Christian Life Issue 49 September 2017

Page 1

SEPTEMBER 2017 • Issue FORT Y-NINE • www.christianlife.co.nz

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Louise Kapene-Green: Testimony • Technology’s Double-Edged Sword • A Call to Dream • Jesus Heals the Sick • Getting LOUDER about Human Trafficking • Local News and more...

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY NZ CHRISTIAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION AND MANNA CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORES


BOOKS FOR SALE Excellent resources for small group study, personal devotional study and equipping believers.

MESSAGE OF THE CROSS Our core gospel message yet many Christians have only a shallow understanding. Set in 29 topical chapters. $20 +P&P

Contents...

SEPTEMBER 2017

Io ORIGINS (Io pronounced ee-oh) Io, the ancient Polynesian names for God Almighty are true to the Biblical names and descriptions of God. A wonderful taonga (treasure) sensitive to Maori and an entry point for evangelism. $20 +P&P

THE FATHER HEART OF GOD A handy booklet with practical applications. $5 +P&P

04. A Call to Dream 06. Technology’s Double-Edged Sword

THE HOLY SPIRIT TRILOGY • THE HOLY SPIRIT REAL & POWERFUL

08. Why this Election is Important for our Churches

What Jesus taught about the Holy Spirit. $5 +P&P •

03. Praying Through Song

THE FIRE & GLORY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT & THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT “Great power” and “great grace” Acts 4:33. $5 +P&P

• THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT What are they and how to move in them.

$8 +P&P or all 3 for $15 +P&P

LIVING PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP FROM THE LIFE OF MOSES Lessons all leaders need to know. $20 +P&P

YOU, THE OVERCOMER! Important message for the last days church. Inspirational and challenging. $5 +P&P

09. The Lessons Charlie Came to Teach Us 10. Local News 11. Getting LOUDER about Human Trafficking 12. Jesus Still Heals the Sick 14. COVER: Louise Kapene-Green

THE JABEZ FACTOR Popular with pre-teens and teenagers. Inspiring! $5 +P&P

15. If culture is being changed, why can’t we change it too?

THE FATHER HEART OF GOD A handy booklet with practical applications. $5 +P&P

16. Shine TV programme guide ORDERS TO THE AUTHOR, SENIOR PASTOR GRAHAM CRUICKSHANK 194 Pompallier Estate Drive, Maunu, Whangarei 0110 P: 09 430 8886 Email: grahamtui@life4u.org.nz

18. Christian Life Classifieds

NEXT ISSUE OUT October 2017 Booking deadline: 22 September Art deadline: 26 September Distribution: 2 October

ADS FROM ONLY $80!

DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Ray Curle 09 281 4896 advertise@initiatemedia.net

2 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

Publisher Matthew Danswan Art Director Nicole Danswan Accounts Elizabeth Yeo Advertising Manager Ray Curle P 09 281 4896 E advertise@initiatemedia.net

Correspondence PO Box 318 334, West Harbour, Auckland 0661 No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part, without prior written permission. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.

All attempts are made to verify advertising material, and no responsibility is taken for misleading or erroneous material. © Copyright 2017. www.initiatemedia.net www.mychristiandaily.com


MINISTRY

Praying through song to have children from all nations sing the prayer in their own languages on a blog www.findsharon.com until the song rises above the sound of violence, politics, hatred and despair. Her journey will gather those needed to build a pilot homestead farm where, one by one, families and children can find a safe place called home. They will live in transportable eco homes and learn new ways of communal farming; horticulture using renewable energy. The farm will be the performing arts base for ‘Kotuku Choir’ and music will be composed, recorded, broadcast and performed on the farm. The farm community will model what family looks like, for those who have never known a safe home. The love of Jesus, the loving arms of our heavenly Father, will hold fast the vision and all those who seek home on the farm. Sharon holds nothing in her hands, understanding that every step of this journey will be made possible, only by finding those who will walk beside her, in prayer and support, to help her get to the next group of children. Sharon’s global journey began at Waitangi on Waitangi Day 2017, when the people of Ngapuhi and ‘Pacific Pearls Maori Woman’s Ministry’ lit

the torch and sang the song. The song will be launched in Australia on Anzac Day 2018. If you would like to be the difference, please pray for her journey and the children; have her come and share with your community/church, message Sharon on www.findsharon.com. Sharon knows it is not about her at

all, but about all of us joining hands to become the sustainable solution; one heart for Jesus, one heart for humanity. The song can be heard on Spotify, you tube, or you can purchase it on iTunes or Amazon, to help build the journey and the farm. “Light a candle” & “ANZAC’s light a candle”, Sharon Thorburn.

Hope for the addicts, the rebels and the broken-hearted Wildsidepublishing.com

TRUE STORY: Betrayal. Meth-addiction. Paranormal Activity. Redemption. From your nearest bookstore or online.

RRP $ 99

29

TO DA Y

!

“Be the candle for your family, be the voice we’ve never heard, lift your feet, become the prayer”. Sharon Thorburn heard the silent cry of our New Zealand children, behind closed doors, in families torn apart by violence, abuse and addiction. She felt helpless against the seemingly unstoppable tide of it all, washing over us every day on the news and in our homes. She sat at a borrowed piano and penned a simple prayer in song. She then walked the length of Aotearoa with the ‘Footprints of Hope’ team and a hope torch. Sharon wanted to leave footprints of hope in our land that could never be rubbed out; to find the unseen heroes, who get out of bed every morning, up and down New Zealand, to give out hope beyond their own disabilities or personal struggles. She walked with nothing in her hands, so that she could find those with open doors and hearts; understanding that when we find each other, we become a formidable force for good that can redefine a nation. The simple prayer in song was heard by Max T Barnes in Nashville, Tennessee and became a global hope anthem recorded there with Sharon, ready for her to carry around the world with a hope torch. Her dream is

GI

ST ER

• REFOCUS on God the Father

RE

• REFRESH in His supernatural presence • RENEW your spiritual strength

Speakers include

Richard Brunton

David Dusek

Danny Guglielmucci

Tony McKeown

Sy Rogers

Founder Colmar Brunton

Rough Cut Men USA

Founder Edge Church Australia

Pastor & educator Eden Church

International communicator & pastor

Men’s Events

Wellington 15-16 September | Auckland 6-7 October Not all speakers will be at all Events

www.promisekeepers.nz Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 3


CONFERENCE

Clockwise from top left: Crowds gather at Sistas; Delegates hug; Ps Maree de Jong

When I was praying about this year’s conference, I felt led to Abraham’s story in Genesis 15. Abraham dreamed that he would have a son, greatly desiring descendants of his own. In the midst of his disappointment, God lead Abraham outside to view the vast night sky in its bright and endless beauty. God’s promise to Abraham was that just as the stars were countless, so too would his descendants be. As Abraham’s story continues, we see that indeed God does bless Abraham with descendants, age and circumstance proving to be no hindrance for God’s plan. While Abraham’s physical answer to prayer is astonishing, that’s actually not the end of the story. Galatians 3 speaks further to this miracle:

The Call to Dream by Ps Maree de Jong

D

o you recall a moment in your childhood where you stopped and dreamt of what the future might hold? If you ask young children now, you’d get a wide range of responses, from astronauts to princesses, teachers, builders, painters or dancers – the options are seemingly endless to children! Now as an adult, having had the opportunity to serve in ministry with my husband, Paul, for many years, having raised three boys whom I have all seen go on to get married, and now even being a grandparent, I think back to my childhood dreams. While my childhood and adolescence held many tough situations and hard seasons to walk through, I can honestly say I could never have guessed or dreamt up this life I’ve been fortunate—blessed, in fact—to live. One highlight of my ministry life

that is dear to my heart is, Sistas Women’s Conference, where I have the privilege of hosting over 4000 women across the two days and three nights of conference. It is a chance for us all to set aside time to seek God, hear what He would say to us as women and children of God, and gain valuable insight and teaching. In preparation for Sistas each year, I take time to ask God what He wants to say to His daughters, and where He wants to lead us in the lead up to conference as well as through each and every session. This year, I felt it was clear: Dream. My heart, just as I believe it is God’s, is that all women near and far would be known as dreamers, those who dare to believe in His wondrous, expansive and dazzling plans for their lives, and push forward to see those dreams become reality.

