dispatch latest news from cvm | autumn 2012
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DEFENDERS Exclusive DVD interviews with Christian soldiers and families of those on the frontline PLUS a powerful gospel message from Carl Beech
PLUS THE GATHERING XII - REVIEW THE ULTIMATE MANUAL
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MESSAGE FROM CARL Brothers, It’s been a awesome time for CVM. The Gathering was an epic event that saw over 70 men respond to the gospel, with at least half of those men being first time commitments to follow Jesus! You can see more about The Gathering on our website, with some great pics of the action! Booking lines are now open at a reduced price for 2013 so don’t delay. All indications are that we will see an even bigger event next year! Looking ahead we shall be launching our Defenders pack any day now. This is a top class outreach resource to help churches get to grips with Remembrance Day (and other military events) with some cracking testimonies filmed on military locations. It’s free so watch this space! (P&P not included.) Our new National Tour also launches in September, including some days in partnership with New Wine. Have you seen The Manual yet, our new daily Bible notes for men produced with CWR? Also planned is a brand new Code Bible for men, containing top ten lists, facts, reading plans, pledges, questions and more. You guys are going to love it! That’s due out later this year. All of this is to equip and resource the most important work of all… you telling
your mates about Jesus. As you support us, so we can support and spur you on to action. We’re in this Gospel Charge together. Thanks for standing shoulder to shoulder with us. It’s an exciting movement to be part of and I thank God for each of you men out there who are standing in the gap for your mates, work colleagues and family members. Keep looking up! Carl Beech, General Director CVM On behalf of the CVM team
CVM, The Hub, Unit 2 Dunston Road, Chesterfield S41 8XA t: 01246 452483 e: info@cvm.org.uk w: cvm.org.uk
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THE HEADLINES! DEFENDERS’ GLIMPSES Churches across the UK are ordering their free copy of the bespoke CVM resource for Remembrance Day, Armed Forces Day and Men’s Group Meetings: Defenders. CVM has travelled across the country to interview Christians in the military to give churches a better idea of what faith looks like on the frontline. Alex Willmott, who conducted the interviews, said: “It was a real privilege to meet the guys who put their lives at risk to protect and serve their country. Faith on the frontline is an incredibly complex issue, and many churches feel out of touch with those guys overseas. Defenders is a brilliant resource that will bridge the gap between congregations and those affected by military life.” The Defenders pack will help church leaders and men’s groups produce a bespoke evangelistic meeting that is high quality and feature packed. Defenders is a free resource for UK churches and is supported by the national charity Hope. (P+P not included). Order a Defenders pack for your church or small group by visiting cvm.org.uk/defenders
Defenders interview excerpt: “I pulled my foot back because it felt like I had stepped on a hot plate. I then realised I had been shot through the front of the Chinook helicopter by an AK47 round. I said: ‘Goodness, I’ve been shot’. At that moment I was actually flying the helicopter. It took me six weeks to recover after the surgery that removed the bullet, and God was with me throughout it all.” Rich Anderson, Chinook pilot
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THE GATHERING XII – REVIEW
LIVES CHANGED Nearly 800 guys descended on a muddy Lynt Farm and had a cracking weekend of worship, teaching and fun. Over the weekend about 40 guys made the decision to follow Jesus – many for the first time! Alex Willmott interviewed Paul Gask about it. What was the highlight of The Gathering for you? “There were many highlights for me; great fellowship, challenging and thought provoking teaching through the superb seminars and talks, marvellous testimonies, stonkingly great worship; 800 united blokes singing to the Lord!! Wow! However, for me, the main highlight of the whole weekend was this: it was indeed an honour to stand at the front before the assembled masses and be one of the first to welcome those blokes who committed themselves to Christ for the first time. “If my life had ended right there and then
