Christian Life issue SEVEN by Initiate Media

NOVEMBER 2013 • Issue SEVEN • www.christian-life.co.nz

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Contents...

Issue SEVEN | NOV 13

03 COVER STORY:Sophie Voon: Couture for Christ 08 Local News 10 End Time Prophet from Kenya to visit New Zealand 11 The Pharisee in me... 13 Missions and Ministries in Action 15 Word on the Street 17 Bible College Courses For 2014 18 HaYovel 19 Stop Procrastinating And Enjoy Success! 20 Shine TV programme guide 22 Christian Life Classifieds

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Spotlight

Sophie Voon: Sarah Tengvall catches up with the very creative and effervescent Sophie Voon and finds out what inspires this entrepreneur and young Mum of two...

Sophie Voon radiates joy. Well she does work in girl heaven! Her Wellington clothing and bridal shop is a haven of pure gorgeousness. Racks upon racks of fabulous designer outfits, evening gowns and stunning wedding dresses fill the shop. A back wall has been transformed into a work of art featuring twirling fuchsia pink blossoms and birds on a backdrop of turquoise blue. The sumptuous cream silk curtains have red rose tie-backs (sigh). And then there is the jewellery cabinet featuring ethical pearls. Our interview takes place in the bridal boutique, which adjoins the main shop, on antique styled Louis chairs. Sophie herself is just as casually elegant as her surroundings dressed in jeans, a cotton print tunic top and a stylish black headband. Any minute now I expect the latte and personal trainer to arrive! But as we dive into her story I begin to realise there is a deepness to that sparkle that is unmistakably God. A steadfast Christian since her intermediate years Sophie has committedly sought God on every major decision concerning her now successful business. That together with her very supportive husband, and business partner, Douglas, have been key she recalls. Now her designs are gracing the red carpets of the Oscars and BAFTAs and she is being described as the ‘go-to-lady for red carpet fashion in New Zealand.’ Sophie is in fact ideally placed to capitalise on Wellington’s growing film industry. And this year dressed the partners of Weta Digital staff attending The Hobbit premier. A further key is that she I doesn’t like the idea of being in debt. “It’s just the way I am. If you have to take out a loan you can end up in a pit if things don’t work out,” she explains in a typically honest and transparent fashion. Ooops did I use the word ‘fashion’. Sophie prefers to be seen in a ‘creative light’.

NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE with PROPHET DR DAVID OWUOR “The Endtime Message & Prophecies to the Churches of New Zealand” 14th~17th December 2013 | The Gisborne Hotel (Cnr Huxley & Tyndall Rds), Gisborne | 9am~5pm (Intervals included) Hosted by Mega Life Church, Gisborne (Phone: 0274584978 | Email: megalifechurch@gmail.com)

The Shekinah Glory Cloud descended in Kisumu, Kenya, December 2012. Please refer to the article in this magazine.

(FREE ENTRY) Registration is necessary to reserve your seat.

www.repentnewzealand.org | repentnewzealand@gmail.com | 021 984 711

www.christian-life.co.nz | 3

Spotlight

I am not fashion focused that is not my world – my world is a CREATIVE WORLD and fashion is only one aspect of this creativity...

Top: Sophie fits another customer; Sophie and Douglas; one of Sophie’s Bridal couture designs

4 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

“I am not fashion focused that is not my world – my world is a creative world and fashion is only one aspect of this creativity,” she explains. Sophie also loves making bread, doing mosaics, painting pictures and interior design. For her there is real freedom in this approach, as she doesn’t have to strive. “It’s all about creating something beautiful rather than keeping up.” She also loves business and making a profit but it’s not all about the money for the Voons, who are making a name as an ‘ethical business.’ Sophie was a keynote speaker at this year’s Salvation Army Social Justice conference and the business supports Empower Asia. “I am interested in getting a good product and doing business with people who are doing exciting things.” Her latest venture in this direction is their pearl wedding jewellery made by Rahab in Bangkok, who employ women out of brothels, and who may have been trafficked. “I like the fact I am just supporting them from doing business with them. It’s not some crafty thing you give your mother for Christmas is it a beautiful product I can sell.” Hot on the tails of this is an elegant new label called Beauty for Ashes made in Cambodia through a fair trade organisation, which employs women from disadvantaged background, who have gone through a charitable training school. Sophie sends her designs direct to the organisation and then flys over to stock them up with the fabric. The garments, adults and childrens, are shipped back to New Zealand and sold in Willis Street. Sophie is quick to point out that this is the business’s first overseas venture and all the other clothes are made in New Zealand in their nearby Willis Street workshop, which currently employs four people. The inspiration for her stunning designs is: “ beautiful fabrics, different periods of history and different cultures.” Her personal favs are often the designs that sell well. Currently walking off the racks are her cotton fifties style dresses with nipped in waists and full skirts. And in bridal wear – anything lace. Interestingly, the designs are modest and incorporate larger size models. But that I discover is market driven. “It’s just want the customers want, they don’t want plunging necklines and really short skirts, so it’s

