The Lamb of God Chronicle May 2014

The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 Christchurch 8640 Phone [03] 383 2631 Fax [03] 383 0609 Mobile 021 817 232 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lambofgodcommunity.net

INDEX TO CONTENTS

Reflections Page 1 Web Sites Page 8 Our People Page 2 Members/Info/Records Page 9 News and Articles Page 2-6 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page 9-10 House Group Resource Page 7 National Prayer Watch Page 10-12 Kairos NZ News Page 8

REFLECTIONS: ‘…Things of a man, and of a dog, and of Almighty God’

May 9th is the thirty-fifth Anniversary of the founding of the Lamb of God in Christchurch. The photographs, from our founding year and following, tell their own story of a people called and responding into a work of God, and slowly building a way of life which today is perceived more and more as counter-cultural.

How did it start? On that day in 1979 I was walking our dog, Mandy, and the time was early afternoon. As I crossed a road I was suddenly struck with an over-whelming sense of the presence of God. Without regard for where I was or for road traffic, I recall sinking to my knees and then audibly hearing the words ‘Now is the time to build this community’ and that was all. Mark Challies [L] and Glen Foley [R] in the USA 2 God bless Mandy - she just stayed with me, and sat in the middle of the road with her leash on! This word [Rhema] came following four years of searching and endeavours to build some form of stronger Christian relationships within a prayer group. Following this ‘event’ on May 9, 1979, the establishing of the Christian Community Lamb of God moved ahead rather quickly. It was God’s timing.

The first exploratory Prayer Meeting was held on July 8, 1979, and we still have four of the ‘founding twelve’ significantly involved and active in the Branch, being John and Monica and ourselves, Roger and Veronica.

We thank God for Christian Community. But let me add that if you are looking for a ‘quick buzz or high, or a quick fix’ to the challenges of life - do not join a community. Christian Community is a ‘WAY of LIFE’, it is a journey with a people seeking a common life. There is no perfection this side of Heaven. But if you invest yourself with this people then Music Team for a Steve Clark Rally you will find a valid way of living this life journey with and in God, and you will walk with faithful people who will be for and with you. This is indeed a treasure not to be missed.

We are with you in and on this journey. Roger and Veronica

[MORE ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS on Page 6]

OUR PEOPLE With sadness, yet confidence in the Lord, we remember:  Judith & Jamie Rodgers [Blenheim], as Judith's sister has passed away.  Darren & Julie Humphries & family [Christchurch] as Darren's mum passed away.

[Note to all Branch leaders: Please send your local news/snippets to Roger Foley or Tom Caballes so that we can acknowledge important occasions in the lives of our brothers and sisters and make sure we do not miss any of them.]

NEWS AND ARTICLES

AMAZING GRACE- THE OPEN DOOR IS STILL OPEN IN FIJI

I have just had an interesting trip back into Fiji. The purpose was to work with the leaders of the Lamb of God Nadi and hold a Review Session to assess progress. Then the plan was to change direction from earlier formation talks and start to work in areas of family life, giving two talks on ‘Being a Christian Man’ followed by an introduction to the coming Women’s Day on ‘Being a Christian Woman’. And I planned to conclude with a practical demonstration of the ‘Ceremony of the Lord’s Day’. As the intention was to 3 work with the current leaders, Pastor Timoci had indicated about fifteen would attend and therefore I had arranged for a bigger room at the local motel/hotel we use which I knew could squeeze in fifteen plus my data projector. However as the room I wanted was not available, the manager booked the conference room which would hold about 80. We were to start at 10.00am Saturday morning. It needs be understood that none of the hundred or so people we are working with in Nadi and other Lamb of God locations in Lautoka, Ba, Tavua or RakiRaki owns a car, or even a cycle, and they just do not have facilities we can use for accommodation or meetings.

On my arrival in Nadi the lady scrutinizing my passport asked if I was coming in to attend the weekend Church Conference at the Capricorn. I said no but as I was indeed staying at the Capricorn could she tell me which denomination this was. Was it perhaps the Methodists, the Anglicans, or the Catholics, or Assemblies of God? But she did not know. Following my airport meeting with Timoci, I eventually checked in at the Capricorn and asked at the desk regarding this Church Conference because I was getting a little concerned as it was possible the Conference Room had been double booked. The girl on duty at the desk did not know. So next morning, before breakfast, I went down to the Conference Room to check that all of the electronics were set up for the meetings. It was about 8.00am. I was surprised to see many people, all nicely dressed and greeting each other, outside the main doors. Then I noticed I knew some of them! You guessed it, the ‘Church Conference’ the Customs Officer mentioned turned out to be my planning and training day with Timoci, Inoke and Koroi and other local leaders! When I had belatedly let Timoci know that we would now be in the Conference Room Timoci had been at work and we ended up with just under fifty attending, including four new to me very fine pastors, three from RakiRaki and one from a big church in Nadi itself. In total that made seven pastors attending.