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I would have felt that my life had had some meaning. To welcome home those guys makes all the criticism, disappointments, hard graft and everything else that goes with a men’s ministry worthwhile!! “What could be better than knowing that the Kingdom has expanded by at least 40 blokes?” Why do you think it’s important that we continue to share the message of Jesus? “I suppose that the answer to this is ‘because we have been commanded to’!! (That’s Biblical that is!). “However, after 30 years as a copper and literally spending years in ‘the gutter’ both professionally and through choice, despite my own pathetic efforts, I know that only Jesus can release us blokes from the grip of aggression, violence, alcohol reliance, pornography, etc., etc., that I have seen so many men destroyed by. Jesus released me from all of these and completely changed and saved my life. I’m just a normal everyday
THE GATHERING XII – REVIEW bloke and if it’s good enough for me it’s good enough for anyone!! “And if we don’t tell them about Jesus and show them the mighty saving and releasing power that He wants to give… and it’s free you know… then who is going to tell them? (That’s also Biblical, that is!!)” Would you recommend to men across the UK that they bring their mates to next year’s Gathering? “I would say: ‘DO IT’. I guarantee 100% that all their mates will have a blast!! Just bring a tent, an open mind and some wellies!! “We all want to be better men; better husbands, better fathers, better grandfathers, better workmates and better friends and you
never know; your mate might just leave The Gathering on the road which leads him into becoming just that! “You owe it to your mates!! Give them an opportunity to have a little look at what it really means to experience, Jesus without being pressured by church, work or anything (or indeed anyone) else!! And they will have a right laugh whilst doing so! What could be better? “Give your mate an opportunity to become your brother.”
Paul Gask is the CVM representative for Leicester
the gathering 2013 21-23 June » book now at cvm.org.uk/thegathering
NEW WINE DAYS/NATIONAL TOUR September 22 September 29 October 6 October 20 November 10 November 17 November 24
» » » » » » »
East London, Romford East Midlands, Loughborough London, with New Wine South West, Bristol, with New Wine Hereford Sussex and Surrey, Crawley South Coast, Southampton, with New Wine
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CVM PRAYER DIARY SEP- DEC 2012
» W/C 3 SEP | GROUP LEADERS Men across the UK are dedicating their time and efforts to lead groups of men for the sake of the Gospel. Pray they stay focused on the vision to nurture, grow and inspire the faith of those around them. cvm.org.uk/groups » W/C 10 SEP | JASON BLUE Our CVM Canada Director is returning back to his homeland to reach Canadian men with the message of Jesus. Pray that Jason remembers the promises of God and has confidence in the message he has been given. » W/C 17 SEP | NEW BROTHERS IN ARMS Around 40 men made decisions to follow Jesus for the first time during the CVM Gathering. As winter sets in, pray they look to strengthen their faith and serve their local churches. » W/C 24 SEP | INTERNS We have welcomed two interns Jack and Andy to the CVM team over the summer. Pray that they are blessed by their time with us and are inspired to continue in their Christian faith as well as set an example for their mates. cvm.org.uk/team » W/C 1 OCT | NEW WINE PARTNERSHIP We are thankful for the strategic partnership between CVM and New Wine as we implement national men’s days across the country. October 6, October 20 and November 24 see three large day conferences taking place in England. Please pray that men engage with Jesus. » W/C 8 OCT | NEW STAFF We have taken Kirsty Woolf onto the CVM team full-time. She has recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University and will be responsible for Web and Media at CVM. Pray she takes well to the position and loves being a part of the team. cvm.org.uk/team » W/C 15 OCT | NATIONAL DIRECTORS With CVM growing continuously, please pray for our national directors in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, Canada, Cambodia and South Africa. We want to see national cultures turn to Christ for their identity. cvm.org.uk/team » W/C 22 OCT | FUNDS CVM is able to grow and make an impact on our communities due to standing orders from guys on the ground. Pray that more people catch the vision of the movement and help us equip Christian men more and more.