So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (Galatians 3:6-9) Just by your faith today—regardless of how small or large you feel it might be—we are proving that God is faithful to the promises He makes. As each person’s life is transformed by the power of the cross, Abraham’s promise of descendants is fulfilled over and over again, our lives as evidence of God’s character and faithfulness. Every breath you take today is proof that He can be trusted with the dreams buried deep within your heart. This is the kind of dreaming God beckons us to experience: to trust that His plans for us extend far wider than what we picture right now in this moment, that the extent of His reach through our lives would influence

What do you want New Zealand to look like? ABORTION? Do we want more or less? The current average in NZ*: 10 classrooms of children per week killed. EUTHANASIA in the Netherlands with “safeguards” in place.* 61% of cases without patient’s consent. Do we want that? An 18-year-old with depression getting ASSISTED SUICIDE? Is that helping? 4 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

many individuals far beyond what we can see. He asks us to dream bigger, bolder and more fiercely than ever before, to throw our full weight on Him and trust Him to use every breath we take to bring His Kingdom to earth. I wonder, between when we were children and now, what caused us to sometimes lose this sense of wonder and this desire to dream? What limitations in life have we experienced that now influence our ability to dream boldly? While the wild and imaginative dreams we have as children may, in hindsight, be a little infantile, the ability and calling to be dreamers definitely is not. As Christians, we’re called to believe, to trust and to know that God is capable of the seemingly impossible. Our calling to keep the faith and our purpose of being dreamers is one and the same. Wherever you find yourself right now, I encourage you to take stock of the dreams you find within yourself. Have you submitted them to God? Is anything blocking you from trusting Him fully? The call to dream isn’t a passive one—it requires action, to position ourselves to receive from Him and move our hands into action as He asks us to. In God’s plan, the call to be a dreamer is also the call to be a doer. I pray you’re encouraged as you read this, and dare to dream more bravely and confidently than ever before. I am always so moved by the words of Corrie ten Boom, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Time and again God has proved He is faithful, and able to fulfil these dreams and desires hidden deep within your heart, and as we see in Abraham’s life, in more spectacular ways than we could ever imagine! Old and young, male and female, one and all: you are a dreamer, you are a doer. Walk bravely in this purpose. Dream big. Dream bold. Dream.

Support Voice for Life in their fight for the voiceless

voiceforlife.org.nz


STUDY IN A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT OF EXCELLENCE BTI GRADUATES ARE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER BY EMPLOYERS

NZQA Accredited Certificates, Diplomas & Degrees in: • • • • • •

ECE Teaching Counselling Social Work Career Preparation Professional Practice

www.bti.ac.nz/apply Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 5


SPOTLIGHT: PORNOGRAPHY

T

Technology’s DoubleEdged Sword

housands of Kiwi men are accessing porn from their pockets. Never before in human history has so much sexual imagery been so freely accessible, anywhere and everywhere. New Zealand is in the grip of a technological revolution which is accelerating at an amazing rate. The worldwide advancement of smaller processors, led to the development of the first iPhone in 2007. This was followed by the Android system in 2008, giving unprecedented connectivity to the internet from a computer that fits in your pocket. This has had enormous benefits in gaining knowledge, personal organisation, gaming and business applications. It has also created industries that were unheard of 20 years ago. However, not all of the industries that have benefited from the technological boom are new starts - some are just those who saw an opportunity and took it. Porn is one such industry that has grown exponentially. PornHub, one of the industry’s biggest providers, claims their site streamed 75GB of data per second in 2015, for a total of 87.8 billion views. New Zealand may be geographically remote but we are technologically

advanced, meaning some of our pornography statistics are similar to, or higher than those in the United States or United Kingdom. Sixty-six percent of all pornography traffic in New Zealand goes to hand-held devices, in the form of a mobile phone (53%) or tablet (13%). This is 10% above the world average. New Zealand pornography users, especially amongst our digital natives (those born and growing up in this digital age), are high users, making up 35% of all pornography usage in this country. By comparison, in the rest of the world this group of 18-24 year olds makes up only 31% of all pornography users. Unfortunately, the Church shows little difference from the rest of society, with 68% of churchgoing men actively seeking out pornography in any given month (US statistic). After a concentrated period of easy access to hard-core pornography over the last decade, statistics are starting to emerge about porn usage and the social consequences this brings with it. Brain research suggests that there is such a thing as addiction to pornography. Brain scans of people who feel they are unable to stop using pornography, are similar to the scans of those who are heavy users of cocaine

Will you help bring Jesus to those who never heard of Him? We need missionaries in Africa. We need people to take the Gospel and make disciples of the unreached.

www.aimint.org ORDINARY PEOPLE SERVING GOD! Busting some MYTHS about being a missionary in Africa's bush. # It doesn’t bug us when things break. When things break it is disheartening, frustrating, and demoralizing. Whether we know how to fix it or not. Seriously, what kind of saints do you think we are.

# We are super spiritual. It doesn’t take super spirituality to Biblically submit to God and say I will go where you want me to go.

#We don’t need comforts like other people. A cozy chair, good coffee, quality chocolate, or decent internet. All of us have a comfort we enjoy. We often horde our comforts and ration them out in order to keep our sanity.

Support us

6 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017


SPOTLIGHT: PORNOGRAPHY

and other hard drugs. There are also suggestions that long-term usage may be as damaging as, or worse than, the effects of drugs. As with any sort of addiction, there is also heavy social collateral damage, such as family dysfunction, broken relationships and job loss. All this data is starting to indicate a growing social time bomb; with escalating pornography usage, especially amongst our young people. The pornography industry is setting sexuality norms, in the form of expectations and what qualifies as abuse. A side effect is altering young people’s expectations of sex and relationships. Boys are being trained to expect girls to act like porn stars and to engage in things like anal sex that they may not want to be involved with. Porn also leads to stunted relational skills and difficulty forming enduring relationships with the opposite sex. Promise Keepers (PK) is a Christian men’s organisation that has been working in this country for almost 25 years. PK has always sought to meet the needs of men, so it was inevitable that they get involved in the battle to see men set free from porn addiction. As an issue, pornography sits squarely in their area of concern: PK Promise

#3 states: A Promise Keeper is com- long-term solutions and hope for the mitted to practicing spiritual, moral, future.” As more groups followed, they ethical and sexual purity. Around 18 months ago, PK started came under the banner of the Promwith its first group of seven men us- ise Keepers Set Free ministry, led by ing the Conquer series, a program de- Paul. This ministry now encompassveloped to deal with sexual addiction. es a process that extends over two years. Through Group leader and a mixture of the PK staff member, Conquer series, Paul Monahan prayer group supsoon realised that The men in the original port and another on its own, this program called 7 course was not group are almost Pillars of Freeenough, as a longterm problem is unrecognisable now, from dom; men are being set free from not solved in a the beaten down and this insidious 5-week course. bondage. Results PKNZ has now battered shells of men so far are very endeveloped the course further who first joined program. couraging, with 80% choosing to into a group prostay the whole cess, including prayer ministry - the beginnings of course through, and seeing continreprogramming the men’s spiritual uous clean time for well over a year. formation. Others in the groups may still be batPaul says, “Porn in itself is not the tling, but are winning on a daily basis problem; it is a bad answer to deal- with increasing periods of clean time! The men in each group have deing with life’s hurts and disappointments. These men are medicating the veloped a strong commitment to one pain they are dealing with, many from another as they do life together. The childhood… We wanted to provide an longer the group goes on, the stronger answer for men that’s not just a short- the bond becomes. term sticking plaster, but gives them The men in the original group are

almost unrecognisable now, from the beaten down and battered shells of men who first joined program. Life is not without its challenges, but they are emotionally and spiritually healthy, living transformed lives and living them to the max. One participant from the latest group, commented to Paul that he was “six months clean and I can’t believe it… my life has blossomed!” Men from the initial group have also become involved in leadership in the new groups, because they want to take ground back from the enemy and see other men released from their bondage. Paul says, “It is an honour and a privilege to work with men who have the courage to face their pain, and then to walk with them as they overcome one day at a time, in their journey towards freedom”. For further information about the Set Free program contact Paul Monahan 0800 PROMISE 77 66 47 or visit the PK website: www.promisekeepers.nz

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 7


ELECTION

Why this Election is Important for our Churches

What is your DNA? by Alan Vink

L

By Bruce Nicholls

W

hile New Zealand is prospering economically, churches need to ask themselves why our nation is failing morally. Will God hold us responsible? My answer is “Yes”. Our national record on abortion, child abuse, youth suicide, prostitution, drug and gambling addiction, urban robbery, breakdown in marriage, increasing prison numbers, is among the worst in the democratic world. Most of our churches are silent on these issues. We are preoccupied with our own growth or decline, our spiritual temperature and our financial needs. Our nation is crying out for peace and justice, but we are silent. Our Old Testament prophets were very clear on God’s message to the nation of Israel. It was one of warning, against the coming judgment, on their idolatry and also on giving hope, of the new covenant. The people refused to listen and terrible punishment followed. In history, this has happened several times and it will happen again, perhaps in the near future. Where are our ministers who are calling the nation, not just individuals, to repent? Jesus began his mission with

these words: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15). Our churches need to repeat and relive this message. I don’t hear many sermons on the call to repent as a nation. Individuals yes, but as a nation, no. Christ is calling us to be agents of righteousness to the nation as we take part in the coming election; not just faithfully vote, but get involved in the issues that are important to His coming kingdom on earth. We must work for integrity in the parliamentary process; ensure that our referenda on moral issues are binding. This will mean repealing the anti-smacking law and revising our laws on abortion, prostitution, drug and gambling addictions, pornography, and divorce, to mention a few pressing issues. Then we need to call on the government, to build many more affordable homes, for renting and for ownership, to help reduce poverty. Churches need to be more engaged in helping prisoners completing their sentences, to be reconciled to their families and rehabilitated into society. Helping the thousands of new immigrants and refugees (who