Following the first talk on ‘Being a Christian Man’ the Nadi Pastor raised his hand to speak. He had two things to say. First he commended the very practical talk and said this sort of teaching was much needed in many churches in Fiji. The second was he was impressed that we were distinctly talking of the building of a Community and not a new church that would persuade attendees out of their churches. He wanted to declare that he was interested to connect with the Lamb of God Nadi. I pointed him to Pastor Timoci and they both smiled. They are already good friends and it was Timoci who had invited him. During lunch he invited me to speak at their Sunday service next time I am in Fiji.

The practical introduction of the ‘Ceremony of the Lord’s Day’ went very well. We had provided 60 booklets from Lamb of God and on the day we set up six main tables each with booklets, candles, fruit juice, bread and nibbles. Timoci and Salaseini immediately recalled ‘we have done this before when we visited Christchurch…’ It went well. I did the overall instruction, with explanations, and had pastors and women leaders at each table 4 leading the actual ceremony. The next stage is I am to receive back comments with possible recommendations before we go to print and supply booklets in Fijian.

I think the ‘open door’ is ‘still open’ in Fiji, and although what we are building and supporting is a ‘bit different’ – it is certainly producing good fruit in family life and relationship, and surely that is pleasing to the Lord. The work here is certainly growing as a Sword of the Spirit ecumenical endeavour. Your brother- Roger

ASHBURTON UNDERWAY COMMITMENTS – PHOTOS

The South Island Branch welcomed four people into underway commitment in March. All are members of the Ashburton Mission Group which is a part of the Christchurch Branch. We welcome [from left to right] Trevor Wall, Anne and Don Hooper, and Annette Fletcher. Congratulations!

AUCKLAND - EVANGELISATION TRAINING DAY

To pursue evangelization in a broader perspective, the Lamb of God Auckland members have spared no efforts in gearing themselves up to embark on a mission of outreach. To this end, an Alpha training programme was held for Auckland Branch members. Alpha training helped community members set up and manage the various facets of the Alpha programme, which is a DVD based course for non-Christians or nominal Christians. Alpha is an opportunity for everyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting, over 7 to 10 weeks. A personal evangelization training day was held for all adults and youth of the Auckland Branch. Over ninety members attended the training, equipping them to be more effective in reaching out to non-Christians.

A Christian calling is to “Go out and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19. Annie Taccolini who grew up in the community of “The Word of Life” Ann Arbor Michigan, USA, and now participates in University Community Outreach at Grand Rapids Michigan, heeded this Christian calling and spent the last few months with the Auckland Branch, outreaching to our youth. We were blessed to have her here with us evangelizing in the true spirit of the word. Thank you, Annie, and God Bless. 5 Annie briefly shares with us her on her time spent with the Auckland Branch: For the past three months, I have had the profound privilege of working with/for the Kairos team in Auckland. Most of my time has been spent with the University-aged youth as we attempt to build up a group and community for them on campus in Auckland. Our schedule with Edge UCO (University Christian Outreach) includes weekly Bible studies, lunches together, games at the park, worship, and formation teachings. We have also built a strong relationship with the Tertiary Chaplaincy (Newman Hall) and its chaplains. The Chaplaincy has generously allowed us to use their facility for our Friday night meetings and has welcomed us into their mission family. I have also spent as much time as possible with individual students, both Lamb of God youth and new comers to UCO. Spending time with them has allowed us to become more honest with each other, building us up as a group and individuals.

In addition to work with the University students, I have been assisting with the EJ (Encounter Jesus) High School group. We have met together every Sunday afternoon since I have been here, and I have seen the progress of the group in fellowship and formation. They are a wonderful group of young adults and I have very much enjoyed my time with them. I hope that they will continue to form strong relationships with each other and the Lord. During times when I was not on campus, I have been able to do quite a bit of personal prayer, reflection, and reading. That time with God in contemplative prayer has been invaluable to me and I am so grateful for that opportunity. I have grown in both knowledge of and devotion to Christ because of my time in New Zealand.