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@cvmen | dispatch | autumn 2012 |
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» W/C 29 OCT | RESOURCES We have some exciting resources being launched in the near future, including Defenders, the Manual, Code Bible, Podcasts, Blogs and so on. Please pray that the resources change lives. » W/C 5 NOV | MARK AINSWORTH Mark is currently working with men in Cambodia for CVM. In a difficult environment, pray for protection over Mark as he looks to make changes in the culture with the Christian message. » W/C 12 NOV | CVM TRUSTEES CVM is blessed to have a group of trustees who help to guide the movement internationally. Pray for the wisdom and relationships amongst the board as they encourage and support the CVM Directors. cvm.org.uk/team » W/C 19 NOV | CARL Please remember CVM General Director Carl Beech in your prayers as he leads the movement into growth. Pray for protection when he communicates the Message of Jesus nationally. cvm.org.uk/team » W/C 26 NOV | NATIONAL TOUR CVM has launched its National Tour to equip Christian men with the tools needed to share their faith confidently and clearly. As we visit the regions across the UK, pray for a positive response and great testimonies. » W/C 3 DEC | CHRISTMAS EVENTS Many CVM groups will be looking to host and lead evangelistic events this Christmas. Pray for a great response at each event and a powerful result for the groups involved up and down the UK. cvm.org.uk/events » W/C 10 DEC | GATHERING PREPARATION On the back of the 2012 Gathering, CVM will launch a bigger and even better weekend festival in 2013. Pray that we see 1200 men gather together to challenge and inspire each other during a cracking weekend from June 21 -23. cvm.org.uk/thegathering » W/C 17 DEC | NATION The vision behind CVM is to introduce a million men in the country to the message of Jesus. Please pray we continue to see fruit from our efforts in the UK and that more men think about the Truth in their daily lives. » W/C 24 DEC | CHURCH LEADERS Here at CVM we are dedicated to supporting church leaders in the UK. We believe in the local church and want to see growth across the denominations. Pray that we can help equip and serve church leaders to see the Gospel spread in this country. » W/C 31 DEC | 2013 The New Year will bring new challenges and huge steps for CVM. Pray that we as a team look to God for our guidance and support as we move closer to our goal of reaching a million men for Jesus.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR | YOUR PRAYERS cvm.org.uk 01246 452483 | | 7
TEAM WOOLF CVM welcomes Kirsty Woolf What did you study at university and what are your strengths? “ICT, Business and Education. Not that I really did anything within my course that linked to Education. “I think our strengths are embedded, so it’s difficult to narrow them down sometimes. I’ve been told I’m a good encourager, listener and helper.“ What drew you to the position with CVM? “It was a selection of things really. Some people told me about the job and I guess I brushed it off because I was too busy at uni, but then a few more people told me about it. After looking into the job role it appealed to me more and more. Working with technology is something that I really enjoy, and I also enjoy telling people about Jesus. This job puts the two together.” What will you enjoy the most about working for CVM? “Hmm… my inner geek will enjoy building part of the website, learning and developing different aspects, but overall it will be the journey we are on to see one million men come to know Jesus. Hearing about events, testimonies, etc. makes me really excited!” Is it a bit strange working for a men’s ministry as a young woman?
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GOD CAN USE ANYONE FOR HIS GLORY, MAN OR WOMAN, AND I AM NOT REALLY BOTHERED WHERE HE WANTS ME, JUST AS LONG AS HE USES ME “Strange? Not really. But I guess it is a little different because I am a GIRL! I honestly don’t think about it, I just think God can use anyone for His glory, man or woman, and I am not really bothered where He wants me, just as long as He uses me.” What are your hobbies? “I love playing TEAM sports. Over the last three years at uni I have taken a massive liking for Ultimate Frisbee. It’s a lot of fun and a lot of exercise.” Favourite Bible Verse? “Hmm…Deuteronomy 31:6 (Message version): ‘Be Strong. Take Courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He is right there with you. He won’t let you down, He won’t leave you.’”
‘WELCOME’ TO OUR NEW GROUPS!