ast month I wrote about ‘Churches Doing It Hard’ and encouraged Pastors to attend the Global Leadership Summit, to hear some world class leaders, talk about their latest leadership insights. The highlights video and all conference details can are mainly Muslim), adapt and be found at www.willowcreek.org.nz/gls . This month, I want to talk about your become loyal citizens, is a priority churches DNA. This is a biological term that for the churches. We must not applies to all life forms. Your DNA is a molallow religious ghettos to develop, as is happening in UK, France and ecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functionelsewhere. Are our church leaders ing and reproduction of your one and only continuing to answer questions life. Likewise, a church is a living organism the people are no longer asking because the Holy Spirit dwells there in the and failing to answer the lives of God’s people. On that basis, your questions our political parties are local church has its own unique DNA. It’s asking? Evangelism is not just a way to promote social justice, a genetic code if you like, that gives you but social justice and the care of instructions about your purpose and funcour environment open the door tioning in the world. The great tragedy of our day is that too to the Christian hope, now and eternally, and to people wanting to many churches are copying other churchbecome part of communities that es. You can’t. Well actually, you can but not care for the harmony and prosperity successfully. You can learn principles and practices from others and that’s valuable of our nation. So, as we come to the election, and, I might add, very important, but they let us all get on board the need to be applied to your specific context gospel train and work for the and according to your DNA. Every church is unique, it has its own DNA in the same way transformation of our nation. every human being has. When you discover what your DNA is and you work in harmony with it, then God Rev. Dr. Bruce Nicholls is the can use you as a congregation, in quite untheological advisor to the Asia expected and remarkable ways and there is Theological Association. He is every chance your church will grow. also works with the Kohimarama Presbyterian church, Auckland and St Georges Anglican church, Epsom. He can be contacted at brucejnicholls@gmail.com

Alan Vink is the Executive Director of Willow Creek NZ. alan@willowcreek.org.nz

Interest free liberty for every Church and Home Own your own home by following God’s principles An inspired way to help your kids $44 million lent interest free to NZ households and churches to date More than 200 testimonies at www.libertytrust.nz 0508 LIBERTY (542 378) info@libertytrust.nz 8 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

120mm high, 251mm wide Christian Life August 2017


FAMILY FIRST

The lessons Charlie came to teach us… By Sue Reid

Top: Charlie Gard; Below: Sue’s husband Brent holding little Isaac who lived only 7 days

T

he short and limited life of Charlie Gard will remain in our hearts and minds for a long time to come – though he could not speak, he silently told a powerful story to a world that is moving towards debates on death and life and how our end should look like. Charlie Gard was born with a genetic defect that puts him in the

medical category ‘incompatible with life’ and almost one year on, some hard questions have had to be answered and decisions be made. I can relate to the parents of Charlie – my own child lived just seven days, but as parents, the most important thing was to always feel like you were contributing to life, comfort and care. It was always a process for the parents to go through and never a place for the courts to rule. When you have a child with an ailment ‘not compatible with life’ it is a fragile path to walk. They were always going to ‘get to the place of acceptance’, but it was their timing with Charlie and, as a family. Involving the courts was never ideal and cut across the family. These things are very important for the post-death grief process. Parents must always feel in control. They’ve done all they can and yes, only now, are they ready to say goodbye. Their grief will be just a little easier knowing they exhausted all the options for their son.

If a court had ruled against Charlie’s parents, then the feelings of anger and disempowerment would have acted as obstacles in the unreasonable pathway of grief. A lot of the talkback fodder on Charlie has been thinly veiled debate for euthanasia and frankly, some of the comments have left me feeling rather ill. From ‘the parents are being selfish’ or ‘he’s taking medical care from another child’ – clearly said by people who have not had their child in great need, or failing to see that no – no other child has been denied medical treatment because of Charlie. Bold and wild accusations of Charlie being in pain and distress have not considered how the doctors and medical specialists have been carrying out their duty of care to Charlie. Pain can be measured in various ways and we must remember his parents would not have come this far if their ‘son was in distress’. Doctors are signatories to the World Medical Association and don’t let the irony be lost on the fact that this was set up in 1947 after the horrors of World War II. The act of euthanasia – the deliberate ending of a patient’s life, is unethical and contrary to all the principles of the World Medical Association and the New Zealand Medical Association. Their aim is to heal often and care always. The word dignity has been hijacked by the pro-euthansia movement and I challenge their ownership of that word: “the state or quality of being

worthy of honour or respect… composed or serious in manner… a sense of pride in oneself or self respect…” Dignity doesn’t look just one way – dignity is in the family that gathers or tends to their loved one, managing suffering and loss of bodily function. Dignity doesn’t look away, but looks their family member in the eye and assures them, regardless of recognition or not. Dignity is found in the hospices and palliative care wards and has been present throughout every day of Charlie’s short life. The welfare and the best interests of the child has always been the role of the parents – and the state should support that, not interfere and undermine that, because where will it stop? With Charlie’s death, his parents now face their biggest hurdle, but they can do so with a little more peace, because they have been empowered and not hindered by a court ruling that would have cut across their bow. Some have called them selfish, but I see a couple so selfless that they gave their all and everything their son needed in his limited days here on earth.

Sue Reid is a spokeswoman for parenting and family issues for Family First NZ and a board member. www.familyfirst.org.nz

SHOP FOR A BARGAIN AND HELP ORPHANS IN NEED SIX LOCATIONS NZ WIDE INCLUDING NEW SHOPS IN NORTH DUNEDIN AND HAMILTON

HOPE BEGINS HERE

SHOP ONLINE NATIONWIDE 24/7

FOR ETHICALLY SOURCED HOMEWARE & GIFTS

www.orphansaidinternational.org | (0800) 677 426 | Like us on for updates

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 9


LOCAL NEWS

It’s the little things… I would lie on the gurney at the local blood bank, dreading the moment that needle invaded my veins. There was this strange notion that I needed to “do my bit”, urged on by my mate, whom I never actually saw in the blood bank myself!! No matter how much I psyched myself out and no matter how many times the nurse would make the almost painless incision, my mind refused to accept the moment and any presence of male bravado and stoic-courage quickly evaporated. So, when the crew of the M/V Pacific Hope, one of YWAM’s medical ships with Marine Reach operating in Vanuatu, was asked to donate blood to the local hospital in Luganville, I had a

deep sense of gratitude I was not on board! Dutifully, nine courageous crew members stepped forward and made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their blood. The thing about giving blood is, that you never really know who gets it! You are told that you are saving lives, but whose? Hugo, one of our crewman from the deck department, stepped forward to help. Under the supervision of April Harper, a senior member of our medical team, the blood was drawn, but Hugo’s contribution was unique. AB+ is one of the rarest types and unlikely to be needed in this isolated coastal town. The crew went back to work, as Dr.

Nourishing recipes and wellbeing tips for people facing cancer that will help make everyday a little brighter. Everyday Strength is an invaluable resource for families facing cancer. Going through treatments for cancer is undoubtedly challenging, which authors Sam Mannering and Karen McMillan well know from personal experience. But this book is packed with practical, everyday things you can do to make each day a little brighter during this difficult time. Sam has created nourishing, easy-to-prepare, family-friendly recipes that are designed specifically for people who may be feeling unwell. Karen has sought ad-

steps and makes way for the poor and disadvantaged. The simple gift of a donation of blood, from a New Zealand crew m e m b e r Dr Jeff Rutgard with the same blood type, saved a child’s life. It’s not the big things we do that attracts God’s attention, it’s the little things! By David Cowie

College of Evangelism

Everyday Strength for Cancer Patients Everyday Strength: Recipes and Wellbeing Tips for Cancer Patients by Sam Mannering and Karen McMillan Beatnik Publishing, RRP $44.99, beatnikshop.com

Jeff Rutgard and his team operated on dozens of patients who were blind, due to cataracts. The medical teams set up an out clinic and April Harper, as a research scientist, gave lectures in the local hospital. Our education team trained local teachers in a oneday seminar and visited numerous schools, meeting with both students and teachers alike. It was then that the baby boy arrived, in desperate need of a blood transfusion and surgery. His blood type was AB+! The mother was frantic, knowing that such a rare blood type was impossible to find. God’s compassion for the small, the defenseless, the innocent is limitless. He orders our

vice from experts, so there are practical suggestions that may help with common symptoms such as exhaustion, changes in weight, nausea, pain and discomfort, and the various symptoms you might not want to talk about. There are sections on hair and skin care, as well as emotional wellbeing. There is also a special section of recipes especially designed to tempt young children, along with practical tips for parents. Sam Mannering is the author of Food Worth Making, and is the weekly food columnist in the Sunday StarTimes. www.sammannering.com Karen McMillan is the author of 12 books, including Unbreakable Spirit: Facing the Challenge of Cancer, and the bestselling novels Brushstrokes of Memory, The Paris of the East and The Paris of the West. www.karenm. co.nz

The first intake started in March this year and what a great year it has been, so far. The block courses have proved very valuable. Subjects Shireen Chau speaking on Cross like HermeneuCultural Ministry tics, Children’s Ministry and onthe-job opportunities. This, along with the subjects down-loaded from the website www.collegeofevangelism.org.nz: like Apologetics and Cross Cultural Evangelism, help to give a good overview of evangelistic ministry. The students’ feedback has been encouraging as they enjoy each subject. This year, the students come from Te Anau, Nelson, Hamilton and Auckland. We could say we are covering the length of New Zealand The third block course for the year is in Nelson, in November, and will be doing Evangelistic Preaching with Dr Cecil Peasley, an evangelist from South Africa and Homiletics, along with a book study in Galatians taught by Rev John Frizelle. Next year the course starts on 2nd March. See details on back cover.