Lastly, I have been able to travel quite a bit both in the North and South Islands. This country has never stopped taking my breath away, and I will never forget that. I praise and thank the Lord for the Lamb of God. This community and its people have a real devotion to the pursuit of Truth and that is something to be admired. I have experienced nothing but open hearts and open homes here, which has allowed me to excel in all areas of my life in the past eight months. May God bless you all!

NOTICE – TAX RECEIPTS ARE OUT NOW

We would like to thank all those who supported the community through their regular monthly contributions and also our Winter Appeal for the tax year ending 31 March 2014. All the receipts were collated this year to save on mailing costs and will be sent by regular mail or be handed to you personally if you are in Wellington. Our God is a God of generosity, and He can never be outdone in being generous to us – what don’t we have that does not belong to Him? You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. [2 Corinthians 9:11] Tom Caballes 6 MORE LAMB OF GOD ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS – OUR BEGINNINGS

WELLINGTON BRANCH – EASTER CELEBRATION

The Lamb of God Wellington branch celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. After some praise and worship, delicious lunch was served and then the games began. The group was divided into 4, and they competed against each other for Bible trivia, best Easter hat, pin the chick on the egg, and other games. 7

CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY Resource for House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes Worth Dying For - May 2014

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. [Matthew 10:29-31]

How much are you and I worth? Many times we think we are worthless. We feel abandoned when our prayers are not heard. If things don’t go our own way, we question if God loves us or if He even exists. But if we look at what God has done to us and believe in faith, we should never question our worth. Why? God sent Jesus, His only Son, to die for our sins so we can enjoy new life in Him. He promised us life eternal with Him. We are more than royalty because our Kingdom is God’s Kingdom and it has no end. Next time you look at the mirror, do you see a reflection of a son or a daughter of God, who will inherit God’s kingdom someday, or something less? The person you see is worth dying for, with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

So How Do We Grow in Our Self-Worth? 1. Who do we let to reign over us: the truths about God or our emotions which go up and down? Do we believe in the enemy’s lies about us, or do we keep steadfast on what God says to us in the Scripture? We need to grow in confidence on who we are as sons and daughters of God, so that we do not easily give in to our emotions or be gullible with the lies of our enemy. The critical battle is within the mind. We need to sift carefully between truths and lies. 2. Be familiar with what God says about you regarding self-worth: you are loved by God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus thought that you are worth dying for with His own life! This is the ultimate value that you have – in God’s eyes, you are truly priceless! Your life is all you have, and that is what Jesus gave up for you – His very own life, for yours. 3. Be in a social setting that is helpful for your own self-worth. Be with people who are loving and caring rather than being critical and judgmental with you. Avoid people who puts you down – they tear down your self-worth and confuse you with what is true or not. 4. Seek to reconcile with your past. If there were people who made fun of you or treated you as worthless, surrender them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Forgive them and move on, knowing that Jesus loved them and died for them too. We are all being redeemed sinners. 5. Once in a while we will all face some situations where we struggle with our own self-worth; it may be not being promoted; or not being chosen for a special task; or being turned down by others. Remember that we live in a broken world and that this world would pass away. Remember too that we have an eternal destiny – we will one day be prince and princesses in God’s Kingdom forever - and nothing can take that away!

Other Scripture References 1. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. [1 John 3:1A] 2. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28] 3. Other references: Matthew 6:26; John 3:16; Romans 5:6-10; Romans 8:28; 31 to 39; Galatians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 2:9-10. 1 John 4:9-10.

For Personal Reflection and Group Sharing: How do I see myself in the mirror? Who do I see? In what areas in my life am I weak in terms of self-worth? Do I even listen to the lies of the enemy? 8 KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS

Kairos New Zealand Schedule of Events for 2014/15

July 11 to 13, 2014 Winter Oasis in Auckland Jan 6 to 11, 2015 Summer Oasis in Christchurch

Wellington BLAST Photos, News and Updates – please wait for the June Chronicle issue!!!

SUM M RT

WEBSITES WORTH NOTING

KAIROS South Pacific Web Site HAS BEEN UPDATED with 2012 photos – go take a look … Check it out at: www.kairossp.com You can network and chat with other young people by going to this website:

http://www.kairossp.com/kairosspnzchatroom.htm We designated every Friday night at 10pm as a time to meet other young people.

Go and visit the International Kairos Media website: http://www.kairos-media.org/

Our Lamb of God website has been updated – please visit

www.lambofgodcommunity.net.

