringeworthy campaign videos, racist and the abolition of slavery. jokes and creative examples of billboard vandal- Wherever we stand on the political spectrum, my ism. Our news media appear to be more enthu- hope and prayer for Christians this election is that siastic about scandals, celebrity puff pieces and we would continue this tradition of acting and clever one-liners rather than debates about public speaking for the interests of others despite the policy and ideology. current failings of our political culture.
To make matters worse, much political rhetoric Richard studies theology, brews beer, and fol- and policy inevitably targets our basest desires lows politics from Wellington. He was a TSCF such as greed, fear and selfishness. staff worker from 2011 to 2012.
But despite a gloomy political climate, as Chris- tians we are not called to cynicism but to a hope grounded in reality. Scripture calls us to pray for Richard Deeble our political leaders, to gently speak the truth to Former Wellington Staff Worker power and to participate where possible for the good of our neighbours – despite the reality of
canvas winter 2014 | 11 canvasviews Suicide and activism
olitical engagement often now euthanises children, the Netherlands euthan- mean more than casting a ises disabled babies. vote. For Renée Joubert, P How does biblical truth apply? the conflict between an interna- tional lobby group’s view of hu- Our bodies belong to God, the giver and taker man life and that of the Bible has of life. Suicide violates the Sixth Commandment. Satan, the destroyer, wants people to die without led her to trade paid work for a Renée hope and without trust in God. voluntary, national campaign. We should follow Jesus’ example and address The catalyst is a Private Members’ Bill by Labour people’s physical, psychological and spiritual MP Maryan Street, called the End-of-Life Choice needs. We have a responsibility to actively oppose Bill. She withdrew it so it would not become laws that put vulnerable people at risk. an election issue, but promised to resubmit it. She wants to legalise euthanasia by permitting As Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it, “We are not to simply doctors to administer lethal drugs. Renée joined bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels Euthanasia-Free NZ in June 2013; she and others of injustice; we are to drive a spoke into the wheel are publicising the negative implications of such a itself.” And, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: policy shift. Her passion for this cause is informed God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to by her faith and fuelled by tragedy. speak. Not to act is to act.”
What led you to be so devoted to this cause? What does action look like in this context? My best friend committed suicide during my third • Be informed and help to inform others. We are year at uni. I know first-hand that suicide leaves a on Facebook and at www.euthanasia-free.org.nz. wake of unanswered questions and pain that never • Vote for politicians who uphold life and biblical completely goes away. I believe the last thing NZ values. needs is a law that facilitates suicide! • Visit or write to your MP and ask him or her to What would passage of the bill mean? vote against this bill. It would legalise “assisted dying,” a euphemism for • Pray for our politicians. doctors giving lethal drugs to people who request assisted suicide. This bill puts everyone who feels In addition to Renée’s suggestions, you can give to organisations that rely on donations to help overwhelmed, lonely, grieving or depressed at risk. people or promote just policies, or volunteer your Overseas experience shows that assisted suicide time and talents. Renée herself is donating her doesn’t affect only those who “choose to die.” It time as Executive Director until Euthanasia-Free endangers society. The elderly and disabled expe- NZ has the resources to support staff. rience pressure to request death. If you or anyone you know is thinking about Euthanasia laws inevitably gets widened: Belgium suicide, please phone Lifeline at 0800 543 354.
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Calling out students
n university there are all types of pressures. Finding yourself amidst new ideas and theories We need to involve God Ican be especially challenging for Christians as in everything we do, and we are challenged to think outside a comfortable bubble and really affirm the faith we have. Ideally, yes, this includes voting. we learn that our faith should encompass every voting is a time for Christians to put that into aspect of our lives. action. Some students have realised this and are As voting season has arrived, we learn that it needs actively involved in clubs and parties. Some inde- to be present in our political engagements as well. pendently voice their opinions and let God’s Word Students can see this new responsibility to vote as inform issues we face. Others research politicians a blessing or a curse. One pitfall for a student fresh and meticulously decide who they will support to the political world is basing opinions on a speech while some research … well, not so meticulously, that a politician has crafted to be pleasing to the ear. but with good intentions. Another is basing political views on what the major- We need to bring glory to God in every way pos- ity thinks, just to go with the flow. Other students sible. I encourage students to engage with politics. may be disinterested and become apathetic – as so You now have a voice. When you get ready to many people are towards politics. vote, remember the issues that are on God’s heart. Our society stresses a separation of religious views and political issues. But what does the Bible teach? We need to involve God in everything we do, and yes, this includes voting. Democracies Brittany Smith University of Auckland student give a voice to everyone. As Christians, we have views on what God decides is best for society;
canvas winter 2014 | 13 canvasworld Kenya calls
t’s an overcast winter’s morning in Nairobi. The traffic is heavy, thousands of people are walking Ito work. Steve Maina, a Kenyan and the Na- tional Director of the New Zealand Church Mission- ary Society, accompanies me to the national office of the Kenyan student movement, FOCUS.