Promoting Product for Over 25 Years A WorldChristian of Christian Product TAURANGA 84 First Ave Ph (07) 578 8477 ROTORUA 1129 Eruera St Ph (07) 349 1661

Women of Courage Conference 24 – 26 May 2018 Hosted by Anne King and her daughter, Sarah Munro at Claudelands Event Centre, this conference carries a dynamic prophetic and apostolic flavour but, is open for all denominations to attend. Encouraging and inspiring women to step into the calling God has for their lives. Keynote speakers: Royree Jensen, Lesley Taylor, John Bridge and Joan Hunter. Joan is excited to be returning to New Zealand to continue the healing legacy of her late parents, Charles & Frances Hunter. Although aimed at uplifting women, men are welcome to register. Earlybird price $99. www.womenofcourage.nz Ph 0800 432 484

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

Mention this ad & receive $1 postage anywhere in New Zealand!

“An incredible book and a must-read.” Paul & Maree de Jong

SHE

A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love with Women of the Bible

Jen Gibbs

Unashamed

Drop the Baggage, Pick Up Your Freedom, Fulfill Your Destiny

Christine Caine

She

A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love with Women of the Bible

Jen Gibbs (NZ author)

10 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

Why Bad Things happen to God’s People Making Sense of

Trials & Tribulations in Your Life

Derek Prince

Tree of Life Bible

Translated by a committee of Messianic Jewish and Christian scholars

The Shack Movie DVD


HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Getting LOUDER about Human Trafficking “A

rt is dangerous”. I heard Toni Morrison say these words on a YouTube clip once. It’s true, creativity, expressed through the arts, has a way of slicing through our layers and reaching our hearts. These thoughts were with me, as I met up with Sale and Delphine Pepe at the ‘Brick by Brick Café’, in Onehunga recently. They are both ‘creatives’ who have mentored South Auckland youth to express themselves through art, poetry, and dance. I wanted to know how Sale and Delphine first got their vision for LOUDER. “We saw the documentary, “Nefarious” which left us thinking about this massive issue of human trafficking. It stirred us.” Sale speaks like the impact of this documentary is still fresh with him, “I felt that creatives in NZ needed a vision to bring them together, so I began to think about how we as a creative community could make an impact about this issue of justice.” Back in 2014, Sale and Delphine approached Hagar New Zealand and met with Sarah Scott-Webb, to discuss the idea of bringing creatives together to use their art to raise awareness about human trafficking. Their idea was also to raise funds for the work of Hagar NZ, with women and children survivors of extreme human rights’ abuses such as trafficking, slavery and sexual exploitation. As part of the recovery process for these survivors, Hagar uses creative arts as a means for survivors to open up and express their feelings, when using words might not be easy for them to do. Sale, Delphine, Sarah, and Rosie White (Hagar Board Member and Artist) brainstormed together about what

such an event for creatives might look like. What would it be called? As the four of them prayed together, Sarah prayed out, “Lord, what should we call this? Please Lord, speak to us louder!” Sale looked up at Sarah, “that’s it!!” he smiled. Sarah looked at him, “that’s what??” “That’s the name of our event: LOUDER! We are giving a voice for those who don’t have one – we shall be LOUDER.” In October 2014, Delphine and Sale worked miracles, in collaborative partnerships with creatives and city council’s around NZ, to organise a week of art events to raise awareness about human trafficking. These events raised $23,475 for the work of Hagar. Hagar is a Christian charity, working with women and children who have survived human trafficking, slavery, sexual exploitation and abuse. It takes time, expert recovery care, and a commitment to each individual in order for them to heal. Hagar commits to the whole journey: “Whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to heal a broken life.” “We were giving people permission to be creative for a reason,” Delphine adds, “We have so much

talent here in NZ and we wanted everyone to feel invited to help in any way they can. If you can dance, do it; if you can bake cupcakes, do it; if you like to knit, do it. Whoever you are. Wherever you are. Whatever you have. You can do something.” And that’s how LOUDER began. And the vision continues… This year, LOUDER invites you to take whatever you have to offer and help raise awareness about human trafficking during October 2017. Organise an event, sell your art, have a concert. Funds raised will be used for anti-trafficking work and will help hundreds more women and children recover from their trauma. Register your ideas on our website: www.loudernz.com. Here are two examples registered for LOUDER: •

Anita Mary, a South Auckland artist, is creating a piece of art titled, “Progressive Release” which will be part of an art exhibition for LOUDER at the Nathan Homestead from 18-31 October. MotherFunk, a dance fitness class for mums wearing babies (and bringing toddlers!) in Onehunga, is donating their profits during October. (Check them out on facebook).

“This is my self-portrait. On the left, it is me in the past, and on the right, it is me now. I wish for joy and happiness so I want to paint an uplifting smile but my brush kept pulling it down. I was drawn back to all the sad memories...” Hoa, a young client with Hagar in Vietnam.

Delphine and Sale Pepe

You can also follow LOUDERNZ on facebook and access the LOUDER poster to share with your networks. Tearfund have also partnered with LOUDER to help get the word out, inviting people all over New Zealand, to sign up and get involved. The LOUDER launch event will be held in Auckland on Saturday night, 30th September 2017 (check details: www. facebook.com/loudernz/). Before finishing my coffee with Delphine and Sale, I asked Sale, “what do you like most about being creative?” His reply: “That’s my most secret place of worship; it’s just between me and Papa God.”

Note: The journey to wholeness with Hagar starts with protection and medical care, with programmes in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore. Funds donated to Hagar provide schooling, job training, employment opportunities, small business start-ups, and throughout their Hagar journey, high level trauma informed care. Hagar serves 1200 women and children each year and 81% are reintegrated back into their communities, with new dreams and hopes for their future. For more info visit www.Hagar.org.nz

Everyone has

REGISTER AT ONE OF 8 NEW ZEALAND HOST SITES

Waitara

Tauranga

$60

Christchurch

Palmerston North

$90

North Shore

Hamilton

Pakuranga

Porirua, Wellington

Friday/Saturday 6-7 October Thursday/Friday 12-13 October Thursday/Friday 26-27 October Friday 27 October

Friday 27 October

Friday/Saturday 10-11 November

Thursday/Friday 16-17 November

INFLUENCE.

student rate earlybird till one month prior to event —save $20

Thursday/Friday 16-17 November

Visit www.willowcreek.org.nz/gls-2017 Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 11


PROFILE

Healing Rooms New Zealand director, Julie Calvert talks to Marie Anticich about the wave of healing sweeping the nation and next month’s national conference in Hamilton.

Jesus Still Heals the Sick “W

Clockwise from top left: Julie Calvert and team outside the Warkworth Healing Rooms; Julie Calvert; Ministering in the healing rooms.