Sign up [free] for Youth Culture Newsletter The most recent edition of the Youth Culture Newsletter is now available online. It will no longer be sent to you via the Lamb of God e-mail list but you can get it at this link:

http://www.kairos-na.org/youthculturenewsletter.htm This is a recommended Sword of the Spirit publication for youth and parents.

Living Bulwark Sword of the Spirit – Highly Recommended!

This Sword of the Spirit on-line publication has received more than 43,000 visits (an average of 135 visits each day) in its first year. All back issues for the past 12 months can be found at: http://www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/archives.htm. The current issue of the online magazine can be seen at: www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/index.html.

SENDING NEWS FOR CHRONICLE PUBLICATION

Branches are encouraged to email news, photos, happenings and snippets to Tom Caballes at [email protected]. Each issue is closed around the 20th of the previous month. 9

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OUR RECORDS Membership Records and Data: Branch leaders are responsible to keep updated records and then email all new attendee additions, deletions, address and phone changes, births, deaths, transfers, etc to - Tom Caballes [email protected] and copy to [email protected]

BIRTHDAY INFORMATION [Day and month, but year is optional.] Branch leaders are asked to keep updated records and email all new attendee additions to – Tom Caballes [email protected]

GETTING CHRONICLE & OTHER NEWS BY EMAIL [1] If you are receiving The Chronicle as an electronic edition, we just need hear if and when you change your email address. Notify [email protected]. [2] If you are receiving this by hard copy but you have an email address, please send your email address to [email protected]. [3] The Chronicle has a national and international mailing schedule. If you know of others wishing to be added, notify [email protected].

Wedding Anniversaries - Happy Anniversary!

NAMES DATE BRANCH Joel & Tiza Sison 01/05 Central Thomas & Irene Hong 02/05 Auckland Terry & Sandy Westbury 03/05 Nelson Priyan & Anusha Jayahama 06/05 Auckland Mark & Kirsten Challies 09/05 Christchurch John & Janet McManus 10/05 Southern Nick & Rosalie Barber 11/05 Nelson Ivan & Annette Carvalho 11/05 Auckland Raema & Ray Muollo 14/05 Nelson Alan & Margaret McKenzie 15/05 Southern Tony & Christie D'Costa 21/05 Auckland Ronnie & Rina D'Souza 27/05 Auckland

Birthdays for May – Happy Birthday!

NAMES BIRTHDAY BRANCH Rachel McKenzie 01/05 Auckland Philip Middlemiss 04/05 Christchurch Martin Patrao 04/05 Auckland Saahil Castelino 05/05 Auckland Clyde D'Souza 06/05 Auckland Gail D'Mello 07/05 Auckland 10 Emily Matthews 07/05 Christchurch Kathryn O'Malley 08/05 Central Mike Prendeville 08/05 Southern Fr. Merv McGettigan 10/05 Southern Alessi Mendoza 11/05 Central Alpert Mendoza 11/05 Central Carlos Briguera 12/05 Central Alison Middlemiss 12/05 Christchurch Cynthia D'Souza 13/05 Auckland Ludeth Mariposa 13/05 Central Sue Greig 14/05 Central Kester Rebello 14/05 Auckland Winona D'Costa 15/05 Auckland Ruby Lowe 16/05 Auckland Daniela Slovak 16/05 Blenheim Trevor Wall 17/05 Ch/Ashburton Anita Fredericks 18/05 Blenheim Teresa Soares 20/05 Auckland Nathaniel James 21/05 Central Jacqui Blackwell 22/05 Nelson Kimberly Coutinho 22/05 Auckland Mike Garrett 25/05 Blenheim Leroy Lobo 25/05 Auckland Sarah Nicholas 26/05 Christchurch Maryanne Hall 27/05 Auckland Dominic D'Sa 28/05 Auckland

PRAYERWATCH - SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE Reinforce the guard, station the watchmen, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out his purpose… Jeremiah 51: 12 NIV

Over recent months prophetic word seems to have dominated these articles especially the encouragement to spiritual warfare so why this spiritual battle and what should our response be.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6: 10-18 11

These words of Paul warning the Ephesians that they were in a spiritual battle also hold true for us today as nothing has changed. Ephesians 6: 12 is very clear this battle is against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. If we fight this battle in the flesh and blood then we will lose to Satan and fall short of God’s kingdom. As the battle is spiritual, God has equipped us with spiritual weapons that will overcome any attack by the enemy. The battle belongs to the Lord so we need to use his weapons and to fight his way and in his power.