FOCUS has 43,000 students resourced by 23 hardworking staff and a small but growing number “I love to see students transformed of graduates. Many graduates struggle with unem- progressively to become faithful and ployment and under-employment. Because of that, effective witnesses in and out of and other challenges, only 400 graduates support the work financially. This is unsustainable. campus, and become salt and light wherever the Lord locates them.” The Kenyan student and graduate movement has a huge focus on missions. About 7000 students – Simon Masibo, FOCUS General Secretary attended the last Commission, their missions conference, and 700 committed themselves to women are doing with what they have. cross-cultural mission. The movement has been I asked what the critical needs are. The team sending missionaries to Uganda, Tanzania and is looking for someone with ministry, marketing Rawanda, and played a critical role in establishing technology and database management skills. They a gospel witness in Eritrea. also want to engage young graduates and invite Jacinta was a student leader and then a FOCUS them to invest in the work financially. intern for two years before being employed by the Steve Mania pointed out that Kenya doesn’t need Ministry of Agriculture. She is now the Associates an influx of Kiwi missionaries but it does need Ki- (graduate) Ministry Director. Jacinta said that they wis with key skills to take up critical roles. I believe focus on impacting Kenyan society, through stu- this is one of these roles. It will enable the move- dents and graduates, by running a year-long lead- ment to see more students come to faith in Christ, ership development program. They want trained, more graduates impact Kenyan society, and more mature Christian leaders to influence church and students and graduates sent as missionaries society, disciple students on campus, and become throughout Africa and across the world. involved in society – particularly in social is- sues. Since 1992, more than 300 have completed If you’d like to know more about this role, contact the programme and 90 have completed the com- Steve Maina at [email protected] or visit munity development programme. focuskenya.org.
I was deeply moved at what these men and Mark Grace is TSCF’s Catalyst Team Leader.
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LIFE OF A GRADUATE: Finding a place for the heart
few months ago, I saw a boutique adver- hunting. I left in April, in a rush, for a job interview tisement in the Meridian Mall that wrote, “It’s in Auckland. Leaving Dunedin was heartbreaking; A like Dunedin: only a few get it, but those I cried so badly on the plane that a flight attendant who do, absolutely love it.” had to ask if I was okay!
I am one of the few. Although I was physically where I should be, my heart was left with a void. It does not seem to be At your first encounter, Dunedin is like your ordi- fully satisfied anywhere on earth. I have lived in nary Joe – not particularly handsome, not particu- three countries and backpacked through more larly anything. But as time goes by, you find that than ten. Each place captures my heart and takes he has an astonishingly beautiful heart with hidden a piece of it away when I leave. Some take a big- treasures. He has character. His tastiness reveals ger portion, like Dunedin. like a good wine. He is pleasant despite dramatic mood swings at times. Where does my heart belong? How do you know where you should be? Perhaps there is a simple I recently graduated from the University of Otago, a answer. No matter where I go, my heart will always place I called “home” for three years. There, in the have a hole that yearns for somewhere more petite Scottish town, this city girl from Hong Kong glorious; an eternal home where my citizenship is, fell in love with its simplicity, nature, and people. a court in the Father’s house where I was fearfully There, I made two of my best decisions ever: join- and wonderfully designed. ing Elim church and TSCF. They provided me with a family in this home-away-from-home. I began to I had no clue what my adventure would look like understand what being a disciple of Christ means. in Auckland. But until I get to where my heart truly They equipped me with sound biblical knowledge, belongs, I will take steps of faith as God leads picked me up in times of adversity, and blessed down in the Kiwiland. me with lifelong friendships. Joyce Yip studied communications, theology Unfortunately, Dunedin is not the best place for job and French at Otago, and is now exploring her place in the world as a graduate. She will be sharing her transition journey with Canvas.
Joyce during her time in France and (lower right of inset) with her TSCF family in Dunedin. canvas winter 2014 | 15 canvasregional
Celebrating Auckland
ne man from a Muslim nation joined others Stephen Turner, associate staff, meets with about at the international café run by St Paul’s, 30 students for Bible study and chat each week. OSymonds Street. Jeff Pelz, who is partnering They’re from all over Auckland and all over the world. there with his wife Jane, began a conversation with Michael Drake works within the chaplaincy at MIT him about New Zealand, the challenges of being in South Auckland, also as associate staff, sup- away from homeland and culture and, inevita- porting small groups of students and taking up bly, faith. The man’s openness to talk about and amazing opportunities with individuals. discover more of the truth of Jesus is breathtaking – in his home city, this conversation could cost him I sat in one of the Auckland University cafés with and the Pelzes their lives. two students, training them and talking about how they can lead others in Bible study. They’re inviting Elsewhere in Auckland, Jeff and Annette Lane are Christian and non-Christian friends to sit with them seeing equally exciting opportunities with students under God’s word and have their lives transformed. from East Asia. I look around and see students from other TSCF A student from China who joined others in a campus groups as well as staff from other Christian minis- meeting said, “I am not a Christian, but I am very tries sitting around tables talking about Christ and interested in Jesus. Is it okay for me to continue to commending faith and faithfulness on campus. come?” She is more than welcome and has started God’s work in this city is worth celebrating – it pro- reading the Bible one-to-one with Robyn Drake. vokes awe and wonder in worship. There’s much May Lee, who worked alongside TSCF this year as more to be said; praise God for all he’s doing! an intern and now as an associate staff worker, is meeting with various students at AUT in the city as well as Auckland University. May has come from Andy Shudall Korea, like other students from all over the world Auckland Team Leader seeking further education, and is helping them & Head of Strategic discover more about Jesus. She is currently raising Development funds so that she can join the staff team full time.