12 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

e’re receiving amazing testimonies of physical, emotional and spiritual healings for cancers, arthritis, migraines, inner pain and many other conditions,” says Julie Calvert who oversees 50 Healing Rooms around the nation. “We have eight healing rooms in the South Island, seven in the Bay of Plenty, four in Northland, seven in the Waikato, three in Manawatu-Wanganui, six in Wellington and 10 in the Auckland region with others in the wings,” says Julie who opened New Zealand’s first Healing Rooms in Warkworth in 2007. The diminutive, white-haired grandmother has been national director for seven years and is an ordained minister with the International Association of Healing Rooms. The New Zealand Healing Rooms will hold its national conference at Activate Church in Hamilton on October 6 and 7. The theme ‘Fire in Our Bones’ is based on Jeremiah 20:9: His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! and Exodus 3:2: Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. Speakers include Canadian healing evangelists, Bob and Sue Brassett and, Gord and Jan Whyte, and Australian Healing Rooms directors, Franklyn and Deanne Elliott. “More and more churches setting up Healing Rooms in their premises,” Julie reports. “We’ve got Healing rooms in the Anglican Cathedral next to the Beehive in Wellington and at Harmony, St Albans Baptist and South-West Baptist churches and Rangiora in Christchurch, and at Valley Road Baptist, Howick Elim, Life North and Liberty churches in Auckland. “There’s also a great move taking place among the Maori people. We have Healing Rooms in Wainuiomata, Kawerau, Taneatua and Rotorua with the indigenous people of the land fully involved and we love working together,” she adds. Another trend sees old and younger people ministering together: “God is raising up the ‘Moses’ generation of 70 and 80 year olds to

be part of this ministry. I’m nearly 73 myself and I’ve never felt more active or more alive,” says Julie who travels around the country running training and equipping sessions. Many Healing Rooms are set up like a doctor’s rooms with a receptionist, a waiting room and private consultation rooms for personal prayer. The rooms are open one day a week for two or three hours. No payment is required and no appointment is necessary. “We’re ‘heart hubs’ of the love of God,” says Julie. “Before we open our doors we spend time in worship and intercession and when people come in it’s a delight to see them encounter God. Some are healed instantly through a miraculous touch from God and others receive their healing progressively. “We just share the love of Jesus Christ and watch Him deliver what He has provided for through the cross for a needy world. Sometimes people come in off the street for prayer and ask ‘Who is this Jesus who healed me?’ This provides an opportunity to share the gospel with them – old habits fall away when you have a heart encounter with the love of Jesus.” A Brief Portrait Julie and her husband, Mac have been married for 53 years. They have three children, numerous grandchildren and attend Mahurangi Presbyterian Church. In the seventies they lived in Japan for two years where Julie bravely drove in downtown Tokyo traffic. They later spent time in America while Mac completed his business studies at Harvard University. Julie surrendered her life to Christ at age 40 in Opunake, and helped start Youth for Christ there. They lived in Hamilton for 12 years when Mac was senior executive of a large corporation, and then spent a few years in Christchurch before settling in Warkworth. “I’ve set my foot on many nations – Outer Mongolia, Nepal, India and Israel. I’ve had opportunity to fly on


PROFILE

the Concord and had lunch with the Queen – there were 25 of us – and dined with Princess Anne. But I’ve come out of the king’s palace in ‘Egypt,’ and now I’m living a different, more satisfying life,” says Julie. Several years ago she ran forward at a Heidi Baker meeting and told the Lord she was ready to go to Africa, but He said: ‘I have sent you to the mission field of New Zealand. “Following the Lord’s leading is an interesting and exciting ride – I’ve learned to be flexible and flow with the rhythm of heaven. “Resting is the great intercession,” she observes. “We live in a world of unrest, but by resting and trusting we’re allowing Him to have His way. By living in the moment we can practise the presence of God every minute of every day. We know that He’s a good good Father and we can trust Him to provide what we need. Julie suffered incredible fears from an early age and has no memories before the age of nine: “I lived far too long in the valley of sorrows. I was always looking for change and I missed the beautiful moments of the day – the sunshine, flowers and bird-song. The Lord has restored my lost childhood in my latter years and now that I’ve found true peace and joy in knowing Jesus, I’m not about to let it go. “By yielding to God’s plan for our lives, we allow Him to do what He wants in and through us. We’re all on a journey,” she adds “and thankfulness and gratefulness are two of the greatest keys to seeing our destiny fulfilled. Beginnings Retired missionary to Africa, John G. Lake started the Healing Rooms in Spokane, USA in 1915. He had intended to retire but, seeing a great need for spiritual ministry, began training local Christians in the principles of healing and evangelism. Over the next five years more than 100,000 healings were recorded, almost bankrupting the city’s medical services. Lake dreamed of seeing Healing Rooms in every city of the world, but died before his dream was realised, and the ministry dwindled away. Eighty years later, retired American property developer, Cal Pierce felt led to re-open the Healing Rooms in Spokane. Cal had attended Bethel Church in Redding, California for 25 years and was ‘the most bored board member. I didn’t even want to go to church any more,” he admits. But he dutifully attended another church elder’s meeting and, following a time of worship, the recently appointed pastor, Bill Johnson

raised his hands and said: ‘Come Holy Spirit!’ “That’s the last thing I remember,” Cal recounts. “What seemed like a wave of God’s fire slowly coursed through my body and I couldn’t move. Eventually my wife pulled my sleeve and said: ‘Honey, it’s time to go home!’ From that day on I was totally different – the difference between day and night. Now I was hungry for God and wanted to go to church.” Feeling led to study healing and revivals, Cal visited Spokane where he learned about John G. Lake’s former ministry. He went on a 40day fast and in 1999 re-opened the Healing Rooms in Lake’s original offices. Today Cal and his wife Michelle direct International Association of Healing Rooms which has some 3,000 Healing Rooms in 76 nations. The ministry came to New Zealand in a round-about way. In 2000 Franklyn and Deanne Elliott invited Canadian Bob Brassett to speak at a healing conference in Australia. Bob later sent an email telling them about the Healing Rooms ministry in America, and suggested they pray about starting the ministry in Australia. After visiting the Healing Rooms in the USA, the Elliotts launched the Dural Healing Rooms in Sydney in 2003. Three years later they visited New Zealand with Bob Brassett and spoke at healing meetings at Kaiwaka Family Church, north of Wellsford. Meanwhile, Julie Calvert had come to a desperate place in her Christian walk. “I was questioning God, and asked: ‘Is this all there is?’ Then a friend invited me to a healing meeting in Kaiwaka and I thought, ‘I’m so over meetings,’ but went anyway.” Going forward for prayer to receive a Holy Spirit impartation for healings and miracles, she received the joy of the Lord instead. “I found myself lying on the floor, laughing joyously. I asked God, “What’s this about?’ and He said, ‘I’m laser-beaming the depths of the pain of your soul.’ God healed my heart that day and I came away forever changed.” The Elliotts invited Julie a Healing Rooms conference in Sydney soon afterwards. Again she went forward for prayer and heard God say, ‘This day you have stepped into your destiny.’” When she arrived home, a friend rang to say she had found a small room in Warkworth to start a Healing Rooms. “A team of Australians came to train a group of Christians who came from all over, and God moulded us together into one unified

body. Then we opened our doors and began to minister – it’s been messy at times but the joys have outweighed the difficulties. “The Healing Rooms belongs to God,” says Julie Calvert. “I’m so ridiculously outside what people would expect – I’m a woman and have little training and few qualifications. But He doesn’t take the qualified – He qualifies

those He calls. The Bible says in Mark 16: 17 says, Lay hands on the sick and they will recover, and so we co-labour with God and He opens windows of opportunity and blessings.”

Are you a Christian Writer?

www.nzchristianwriters.org TOO MANY OF OUR PRECIOUS

NZ CHILDREN ARE EXPERIENCING

ABUSE AND NEGLECT

We care for them in their time of need. We keep siblings together, ensure they are not moved too often, and provide deep, restorative loving supports for their healing and recovery.

We need your help to help them. Please join us today by committing to a small regular or one-off donation. You can do this online at homesofhope.org.nz, on HomesofHopeNZ or call us on

(07) 578 9826

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 13


TESTIMONY Below: Louise’s rangatira (elders). Her sister Liz and Uncle Morris wearing the very first korowai she made; Middle: Louise with with Mt Taranaki in the background; Left: Louise on the right (9) and Tania on the left

M

eeting Louise at Waitangi this year was memorable. She is a korowai maker. One who carries the gift of workmanship to make breathtaking contemporary korowai (Maori cloak) to bestow honour, and the personal integrity to walk that walk. Underneath her regal exterior lies the heart of a warrior who fights for her family to reverse the curse. Growing up in Martinborough, Wairarapa, her home life echoed Once Were Warriors, complete with Uncle Bully. Things got even harder after her mum (a mother of 9) left the family when Louise was 8 years old. Her sisters raised Louise. However the Once Were Warriors curse wasn’t broken and flowed from house to house. She felt that she was at the wrong place at the wrong time, all the time. At 12 years old, Louise’s mum and step-dad gained custody of her. She remembers the day she arrived at her mums’ house all too well. Her brother put her on a train to Wellington, but there was no one to pick her up. She sat at the station on her little bag for two hours until a taxi driver asked whom she was waiting for. He dropped her off and her mum hadn’t known she was coming. All the clothes Louise had brought with her were thrown away because they were worn out; filled with holes and pins holding up the hems. Louise’s mum bought her new clothes and sent her to a new school, but not long after the old cycles began to repeat and Louise had to leave. Young and homeless, she drifted between friends and got into wrong relationships, all the time seeing the gang lifestyle coming for her. She moved to Johnsonville and began working in an ice-cream factory where she met her husband-