a completely practical thing. And people often say all the models are too skinny and I don’t know what it looks like on me so we get models who, are curvier. And it’s also because I get frustrated when people say oh it won’t suit me and they won’t try things on! So if I can actually say well it looks good on this person then the lights go and they think ok well maybe I will give it a go.” When I ask Sophie to share her testimony the 38year old seems almost shy because it wasn’t a one dramatic moment but more of quiet ‘asking God into her life’ moment. Important in this was the influence of school friend and a praying Grandmother. After that she started going to church and youth group, and has never waivered. “So I was a Christian all my school years and I had to pray about what I was going to do after college. I ended up doing fashion design and then I got married quite young at 21 years straight after Polytechnic. I opened the business, so I just tried to put God first.” “It’s always an ongoing process but it’s just about praying about each thing to see what God brings along. Well probably not the colour of a zip but anything important. So for anything like opening a shop we would always pray and seek God and wait for him to show us. ” The couple, who have two young children, have put this principle into practise from the very beginning in 1996. They were both praying hard out that God would show them where their first shop would be or bring along an opportunity when one of Sophie’s friends phoned with an idea. This lead to the opening of their first space at Global Tribe, a Cuba Street café run by the Rock Church. “I gave Anthony Walton a business plan and he said ok we’ll give you a space under the café, free of rent. So they set up this little wee shop for me. I was there making clothes and selling them for three months.” Very soon they had outgrown the premises and needed a new location. Douglas went off on a real estate walk one day and returned that afternoon with a new spot for the pair down a cobblestoned walkway off Wellington’s Willis Street. The rent was just $130 a week so Sophie only had to sell one garment to cover it. They signed up for a year.

The next step was to be street front and so, of course, they prayed. The prayer was, that at the right time the right shop would come along. Sophie was actually thinking she really wanted to stay put but just have street frontage. Lo and behold that afternoon someone came in and said,” do you realize that shop in front of you is looking for someone to take over their lease!” So three weeks later, now in 1997, they had their street front shop and also the added bonus of a little shop next door, which became their workspace! But the business kept growing and before long they needed more workspace - fervent prayer began. “We had to pray for another workroom that was going to be close by. We looked and looked and we couldn’t find anything and it was getting really frustrating. Then one potential space fell through and we decided we would just forget about it until the New Year and paint the kitchen instead!. It was an exasperated ok God we’ve done everything it’s your problem we’ll just step back.” So they painted the kitchen, and one day when Sophie was drying out her paint roller on an old issue of Trade and Exchange she noticed an advert for a workspace at 160 Willis Street, just a few doors up from the existing shop, with the exact square metres they were after! But it doesn’t stop there! The new workspace meant meant the old one next to the shop was redun-

dant but God had a plan for it. The real estate agent suggested knocking down the wall to the existing shop creating an adjoining street front retail space, which Sophie said they didn’t even realize they would need. This space is now their bridal boutique. Looking back it’s as if God’s hand has been gently hovering over the business. Sophie says it’s the same with their employees, who turn up at just right time and she often discovers later are Christians. But far from resting on her laurels Sophie said; “God’s really been challenging me recently on what successful is and it’s quite a hard thing to get my mind around. The secret to our success would be giving it to God but like anybody you might think you are putting God first and then realise later maybe you weren’t.” So what has her wrestling on this subject revealed I ask. “Well I guess I have always really liked doing business and I like to give money to be able to support different organisations like Empower Asia. But even then you are still focusing on the money. And I think God is showing me he will supply everything we need and we need to focus on what is his purpose for the business.” “It’s multi-faceted. Sometimes it’s stuff we don’t even think God would think is important. It’s stuff like us being able to make the clothes that are anointed and just carrying something different and special with them.