THE MANUAL Inside the ultimate Manual TV’s favourite survival celebrity, Bear Grylls, has commended a CVM/CWR resource to help men grapple with the Bible: The Manual. Carl Beech has written four volumes of The Manual, each of which is available in print and for Kindle. Speaking to CVM, Bear said: “The Manual is powerful, personal and relevant - it has helped me a lot to live my faith day-by -day”. Since the recent publication of the first two editions, men across the UK have been sending CVM excellent feedback regarding the innovative Bible tool. Carl said: “The manual is the fulfilment of a long held ambition of mine to help us guys get inspired and directed by God’s word by writing daily notes. I really hope you love it and find it a useful tool to kick start, end or restart your day!” The first two Manuals consist of 60 days worth of readings (undated), notes and prayers for men. The first volume of The Manual is entitled ‘Power/Poker/Prayer/Pork Pies’ with the second edition called ‘Fighters/ Keepers/Losers/Reapers’. Visit cvm.org.uk/themanual or for the e-Book visit Amazon and search for ‘Manual Mens Devotional’.
Wallington » Holy Trinity Men’s Group Newcastle-Upon-Tyne » The Coast Men’s Fellowship Horsham 2 » M4C (Life Community Church) Newton Abbot » Chagford Gospel Church Wickham Market » All Saints, Wickham Market New Malden » NM Men (New Malden Baptist Church) Hastings 3 » Halton Baptist East Grinstead 2 » Sharpthorne Mens Group Hull » St Aidens Men Group Doncaster » B.O.B @All Saints Ballymena » Men Aloud Liverpool 3 » Kingsway Christian Fellowship South Molton » St George and St Pauls Mens Group Ampthill » Blokes Breakfast Aunmangy » All Saints Church Ashford » Men at Willesborough Harrogate » St Marks, Harrogate Sittingbourne » The Kings Men Malvern » Malvern Evangelical Church Kibworth » Kibworth Men’s Fellowship Feltham » V MEN Ministry CCCWL
Middlesborough » St Georges Church Bridgend » Men @ Litchard Nottingham 6 » B With U Piemen Broadway » SAS 4BG Aylesbury » Men@HT Kirkby Lonsdale » Kirkby Lonsdale Mens Fellowship Welwyn Garden City » Panshanger Fellaship Hextable » Leave No Man Behind Wirral » Cogs Men Sandbach » New Life Mens Group Glossop » Whitfield Mens Ministry Bedford 3 » Just For Men Lincoln 2 » Lincoln Baptist Church Bletchley » Men of St Andrews Bishop Stortford » The Yard East Acton » St Dunstan Hornchurch » Holy Cross Mens Group Preston » Calvary Christian Fellowship Guernsey » Eldad Elim Church Bristol 6 » Faithborn:Men Erith » North Heath Mens Group Welwyn Garden City 2 » B.O.B Worthing 4 » St Mathews Men’s Group Croyde » Georgeham & Croyde CVM
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SORTED OLYMPICS Interview with CVM partner Steve Legg, Sorted Magazine Editor How did the Olympic Sorted campaign go and have you had good feedback? “I think we produced an amazing edition. It was certainly our biggest and best yet and we had the opportunity to chat to some huge names face to face. Steve Redgrave, Phillips Iduwo, Jessica Ennis, Rebecca Adlington, Tom Daley and Victoria Pendleton all gave Sorted exclusive interviews. It was a thrill to see thousands of copies given prominent space in WHSmith Olympic displays and to be able to give away tens of thousands of copies in bars and restaurants during the 2012 Games.” What has been the highlight of 2012 so far? “The fact that we are starting to take on some of the big boys. We are now just a few thousand copies behind Loaded’s circulation (34,000) and people are starting to take notice of Sorted. Whenever big Hollywood stars are in town promoting a movie, we get offered a 20-minute slot with them. That is a tremendous honour and privilege. Also to see our magazine racked up between Nuts and FHM in 316 WHSmith stores nationwide, is a dream come true and never fails to move me to tears - bit girlie but true.” Why are you passionate about creating and producing a men’s magazine that goes against the typical publication in this genre? “I get fed up of Christians complaining about men’s publications: boycotting newsagents, writing angry letters and starting campaigns to get modesty wraps on lads mags without doing something positive too. That’s why I started Sorted. I wanted to create a good,