In Albany, at Massey University, a group that We invite you to “Celebrate Auckland” with us on 23 September, 7:30pm at the Auckland struggled for years has blossomed in the last two. Baptist Tabernacle on Queen Street. Refreshments and free parking will be 16 | canvas winter 2014 provided. Please RSVP to [email protected]. canvasstoriesofchange One year, two paths
ee Min Teo arrived in New become more humble. Zealand last July. She came It has also given her a deeper from Malaysia, following a Z relationship with her sister, who had stint in the workplace, to pursue a become a Christian six years earlier Bachelor of Commerce. – also at university. She works as a Back home, she said, she was a doctor in Malaysia. “typical working person” whose life “Now when we Skype, we will end revolved around career. The focus up with prayer,” Zee Min said. “This is on achievement remained with her quite different!” when she enrolled at the University of Zee Min Teo Otago, dedicating most of her time to Her faith met an early challenge Friends have her studies. when a friend from church – who is also a Christian from a Buddhist noticed the But she did get involved with the Overseas Christian Fellowship. family – tried to commit suicide. Zee freedom A friend she made in transit in Min said it is not the first time she she feels, has intervened with someone who is Singapore happened to have friends focusing less in the group. Zee Min went along to suicidal, and that this time she saw the social activities, and sometimes clearly in her friend’s desperation a on what she attended Bible studies. By early this need for God to heal her and grow can achieve her faith. year, what had been peripheral to her and more on life had become central. What she Zee Min continues to make the most what she has learned at OCF and the church she of her faith community, studying became involved in transformed her the Bible with her pastor and his received. outlook. wife, meeting with Jen Allaway and “In April, after I accepted Christ, other TSCF staff, attending the OCF something touched my heart,” she studies and TSCF conferences, and said. “I wanted to dedicate my life to getting involved with her church. Christ. I want to give up my life and And the support she receives, she is my time for him.” passing along.
Friends have noticed the freedom “You have to constantly monitor she feels, focusing less on what people,” Zee Min said in reference to she can achieve and more on what her friend. That story isn’t over, but it she has received. With Christ at has turned a page: “She is growing the centre, Zee Min said she has stronger in Christ.”
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Election resources
Are your electoral details up-to-date? Do you understand the process? www.elections.org.nz Yes, there’s a quiz for that www.onthefence.co.nz A simplistic but fun way to see which parties’ policies match your preferences. When it tells you that you want to vote for a fringe party you wouldn’t be caught dead with, console yourself with the fact that it doesn’t rank your priorities or the parties’. poverty and education recently. They also have a handy refresher on the MMP system: maxim.org. And there’s a survey, too nz/Blog/MMP_refresher_-_the_paths_to_power. tvnz.co.nz/votecompass This survey uses a more nuanced approach to Meet the taxman placing you on the political spectrum. It takes www.yourtaxtracker.co.nz into account which issues are most important to Enter your income, and this website calculates you and includes information on party leaders. how much you contribute to education, health Family First surveyed party leaders care, social welfare, defence and other government valueyourvote.org.nz/2014-general-election spending. The proportional breakdown is useful for It looks like an ad for the Conservative Party, but considering parties’ claims that they will, should, it’s actually a useful tool to see where parties and can or mustn’t spend more or less on an area. politicians stand on issues that affect relation- Party websites: ships between people: marriage, abortion, loan » www.act.org.nz/policies sharks, parental leave, media standards etc. » conservativeparty.org.nz Some Christians may disagree with this con- servative advocacy group’s policy preferences, » www.greens.org.nz/policy but the worldview will look familiar. » internet.org.nz/policies » campaign.labour.org.nz/policies How the parties sell themselves » maoriparty.org/our-policies www.electionads.org.nz » www.national.org.nz/plan Browse billboards and ads from this election and » nzfirst.org.nz/policies back through the decades. It includes offbeat » unitedfuture.org.nz contributions from lesser-known groups like the All to be read with a grain of salt. For instance, “Patriotic Revolutionary Front.” the Green Party doesn’t mention that it proposes Policies matter abortion up to full term for disabled infants in the www.maxim.org.nz main policy section, following controversy earlier Maxim is an independent think-tank with a biblical in the year. Only the most palatable policies will worldview. Researches have written extensively on be front and centre in an election year.
18 | canvas winter 2014 www.intermission.ac.nz twitter.com/tscf_nz issuu.com/tscf www.tscf.org.nz www.facebook.com/tscf.nz