“I feel to pray over the dresses and I need to touch the dresses and pray they would bring a blessing to the person who wears them. And we do have people coming in saying they bought their Voon skirt from here and it is their lucky skirt and they go to job interviews wearing that skirt and get the job! “God has recently given me a couple of verses: one is the lady who touched the hem of Jesus garment and was healed. It was just a piece of fabric and Jesus didn’t even know she was there. So what would Jesus’s garments look like today. So as God’s master craftspeople with the gift of craftsmanship if we are making clothes and praying over them maybe that is what the hem of Jesus’s garment looks like today,” she pondered. “And then there is the verse about people bringing hankies and aprons to Paul to pray over and they would be taken to the sick, who would be healed. So if we can pray for an anointing and healing over our clothes who knows what will happen in that person’s life. This is something we have always done but it is just changing perspective to think of that as very important rather than something you hardly ever think about.” The Voons have received Isaiah 61 as a prophecy over their business, which they pray.

Empower Asia is the organistion the Voons have been supporting for the last five years. They give $100 from every made to measure wedding dress and $50 from every sample sold. Empower Asia provides safe accommodation and education to young people in Burma that would otherwise be in the world after primary school. Like everything Sophie and Douglas prayed over which organization they would support and particularly wanted it to be a friend of a friend – a real person rather than just an organization. Sophie is really interested in human trafficking and especially child trafficking.

www.christian-life.co.nz | 5

Business

“Firemen WITNESSED THE POWER OF PRAYER as flames that threatened to engulf the complex were thawted while several folk gathered and pray...”

The Centre

One man’s vision to bring Christian businesses together has resulted in ‘The Centre’...

Back in (2003) Graeme Lee had a vision. He imagined what could be accomplished if a considerable body of Christian Groups were all using the same office complex. Not only the sharing of costs and equipment, but the sharing of knowledge, networks, talents and skills. As we look back now after ten years this is exactly what has happened; all praise to God who supplied our needs. We found strength and wisdom while we prayed for and supported each other. Through the generosity of an Auckland business man we were provided with a four storied complex – The old Southdown Freezing Works Main Office – and work began setting up offices on the top two floors. Occupancy was slow for a start as this was a new concept, but after two or three years it began to grow, with some key ministries becoming involved. For example: Samaritians Purse, NZ Christian Prayerline, Auckland Drug Arm, OAC, New Zealand Christian Network, Christians and Missionary Alliance, HCJB Global, Child Evangelism, Prison Fellowship, Inspirational Media, were some of the more well known ministries that joined us and many still are today, as well as a host of new ones. Many stories of God’s grace and provision were witnessed at this building which survived two major fires in two years. These destroyed most of the superstructure surrounding the building with the second one actually burning one of the warehouse walls. Firemen witnessed the power of prayer as flames that threatened to engulf the complex were thawted while several folk gathered and pray. Witnesses saw the flames diminish before their eyes. All though The Centre survived it was obvious that within a short time we would have to relocate our complex as the whole area was coing to be developed. Graeme Lee’s vision of group such as this forming a powerfull nucleous for ministry has happened on several occasions. A few of the highlights have been: a

6 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

series of meetings with evangelist Raul Ries, the first nationwide calling of NZ evangelists and the subsequent formation of the NZ Association of Evangelists, as well as the hugely succesful Auckland Harvest with Greg Laurie in 2011. We have also seen the different groups supporting and working with each other for their individual events and programs. Currently The Centre is the heart of two current nationwide projects for the 2014 Bicentennial Year. A National Day of Prayer which will take place at Auckland’s Aotea Square on February 22nd. The planning is well advanced for the second project which is called Heartland and involves evangelists being available to help local churches to outreaches in all the smaller cities and towns throughout the country during this historic year. Today The Centre has moved location and is to be found midway between Penrose and Onehunga on Church Street. Our current building has again been generously provided for us by close supporter and colleage. Our name has changed from the Evangelism Descipling Centre to the Christian Ministry Centre. Many of our main Ministry Groups have remained with us and several new ones have joined forming a strong bond of Christian leaders, praying and supporting one another. Through the generosity of our Landlord we are able to offer reasonably cheap office space and currently have two available. The sizes are between 45 M2 and 50 M2. We can offer these and around $350 a month each, which will include broadband, parking, boardroom, kitchen and dining room all free. Please contact John Gummer on 021 534 407 for an appointment.