g 14 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

Louise Kapene-Green The warrior queen whose heart speaks through her hands By Janet Balcombe to-be. With the gang lifestyle looming, she ran from it by throwing herself into her relationship with her husband. It wasn’t long before she found herself pregnant. Feeling unable to even care for herself, she had an abortion thinking it would help, but it did the opposite. Louise’s older sister Liz was always talking about Jesus but to Louise it was just words. At 22 years of age Louise was living in Wellington with her husband when he took off with another woman. Louise was devastated. Around that time she cried out to the Lord and said, “God if you’re real, show yourself to me!” From where she sat she noticed the light in the lounge cabinet was shining, but then she realised the light wasn’t even on. It was the light of Christ lighting up the room and she knew He was real. She made a stand with Liz and Jimmy Karaitiana (now assistant pastor Soulway Church, Masterton) who together with Koebi Hart, prayed Louise into God’s kingdom and reversed the curse. At that time there were not many Maori in church. She drifted in and out of church for years, struggling to fit in and found the love of God hard to find amongst God’s people. She has been strengthened by God’s love and seen Him provide for her family. After bringing her children up in the ways of the Lord it has been a hard road praying for them as they have made their own choices. She has fought for her marriage through thick and thicker. She has just begun to see the answers to her years of prayer and restoration in her family has begun. It’s been everything but easy, but Louise has persevered. She knows God’s promises for her family are true. She knows the Once Were Warriors cycle has been broken for her children and grandchildren and replaced with a Godly legacy. Louise served in prison ministry in the Manawatu for a while along with Koebi Hart, and also led worship at church. One day in a vision, Louise saw a beautiful korowai on her pastor and thought how awesome it would be to make korowai. She heard the Lord say, “Clothe my people.” She knew God wanted especially to honour the pastors because of the work they do taking care of people. God also spoke to her about honour in her own life, especially the importance of honouring her mother and father, which she had always been careful

to do. Then God gave Louise her desire, and she learned to make contemporary korowai. Making korowai can be a tapu (sacred) thing and she wondered if her parents, who had both passed, would have approved. The colours of native birds were jumping out at her, especially the Tui, and inspired her work. The Tui was a special connection to her mum as she was surrounded with the song of the Tui in her mother’s garden. Still pondering whether to make korowai, a big Tui flew down and landed very close to her and she knew it was God confirming her mothers’ approval. The korowai hang on the wall and remind people of what God has done for them, a gift passed down to the generations of blessings instead of curses. She sees people cry and lives changed when their korowai settle around their shoulders and God touches them. One day she was prompted by God to make a long, white korowai. She made it and stored it away. About six months later a prominent Maori man enquired about a korowai. He told her he had been looking for a long, white korowai (past the knee) for months and couldn’t find one. When he saw Louise’s advert he called her to check it out. When he arrived he felt the peace in her home and the love in her work. She asked if she could place it around him and it was a perfect fit. His eyes teared up as He felt the love of God and then they pressed noses (hongi mauri ora) in respect and honour. This is one of many stories of how korowai have brought love, honour and healing to people. Her red korowai symbolise the blood of Jesus and impart strength in a visual way. When you put on a korowai you know you are a royal priesthood and a holy nation. The name ‘Kakahu’ comes from God and means ‘clothes’. God’s grace has taken Louise has from a child with holes in her clothes to a woman chosen and refined by fire to clothe people with precious (taonga) contemporary korowai. Chosen to honour people, and honour God. You can find Louise on Facebook: ‘Kakahu: When the heart speaks through the hands’ Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.


HOT TOPIC

If culture is being changed, why can’t we change it too? By Dave Mann

M

any are disturbed by the way our culture is progressively throwing off attachments to its Christian past. Here are a few thoughts on what we could do. Culture doesn’t change by itself. There are always voices or circumstances that do the changing. Just consider the way that a moderately small number of LGBT activists are changing the way we view sexuality. Change happens for a reason – and there is no question that a few hundred thousand believing evangelical Christians could have a greater impact than they do. Some Christians feel that we cannot ‘play’ in the public square, because the public media is so prejudiced against the Christian faith. But what about the Hope Project, which just took the Christian message right into the public square through TV, letterboxes and web-media, and which was well received? The third Hope Project effort received less than 20 complaints – and most of these were about booklets wrongly placed in ‘no circulars’ letterboxes. A study of the way the homosexual community promoted their cause deserves some reflection. Our society has rejected the Judeo-Christian way of thinking, which was the basis of which our society used to define right and wrong. This means that ‘truth’ is now defined by common opinion –

and so the question is: who is defining that common opinion? Consider this: efforts that give profile to things affect perspectives, and it is those perspectives that are defining our societies future ‘truths’. This means that efforts that raise the profile of Christianity in the public square, are now more important than they were 50 years ago. If people do not hear Christian messages in the public square, they will assume Christianity to be a thing of the past, and irrelevant. An amazing 45% still affiliate to the Christian faith in New Zealand – which is no small number. In addition, most of our nation’s most-treasured values come from the Christian faith - like the freedoms of religion and speech, our ideas of charity, the value of human life, education for all, health care, democratic government, and many more. These need standing up for, and provide a considerable foundation from which to speak. As Christians, we have valid reason to have a voice. The AllTogether.co.nz team (who organized the Hope Project) believes it is time for Christian churches to have a more intentional voice in the public square. Consider the near-complete absence of any Christian reference in public media at Easter. There was not even a token-movie about the themes of grace and forgiveness. This was

then followed by a few weeks of profile given to ANZAC. ANZAC is becoming increasingly valued – but this is not happening by mistake. This is why we are proposing that the Hope Project be run every Easter - as a starting point. This would give profile to Jesus’ name again at this time of the year, while getting the gospel to most homes in your community through TV, booklets in letterboxes and online. The content would intentionally serve to re-educate us all on our Christian heritage and values

through story, while including some apologetic reasoning and the Gospel message. However, if a united voice is to exist like this in the public square, support is needed. 1000 people giving $12 per week are needed ($600pa) – or 600 churches or people giving $1000 to be precise. However, freedom of speech is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. We are being removed from the public square. Do we want a voice? Please see alltogether.co.nz/hopeproject for more details.

Everyday Strength

RRP $44.99

RECIPES & WELLBEING TIPS FOR CANCER PATIENTS by Sam Mannering & Karen McMillan Beatnik Publishing beatnikshop.com

Nourishing recipes and wellbeing tips for people facing cancer that will help make everyday a little brighter.

Everyday Strength is an invaluable resource for families facing cancer. Going through treatments for cancer is undoubtedly challenging, which authors Sam Mannering and Karen McMillan well know from personal experience. But this book is packed with practical, everyday things you can do to make each day a little brighter during this difficult time.

Will you help to put Jesus in the hands of 1.4 million Kiwis at Easter 2018? Have you noticed how Jesus’ name is hardly mentioned in public media at Easter anymore? While the Christian message of hope is unchanging, the beliefs of our society are now continuously changing, and the messages of media feed them. In such a society, maintaining a visible presence is important because ‘out of sight’ equals ‘out of mind’. To preserve an awareness of Jesus at Easter it is proposed that the Hope Project be run every year. This would bring esteem to the name of Jesus, and if we work together is very achievable. In 2014-2016 the first three national media efforts saw many lives being dramatically changed, and churches and individuals helped to engage conversations. Please participate in this very worthy effort now by going to: AllTogether.co.nz/donate

For more, please visit: AllTogether.co.nz/hopeproject

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 15


Programme Guide

Watch Shine on Freeview 25 / SKY 201 Online shinetv.co.nz

OCTOBER 2017

Details correct at the time of printing. For up-to-date 24-hour listings and programme information go to shinetv.co.nz

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Living Truth: Charles Price

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

P

8:00

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

8:30

5:00 6:00

In Touch: Charles Stanley

TUESDAY Living Truth: Charles Price

P

WEDNESDAY P

THURSDAY

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

FRIDAY P

SATURDAY

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

Quick Study with Ron Hembree (Mon-Fri)

P

Life Questions / Kingdom Connection

P

5:00

P

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

C

6:00

Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

P

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

P

Kingdom Connection: Jentegzen Franklin

P

Derek Prince

P

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave and Jill Moore

P

Superbook

C

6:30

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

C

Captain Chuckleberry

C

Superbook

C

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

C

Superbook

C

Captain Chuckleberry

C

7:00

Veggie Tales

C

Friends and Heroes

C

Veggie Tales

C

Captain Chuckleberry

C

Veggie Tales

C

Pahapahooey Island

C

7:30

P

Blello TV / Theo: Teaching God’s Word

C

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

Theo: Teaching God’s Word / Blello TV

C

Super Simple Science Stuff

C

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

Children’s Heroes of the Bible

C

8:00

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

P

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

P

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

P

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

P

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

P

Super Simple Science Stuff

C

8:30

In Touch: Charles Stanley

P

Scaly Adventures

C

9:00

P

P

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

9:30

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

10:30

Songs of Praise

M

11:00 11:30

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Noon

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

P

6:30 7:00 7:30

9:00 9:30 10:00

12:30

100 Huntley Street

D

13:00

The Restoration Road

D

13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00

When Calls the Heart D

Bobby Schuller

P

The Restoration Road

D

The Exchange

D

Be Amazing

D

Roots and Reflections Signed, Sealed, Delivered Double episodes

D

D

(Season 1)

The End of Me

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Leon Fontaine

P

What Do You See? In Touch: Charles Stanley

D D

Drive Thru History: America

D

100 Huntley Street

D

TV4Dads: Michigan Man Camp LivingTruth: Charles Price

P

D P

Noon

Live from Studio B

D

12:30

Global Leadership Summit 2016

D

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Joni & Friends

Ties That Bind

D

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

C

Superbook

Veggie Tales

C

Hillsong Kids: A Big Life

C

Veggie Tales

C

Super Simple Science Stuff

C

Veggie Tales

Roots and Reflections

D

Impact for Life: Peter & Bev Mortlock

P

Word For You: Terry & Jayne Calkin

P

19:30

Songs of Praise

M

Drive Thru History: America

D

Christian World News

N

100 Huntley Street

D

Full Circle (Tue-Thu)

D

Be Amazing

The 700 Club (Mon-Fri) LIFE TV: Paul de Jong Ties That Bind NEW SERIES

P

FEATURE:

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail /

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

When Calls the Heart (Season 3) (16 Oct)

22:00

What Do You See?