Read 1 Samuel 17: where David confronts Goliath who is clothed in armour and has numerous weapons while David is in his shepherd clothes, staff and sling. More importantly David came in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel and we know who was victorious. In spiritual warfare we need to depend on our Lord God just as David did in that earlier battle. Goliath was defeated because he had a flaw in his armour, his unprotected forehead where David was able to hit him through the power of God. We to need to put on the whole [full] armour of God otherwise we will have flaws in our armour and be open to attack by the enemy.

Therefore put on the full armour of God, stand firm with belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, boots with the gospel of peace. Take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. Be alert, praying in the spirit all the time for the good of the body of Christ in all circumstances. Soldiers of Christ, Arise, and put your armour on!

If you have any comments or questions concerning the Prayerwatch then please send them to me or give them to one of your branch leaders to send to me. God bless and watch over you all. Alan McKenzie - National Coordinator, Prayerwatch

LAMB OF GOD PRAYERWATCH - PRAYER INTENTIONS

SPIRITUAL WARFARE Against strongholds of Apathy, Witchcraft, Confusion and other named spirits.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

COMMUNITIES Protect and bless the life and mission of SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, Patmos & Cornerstone Lamb of God [Fiji], Families for Christ [Melbourne], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], The Covenanted Community For Christ, [Penang & Taiping], protect and bless their life and mission.

FAMILY Auckland: Yvonne D'Souza, Peter & Margaret Stoddard, Desmond & Charmaine Vessaokar, Tili Leatitagaloa, Blanche Fernandes, Sequeria’s & Saldanha’s Families, Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Caedmon & Nicky Rebello, Ivan & Hilary Carvalho, Valerie Menezes, Russell & Gidget Mendonca, Simone & Lesley D’Mello, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Rose Buladaco, Joel & Tiza Sison, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & Mhel Caballes, Blenheim: Jamie & Judith Rodgers, Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, Christchurch: Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karin 12 Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai & De Stirling, Bruce & Bronwyn Harborne, Niul & Coila Kay, Lyn Keane, Pauline Marsden, John & Monica Haughey, Annette Sargisson, Toni May, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Joan Corbett, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville,

HEALING CANCER Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, Christchurch: Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Southern: Christine May

HEALING HEART Auckland: Isabel Morais, Central: Paul Oliver, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Philip Middlemiss, Niul Kay, Andre’a Forster,

HEALING Auckland: Annette Carvalho, Winona D'Costa, Olivia Fernandes, Lucy Misquita, Blanche & Denis Hollingsworth, Cheryl Donald, Mira D'Souza, Jemima Rebello, Peter D'Souza, Delia D'Mello, Fr John Rea, Elizabeth Locke, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Bruce Donald, Rosana Kuresa, Thomas Hong, Vimath Sequeira, Karyn Coutinho, Manuel Lobo family, Michelle Amaral, Margaret Stoddard, Alwin D’Souza, Eddie, Cynthia, Clyde D'Souza, Joan Lobo, Christopher Dalgado, Pam D’Souza, Christie D’Costa, Central: Stephanie O’Connell, Sharon Powick, Michael Powick, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Rae Taylor, Blenheim: Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Micah Rodgers, Anita Fredericks, Jamie & Judith Rodgers, Barbara Ryan, Christchurch: Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, Andrew Black, Bernie Black, John Murray, Chris Lyons, Monica Haughey, Joan Corbett, Mikyla Challies, Bruce & Bronwyn Harborne, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Pat Forster, Michael Quigley, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie,

BEREAVEMENT Auckland: Ronnie & Rina D'Souza, Juanita, Tony, Jonathan & David Ashfield, Central: Rae Taylor & Family, Blenheim: Judith & Jamie Rodgers, Christchurch: Karin & Robert Van Doorn, Celyn Libunao, Darren & Julie Humphries, Southern: John & Janet MacManus,

OTHERS NEEDS Auckland: Mark & Elizabeth Stolten, Bob Misst, Allen & Judy Carneiro, Gillian Puch, Joseph Gomes, Allan Carvalho, Blanche Fernandes, Peter Dalgado,

COVERING PRAYER National Council, Kairos Ministries, Branch Life, Lamb of God Centre, Branch Visits, Clustering in Auckland, Ministry of Fr John Rea, Employment of Members, Light of Christ Special Ministry, Wellington branch [sickness among extended family], and Ashburton Group in Christchurch.

“I have made you a Watchman” Ezekiel 33: 7