Enrolments being taken now for 2014 Certificate, Diploma or Degree qualifications Part-time, full-time or internship study Study on-site in a classroom or by distance via iPad Hands-On

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Local news

NZ Labour sets target for female MPs Labour leader David Cunliffe says it won’t be very hard for Labour to reach its newly adopted target of at least 45 per cent women MPs after next year’s election and at least 50 per cent women after the 2017 election. “I don’t think it’s going to be too difficult knowing the calibre of the women candidates and nominees that we have around and the fact that our vote share is likely to be significantly higher this time than it was last time,” he said today. “There won’t be difficulty at all for us to reach 45 this time and I’m confident we’ll reach 50 next

time – I will be personally backing it.” The constitutional motion adopting the targets was passed in a closed session debate today at the party’s annual conference at Wigram. It has become the party’s main vehicle for achieving gender equality in representation after a controversial remit allowing some regions to have women-only selections for candidates was withdrawn by the New Zealand Council at the request of former leader David Shearer.

Left: David Cunliffe

Family First NZ slams free condom schemes Family First NZ is slamming free condom schemes to teens as young as 13 in the Hawkes Bay and Timaru calling them irresponsible and sending a dangerous message. “The underlying messages to a 13 year old is that we’re expecting them to have sex, it’s ok to have sex despite it being underage, here’s a 12-pack of condoms, and these condoms will protect you from any consequences,” said Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ. “That is a foolish and dangerous message to be sending.” “The condoms are also being issued without parental notification or permission. The schemes are undermining the role and supervision of parents.” “Whacky schemes like these, and sex education materials in New Zealand dangerously overstate the degree of protection young people can expect from condoms, even when correctly used. The anythinggoes, condom-based approach to sexual health is dangerous.” “The current approach in NZ sows confusion about right and wrong and says the moral absolute is – use condoms. The government should fund evidencebased education resources which are approved by parents rather than saying one thing to parents and another to their children – and in the process, also undermining

8 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

the law,” Mr McCoskrie added. A survey of parents in 2010 found that three out of four parents of young children want the abstinence message taught in sex education – with 69% of kiwis overall supporting the ‘wait’ message. And teens feel the same. A nationwide poll of 600 people aged 15-21 found only 19 per cent agreed that schools should teach just safe sex, with one in three (34%) wanting ‘values, abstinence, and consequences such as pregnancy’ taught instead, and 42% wanting a combination of both – especially older teenagers. “Judging by the current approach’s results – which is a good place to start – sex education has been an utter failure. New Zealand has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the OECD, our STD rates are out of control, and the number of teenage girls having abortions is tragically high.” “Schemes like these and groups like the Family Planning Association and the AIDS Foundation are perpetuating the myth that as long as you use a condom, you can pretty well do what you like in terms of promiscuity, experimentation, and fringe behaviours – with little or no information on the physical or emotional ramifications or prevention of disease,” said Mr McCoskrie. US psychiatrist Dr Miriam Grossman who recently

wrote a report on sex education in NZ says “A premise of modern sex education is that young people have the right to make their own decisions about sexual activity, and no judging is allowed. Risky behaviours are normalised and even celebrated. “Children and adolescents are introduced to sexual activities their parents would prefer they not even know about, let alone practice. It’s reasonable to ask: is the ‘comprehensive sexuality education’ foisted on young people all over the world about sexual health, or sexual licence?”. In the UK, a multi-million pound initiative to reduce teenage pregnancies more than doubled the number of girls conceiving. The Government-backed scheme tried to persuade teenage girls not to get pregnant by handing out condoms and teaching them about sex. A survey by Melbourne’s La Trobe University in 2010 found an increase in risky alcohol consumption among Australia’s teens has led to more sex “under the influence” and more partners, but not more condom use. “Handing out condoms like lollies to young teens is both foolish and dangerous – and does not give them the protection they really need,” said Mr McCoskrie.