D

TV4Dads: Michigan Man Camp

D

Joni & Friends

D

22:30

Impact for Life

P

Bobby Schuller

P

Leon Fontaine

P

23:00

The Catholic Guy

P

23:30

The Exchange

D

Midnight

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

P

00:30am

Roots and Reflections

D

1 am

Songs of Praise

M

1:30am

The Restoration Road

D

Bayless Conley

P

P

P

The Catholic Guy: Bruce Downs

P

P

2 am

Living Truth: Charles Price

P

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

P

Studio 5

D 17:00

D

Creation Magazine Live

D 17:30

N

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

D

Live from Studio B

D

Jeni: Hometown Harvest

D

Global Leadership Summit 2016

D

Derek Prince

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

‘I’m walking through a dark time and have been leaving Shine on constantly

throughout the night... it’s helping to uplift my spirits and keep my eyes focused on God and not on other things trying to pull me in another direction.’ - Lily

P

18:00 18:30 19:00

FAMILY FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

19:30 20:00

Brought to you by

20:30

D

P

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

Hillsong TV

Hour of Power: Bobby Schuller

D 21:30

Worship by Hillsong

M

P

LIFE TV: Paul de Jong

P

P

Creation Magazine Live

P

Lakewood Church: Joel Osteen

P

P

Planetshakers TV

D

P

P

D 21:00

Global Leadership Summit 2016

P

Harvest TV Rotorua: Dave & Jill Moore

Drive Thru History: America

Overnight until 4:30am - Shine Worship (Sun-Sat)

A Shine viewer says...

16 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

M

Studio 5

Quick Study with Ron Hembree (Mon-Fri) In Touch: Charles Stanley

N 16:30

N

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri) Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

15:30

Jerusalem Dateline

Jerusalem Dateline

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri) Unlocking the Bible: David Pawson

15:00

C

P

Give Me An Answer

14:30

P 16:00

Life Questions: Jeff Vines

NEW SERIES

14:00

C

P

Ties That Bind

13:30

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

Running with Fire: Tak Bhana

D

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

P

Shine Worship (Mon-Fri) D

13:00

FEATURE:

D

NEW SERIES

Captain Chuckleberry

19:00

D

N

C

D

D 11:30

Jerusalem Dateline

Pahapahooey Island

Be Amazing

Studio 5

D

C

N

The End of Me

NEW SERIES

Y 10:30

11:00

P

Friends and Heroes

Jerusalem Dateline

21:30

Ties That Bind

10:00

Life FM Presents

D

C

18:30

21:00

Be Amazing

Hillsong Kids: Cubbyhouse

Joni & Friends

(Season 1)

N

(Season 3) (17 Oct)

18:00

D

Christian World News

When Calls the Heart

17:30

20:30

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

N

D

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail

P

Signed, Sealed, Delivered Double episodes

P

FEATURE:

FEATURE:

See adjacent or go to shinetv.co.nz for more detail /

Turning Point: Dr David Jeremiah

20:00

Leading the Way: Michael Youssef

Full Circle (Tue-Thu)

P

17:00

P

The 700 Club (Tue-Fri)

Living Truth: Charles Price

16:30

Answers with Bayless Conley

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon-Fri)

(Season 3) (22 Oct)

15:30 16:00

Destined to Reign with Joseph Prince (Mon-Fri)

22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30 Midnight

D 00:30am P M

1 am 1:30am

2 am

P

Preaching

C

Children

M

Music

N

News

Y

Youth

D

Doco / Drama


SHIN E FEATURES SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017

NEW SERIES

STARTS WED 5 SEP Wednesdays 7.30PM Thursdays 12PM & 9.30PM Fridays 2PM

Allison McLean is a detective, mother and wife. Her world is drastically changed when her brother is sent to prison. She takes his children into her home, as well as doing her job of solving crimes.

Shine has more great feature series this September and October (for a more detailed programme guide, go to shinetv.co.nz)

GOOD GOVERNMENT MATTERS

Join Rhema Media’s Andrew Urquhart as he interviews major political party leaders in the run up to the 2017 General Election. Rt Hon Winston Peters, Hon Judith Collins & Marama Fox:

Thu 7 Sep 8.30pm; Fri 8 Sep 1pm

Jacinda Ardern, James Shaw and David Seymour:

Thu 14 Sep 8.30pm; Fri 15 Sep 1pm

TV4DADS: Michigan Man Camp

This popular teaching programme, hosted by Brian Molitor, uncovers keys to successful parenting with special emphasis on the noble calling of fatherhood. Mondays 10pm Tuesdays 2.30pm

Details up to date at time of printing. For a full and up-to-date 24-hour programme: shinetv.co.nz

DRIVE THRU HISTORY: AMERICA

WHEN CALLS THE HEART (Season 3)

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2016

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Join Dave Stotts on an adventure through early American history as he tells the stories of the people, places, and events that led to the founding of the United States of America. (Starts 25 Sep) Mondays 7.30pm Tuesdays 12pm

Bill Hybels from Willowcreek hosts this annual conference. Inspiring messages from successful leaders like Melinda Gates, John Maxwell, Bishop TD Jakes & many more. (Starts 21 Sep) Thursdays 8.30pm Fridays 1pm

To watch Shine

Freeview 25 Sky 201 or online at shinetv.co.nz

The continuing story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a teacher from high society, who receives her first classroom assignment in a small milling town where life is fraught with challenges. Mondays 8.30pm Tuesdays 1pm Sundays 1.30pm

Hillsong Pastor Robert Fergusson gives insight on how to live a life that pleases God and gives us a new way of looking at ordinary things that reflects on our relationship with God. Sundays 10pm Mondays 2.30pm

shinetv.co.nz twitter.com/shinetv facebook.com/shinetv.nz

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 17


Classifieds...

brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs

P O S I T I O N S VAC A N T

SERVE GOD IN TARANAKI ! Eltham Presbyterian Camp Board need a couple or individual to assist the Camp Manager in a Caretaker’s role. This is a part time position of approx 15 hours per week. You need to be a team player, keen to serve God with your practical handyman skills, be able to work independently when necessary and willing to be on duty some weekends. There may also be opportunities for ministry at the camp. A house is available, good Board support and a great local community!

Weekend Duty Manager

Pacific Park Christian Holiday Camp is seeking to employ a ‘Weekend Duty Manager’ with some weekday hours. Persons’ wishing to apply for this position should be versatile, hardworking and have ‘Hospitality’ experience. We are looking for a start date around the end of August.

For more info contact us: Graham and Joanne Morris Email: gbandjomo@gmail.com Check out our website elthamcamp.co.nz

For more info on this position and the application process please email pacificpark1110@icloud.com or visit www.pacificpark.co.nz

ARE YOU A FINANCE LEADER PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING A

DIFFERENCE? World Vision have a unique opportunity for a General Manager, Finance to join their senior leadership team. We are looking for a seasoned finance professional to lead the financial and fiscal management of the organisation and work with them to help make a difference in vulnerable children's lives around the world. Please contact Angela Evans for further info, a detailed PD or a discussion about the role: angela@angelaevansconsulting.co.nz or phone 021 304 666.

EVENTS

Royree Jensen AUSTRALIA

Lesley Taylor NZ

John Bridge INDIA

Joan Hunter USA

Earlybird

$99 till

Celebrate 150 years of ChristianWitness by planning a heritage holiday... SEE what the churches are UP TO!