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WE ARE NOW JUST A FEW THOUSAND COPIES BEHIND LOADED’S CIRCULATION (34,000) AND PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO TAKE NOTICE OF SORTED wholesome world-class alternative that looked amazing and would compete against established titles. If no one else was prepared to start something then I thought I would give it a flipping good go.” What does the next few months look like? “The next few months are super busy with gigs, which is my bread and butter. Sorted celebrates its fifth birthday in the autumn and five years in, we’re just about breaking even but I still can’t take a salary, so my comedy, magic and Gospel gigs help keep the bank manager at bay. I’m hoping to develop more advertising opportunities - which is the life blood of any publication, start a Church reps initiative (where someone gets five mags for a tenner and sells them in their Church or men’s group) and look forward to having a big push with Back to Church Sunday and the National Day of Prayer at Wembley Stadium.” How can British Christian men support you? “Please get a subscription. It’s just £21 for the year and every single one really does make a
difference. If reading isn’t your thing we can send magazines on your behalf to a member of the Armed Forces or into a Police Station or Prison. Chaplains in Afghanistan tell us up to 50 men read every Sorted we send out there. Together we can change things for good. Also, go into WHSmith and buy a copy.
It’ll send a powerful message to retailers that there’s demand for something more wholesome than Nuts and Loaded. I know it’ll mean you have two copies, so give one to a mate or leave one sitting around at work.” sorted-magazine.com
FROM THE CVM BLOG Unspoken by Nick Welford CVM Speaker and Scarborough Representative We called him Rocky and everyone at the basketball club loved him. Everyone but me. He was older, he was cool, most importantly he was an excellent player. Even though I hated him, I wanted to be as good as him at basketball. The reason for my hate was simple – he never stopped shouting at me, pointing out my on court mistakes, telling me how to play. He didn’t do this to any of the other players – just me. One night after a practice in which Rocky had yet again verbally dismantled me, I trudged off the court. Then a strange thing happened, Rocky caught up to me and said something like this: “The reason I shout at you and get on your case is because you can be the best player here – better than me.” I was stunned. I had no idea. Why hadn’t he told me this before! I remember this story as I look at the various young leaders than I try to help and I realise that I am often guilty of doing a Rocky. That is I hold really high standards for them, and try to help them achieve these standards by constantly suggesting what I think they should do, but
I hardly ever let them know why I do this – because I think they can be better than me. Jesus often spoke seemingly harsh words to His disciples, but the Rabbinic culture told them that when Jesus asked them to follow Him, He was doing much more than that – He was communicating that He thought they could do what He did, that He believed they could be His disciples. The world saw fisherman, tax collectors and alike, Jesus saw mirrors for His glory. Who’s lives are you speaking into? Do they know you believe in them? Like this? Sign up to the CVM blog at: cvm.org.uk/blog
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The twelve codes: I
Jesus is my Captain, Brother, Rescuer and Friend.
II
I owe everything to Him. I will do anything for Him.
III I will unashamedly make Him known through my actions and words. IV I will not cheat in anything, personal or professional. V
I will look away from the gutter, but be prepared to pull people out of it.
VI I will keep my body fit and free from any addictions. VII I will put the welfare of those closest to me before my own welfare. VIII I will treat all men and women as brothers and sisters. IX I will lead as He would lead. I will honour my leaders provided this also honours Him. I will follow Him in company with my sisters and brothers. X
I will use my strength to protect the weak and stand against the abuse of power.
XI I will protect the world that God has made. XII If I fail I will not give up. He never gives up on me.
For more details visit codelife.org
Christian Vision for Men (CVM) is a movement made up of thousands of men who believe the message of Jesus is true, relevant and much needed in the UK today. CVM exists to serve the local church and resource them to engage with men in every village, town and city in this country. The movement is a faithful reaction to the significant number of men who have walked away from the Christian church during the last 30 years.
CVM is a Registered Charity No. 1071663 and a Company Registered in England and Wales No. 3623498
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