Local news

Taxpayers should be wary of ‘KiwiAssure’ The Labour Party is going into the insurance business. If it becomes the Government, it says, it will create a company called KiwiAssure to compete for general household, contents and car insurance. The set-up capital will come from taxpayers but Labour’s finance spokesman, David Parker, says the company will carry no government guarantee if it fails. The idea seems to have come completely out of left field to impress the party’s annual conference at the weekend. It gave new leader David Cunliffe something to announce that would be state owned and immune to foreign purchase. It was also designed to appeal to

Christchurch where the conference was held and where Labour needs to win a byelection shortly. But in practical terms it is hard to see what purpose another insurance company would serve. Since it would have no government guarantee it would face the same risk as any other, and have the same need to spread its risk as widely in the world as possible. The global reinsurance industry is charging a high premium for New Zealand risk after the Canterbury earthquake sequence and there is no getting around that, even for a government-owned insurer.

Married gay minister celebrates as ‘full citizen’ of NZ Marriage equality crusader Margaret Mayman has blessed hundreds of weddings. Now she has finally won the battle to have her own. The Wellington Presbyterian minister and her partner of 17 years, Clare Brockett, were married in a small ceremony at the Copthorne Hotel Wellington over Labour Weekend. The pair are now among 117 same-sex couples who have married since Parliament legalised same-sex marriage in April. It is believed Dr Mayman is the first Christian minister in New Zealand to have a same-sex wedding. “We feel like we are full citizens of New Zealand,” she said. “It is definitely something to celebrate.”

Faith Reading

From Matron to Martyr New Zealand book tour love for his chosen people, in libraries, schools, youth groups and bible study groups throughout the country. The talks have been impacting secular, Jewish and Christian audiences alike she said. Next month she will be sharing at the Holocaust Centre for New Zealand in Wellington. Representatives of the Presbyterian Church, the Hungarian Consul to New Zealand, and a number of Hungarians will attend.

A transformational book and its author are currently touring New Zealand. ‘From Matron to Martyr’ by Lynley Smith is the story of a missionary matryed for protecting Jewish Girls in World War II. However Lynley says the power of the account is the ‘story behind the story’ of how God led me her on an amazing journey to research the book and its relevance for today as anti-Semitism rears its head in Europe again. School students around New Zealand have been riveted as Lynley role-plays what is feels like to be discriminated against. She has been telling the story of Missionary Jane and the message of God’s incredible

The powerful story is about a distant relative of Lynley’s, Jane Haining, a Scottish missionary to Hungary in the 1930s. She was the matron of a girls’ home where, as the war progressed, more and more of the girls were Jewish. She was ordered home by the Church of Scotland in 1940, but refused to go, saying the girls needed her more than ever. Then in 1944 the Germans invaded Hungary and two months later Jane was arrested. She was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp where she died, a martyr for the girls she had been caring for. Overseas, God is also using the story. Hungary’s second largest publisher has agreed to translate and publish the story, and sell it in bookshops nationwide. The Budapest Holocaust Centre also plans to launch the book in June next year. A group called Fountains

of Hope, which works towards reconciliation between the Jewish communities in Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and Poland, wants to use the book in their work, as they say Jane shows us what Christ’s love really looks like. Lynley’s Itinerary: Tuesday, November 12 at 2.30pm: talk in Mahurangi East Library, Snells Beach. Sunday, November 17, at 2pm: talk at Focus on Israel event at Greenlane Christian Centre, Zone room, Greenlane, Auckland. Wednesday, November 27 at 1pm: talk at the Christchurch City Peterborough St Library. Wednesday, December 4 at 5.30pm: talk at Invercargill Library, Esk St, Invercargill. Thursday, December 5 at 6pm: talk at Dunedin Central Library. Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm: talk at the Holocaust Centre for New Zealand, 80 Webb St, Wellington. There will be other talks in Titahi Bay and Kapiti or contact Lynley direct on Lynelygerontius@gmail.com to arrange a small group talk in your area.

ONE THIRD OF THE WORLD HAS NEVER HEARD OF GOD’S BIG STORY. THEY’VE NEVER SEEN A GROUP OF GOD’S PEOPLE. WILL YOU GO?