For events check out thamesheritage.co.nz/goldfields or thamesinfo.co.nz

18 | Christian Life Issue Forty-Nine September 2017

RESOURCES

31 March

2018

Peter Snell Youth Village is situated on 27 acres of native bush and parkland about 45 minutes north of Downtown Auckland. With amazing sea and island views towards Waiwera and the Mahurangi. In recent years the facilities have been updated to meet the needs and comfort of the many school and community groups that take advantage of this beautiful site. Excellent catering and friendly hosts enable guests to focus entirely on getting the most out of their stay. Onsite activities include an initiative course, burma trail, horizontal bungy, water slide and trampolines, as well as an abseiling tower. Kayaking and sailing is also available but needs to be booked with an outside provider. The beach track gives access to a rocky shore as well as a sandy beach for beach games and swimming if desired.

www.psyv.org.nz


Classifieds...

brought to you by My Christian Daily Jobs www.mychristiandaily.com/jobs

FIND A CHRISTIAN BUSINESS

RESOURCES

BOOKS ON A MiSSiON TO KiDS

* BUiLDING FAiTH AND CONFiDENCE High-octane : rip-roaring : faith filled : Kiwi Kids stories for children 7—14yrs “great story couldn't put it down ...gripping adventures keeping you on the edge of your seat. “My grandson is a different boy since he read your book.. Thank you.”

From your local Christian Bookstore … or

www.kiwibooks.org Phone: (07) 560-3465

Do you need an evangelist or evangelism training OAC has evangelists throughout New Zealand Call 0800467 735 or visit oac.org.nz

WARKWORTH: Heartbeat Christian Store 60 Queen Street Ph.09 425 9559 AUCKLAND: Bamboo Resource Centre 591 Dominion Rd Balmoral Ph.09 630 5997 www.bamboo.co.nz Children’s Bible Ministries 9 Walters Rd Mount Eden Ph.09 630 5271 www.shop.cbm.org.nz Christian Resource Centre WARKWORTH 9 Ellis Ave Heartbeat Christian Store 60 Queen St, Ph 09 425 9559 Mount Roskill AUCKLAND Auckland 1041 Adventist Book Centre Ph.09 377 4059 743 Great South Rd, Manukau www.christianresources.co.nz Ph 09 262 5643 adventistbooks.org.nz Church Stores Bamboo Resource Centre 8b Roberts Road 591 Dominion Rd, Balmoral Ellerslie Ph 09 630 5997 Auckland bamboo.co.nz PH.09 525 1380 Children’s Bible Ministries 9 Walters Rd, Mt Eden www.churchstores.co.nz

Ph 09 630 5271 shop.cbm.org.nz Christian Resource Centre 9 Ellis Ave, Mt Roskill Ph 09 377 4059 christianresources.co.nz

Holiday Accommodation Glenbrook Beach, Waiuku Peaceful beachfront cottage, sleeps up to 12. Good facilities. $120/night, negotiable if 6+ nights. Great for family or church groups. Contact brenda@forrest.gen.nz

GAY AND HURTING?

If this is your experience, take heart. Over the last 50 years many people in similar life-walks to your own have been helped while participating in totally confidential Christian support groups. Exodus Ministries has such groups operating in several centres in N.Z. This support has resulted in a majority of participants being helped in personal growth away from same-sex-attraction struggles and gay porn attraction. Exodus Ministries Ph: 09 268 0346 exodusnz@maxnet.co.nz / PO Box 175, Takinini, 2245 www.gaytoexgay.org.nz

Family Life Catholic Gifts 569 Richardson Road Mt Albert Ph.09 629 0820 www.catholicgifts.co.nz The Square Gift Store St Patrick's Square 43 Wyndham Street Ph.09 365 1693 www.thesquaregiftstore.co.nz St Joseph’s Centre Gift Shop 1 Fred Thomas Drive Takapuna Ph.09 489 5613 Ext 2 www.stjosephscentre.co.nz THAMES: The Square Gift Store Thames Christian St Patrick’s Sq, 43 Wyndham St Ph 09 365 1693 Bookshop thesquaregiftstore.co.nz 732 Pollen St Church Stores NZ Ph. 07 868 9115 8 Robert St, Ellerslie HAMILTON: Ph 09 525 1380 churchstores.co.nz Living Word Bookcentre Family Life Catholic Gifts 634 Victoria St 569 Richardson Rd, Mt Albert Ph.07 839 5607 Ph 09 629 0820 www.livingword.net.nz catholicgifts.co.nz

St Joseph’s Centre Gifts Thomas Dr, Takapuna 1PhFred 09 489 5613 Ext 2 stjosephscentre.co.nz

THAMES Thames Christian Bookshop 732 Pollen St, Ph 07 868 9115

TAURANGA: Sonshine Bookcentre 84 First Avenue Ph.07 578 8477 www.sonshine.co.nz Sunrise Books Shop 16 Cherrywood Court Ph.07 576 1092 ROTORUA: Sonshine Bookcentre 1129 Eruera St Ph.07 349 1661 www.sonshine.co.nz NEW PLYMOUTH: Good News Centre 581 Devon Street East Ph.06 758 4912 HAMILTON LEVIN: Living Word Bookcentre 634 Victoria St, Ph 07 839 5607 Beacon Christian Book livingword.net.nz Shop TAURANGA 198A Oxford Street Sonshine Bookcentre Ph.06 368 7683 84 First Ave, Ph 07 578 8477 sonshine.co.nz WELLINGTON: Sunrise Books Scripture Union NZ Shop Cherrywood PO Box 16, 760, WellingtonCourt 6140 Ph 07 576 1092 9A Oxford Terrace, Mt Cook, ROTORUA Wellington Sonshine Bookcentre Phone: 04 385 0485 1129 Eruera St, Ph 07 349 1661 sonshine.co.nz Web: www.sunz.org.nz NEW PLYMOUTH Good News Centre 581 Devon St East Ph 06 758 4912

CHRISTCHURCH: Catholic Shop 373 Manchester Street Christchurch Ph.03 366 2853 Christian Superstore 370 Colombo Street Sydenham Ph. 03 366 1917 Toll Free. 0800 88 88 99 www.christiansuperstore.co.nz Epic Christian Books & Gifts 3/1 Waterman Place Ferrymead Ph.03 352 9568 www.epicbooks.co.nz New Millennium Books LEVIN 22 Grampian Street Beacon Christian Book Shop 198A Oxford St, Ph 06 368 7683 Casebrook CHRISTCHURCH Ph.03 359 1310 Catholic Shop www.newmillenniumbooks.co.nz 373 Manchester St TIMARU: Ph 03 366 2853 Christian Superstore Christian Superstore 370 Colombo St, Sydenham 102 Stafford Street Ph 03 366 1917 or 0800 88 88 99 Ph.03 688 3431 christiansuperstore.co.nz www.christiansuperstore.co.nz Epic Christian Books & Gifts 3/1 Waterman Place Ferrymead, Ph 03 352 9568 epicbooks.co.nz New Millennium Books 22 Grampian St, Casebrook Ph 03 359 1310 newmillenniumbooks.co.nz

OAMARU: North Otago Christian Bookstore 27 Thames Street Ph.03 434 9025 DUNEDIN: Full of Grace Moran Building 8 Octagon Ph.03 477 6342 MOSGIEL: Mosgiel Christian Bookshop 137 Gordon Road Ph.03 489 4953 FIJI: Cascade Bookshop 8 Sterling Place TIMARU Lami Superstore Christian 102 Fiji Stafford St, Ph 03 688 3431 christiansuperstore.co.nz Ph. 0067 9330 5565 OAMARU Nth Otago Christian Bookstore 27 Thames St, Ph 03 434 9025 DUNEDIN Full of Grace Moran Building, 8 The Octagon Ph 03 477 6342 MOSGIEL Mosgiel Christian Bookshop 137 Gordon Rd, Ph 03 489 4953 FIJI Cascade Bookshop 8 Sterling Place, Lami Ph 0067 9330 5565

Check out our new site at www.christianlife.co.nz | 19


Online Evangelism Course Diploma of Ministry in Evangelism < 1 year programme New Intake 2nd March 2018 The College of Evangelism is an interdenominational facility training pastors, evangelists, elders, and leaders. You will be encouraged to minister with a desire and ability to lead so that evangelism takes its rightful place in the church of the future.

What Do I Do? Fill application on our website

www.collegeofevangelism.org.nz or write to College of Evangelism PO Box 848, Nelson 7040

First year courses involves:

email JJ.assist@slinghot.co.nz

• • • •

or phone 03 547 2566 or 027 446 7735

Weekly downloaded lectures. Three 4-day block courses. Mentoring meetings fortnightly Reading and assignments.

Cost is $1,200+GST per year (inc. lectures, accommodation and tuition for block courses) Applications are now being received.

Course includes:

Mission in Old and New Testaments,, the Gospel in Romans, Galatians and Ephesians, Apologetics, Cults, Religions and the Occult, Bible Interpretation, Becoming a great preacher, personal evangelism, children’s evangelism, Cross-cultural evangelism, being an effective evangelistic pastor and more.

Who are we?

The College of Evangelism is an initiative of a network of ministries, pastors and leaders in New Zealand.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.