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Conference

End Time Prophet from Kenya to visit New Zealand – by Pastor Tom Crawford Kenya - a nation experiencing massive extremes. Recently from the terrorising of humanity at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi to what’s not receiving as much coverage by international media, that of the “terrorising” of malignant and in curable sickness, diseases, and even political strongholds over humanity and the nation under the Leadership and Ministry of Dr. David Owuor, a powerful End Time Prophet. He has gained the respect and attention of numerous Heads of State and people in high and influential places through His gifting and spiritual insight that has made such an impact on the entire Nation. Dr. David Owuor studied Molecular Genetics starting in Israel when He first heard the call of God before shifting to different cities in USA. There in a dream, a voice spoke to him from a cloud standing in his bedroom doorway calling him to the ministry of a Prophet. No sooner had he accepted the call, He was immediately gifted with incredible ability and accuracy in fore-seeing, and warning of future events in many nations, the Westgate Mall included. Dr. Owuor is unquestionably an End-Time Prophet to the Nations with a message of repentance, righteousness and holiness like that of the prophet John the Baptist. And like Daniel the prophet - with end time insight and dreams interpreting visions in the book of Revelation to specific events happening in the world today. Like Elijah the prophet –prayed for rain and down it came a minute later on a Kenyan summers day, and like Moses the prophet of God and the Israelites - who literally and visually witnessed the presence of God in the form of a cloud that appeared over the Tabernacle in the wilderness, also appeared in December 2012 at Kisumu Revival (Kenya), and came down upon this Prophet Dr. David Owuor. See

www.repentandpreparetheway.org for more information. I had first heard of the Prophet Dr. Owuor through a Kiwi in Brisbane, Australia, approximately two years ago, so my wife and I were the only ones who responded to 700 invitations emailed to churches or ministries across New Zealand in July this year. The Revival meetings were held in a Stadium in Nakuru approx two and a half hours out of Nairobi where many people with their sick had walked for two weeks to be there to experience miraculous healings. The three day event started with the entire first day in worship and continued through each night followed by the miraculous during the day where we saw the crippled, deaf, blind, dumb healed and weeping and septic skin diseases drying up and even HIV/AIDS, healed In a previous revival, even

bibles.books.music.dvds.gifts

at your local

CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP

WARKWORTH: Heartbeat Christian Store, 60 Queen St, Ph 09 425 9559 AUCKLAND: Lifestore Albany, Unit L, Courtside, 75 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Ph: 09 443 7928; St Joseph's Centre Gift Shop 1 Fred Thomas Drive, Ph: 09 489 5613 Children's Bible Ministries 9 Walters Rd, Ph:09 630 5271 Christian Resource Centre 323 Queen St, Ph: 09 377 4059; Bamboo Resource Centre, 591 Dominion Rd, Balmoral, Ph: 09 630 5997 Lifestore Elim, 159 Botany Road, Howick, Ph: 09 538 0374; Church of Christ Bookshop, 361 Mt AlbertRoad, Mt Albert, Ph: 09 620 5008; Adventist Book Centre, 743 Great SouthRoad, Manukau, Ph: 09 262 5643 Epic Christian Books & Gifts 63 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe, Ph: 09 238 8134 THAMES: Thames Christian Bookshop 732 Pollen St, Ph: 07 868 9115

Serving all NZ 10 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

skin drying and peeling off a leprosy child in front of the camera. It is the second time we’ve found ourselves overseas standing to represent our entire nation. Dr. Owuor in the closing minutes of the last day had invited international guests onto the stage from some 25 nations and there asked my wife and I to invite him to NZ in front of a crowd of approximately 5 million people estimated by two local Pastors. The Prophet Dr. David Owuor will be the Guest Speaker at the conference hosted by Mega Life Church being held in Gisborne from Saturday 14th to Tuesday 17th December. For more information visit www.repentnewzealand.org

www.cba.net.nz HAMILTON: Living Word Bookcentre, 634 Victoria St, Ph: 07 839 5607 CAMBRIDGE Solomon’s Couch, Capernwray, 3553 Cambridge Rd, Ph 07 823 1800 TAURANGA: Lighthouse Bookcentre, 54 Wharf Street, Ph: 07 578 6944 Sonshine Bookcentre, 84 1st Avenue, Ph: 07 578 8477 Sunrise Books, Shop 16 Cherrywood Court, Ph:07 576 1092 ROTURUA: Sonshine Bookcentre, 1129 Eruera St, Ph:07 349 1661 HASTINGS: Pleroma Christian Supplies, 38 Higginson Street, Otane Ph: 06 856 8378 NEW PLYMOUTH: Good News Centre, 581 Devon Street East, Ph: 06 758 4912 LEVIN: Beacon Christian Bookshop, 198A Oxford Street, Ph: 06 368 7683 BLEHEIM Christian Books and Music Centre, 14 Maxwell Rd, Ph: 03 366 1917

CHRISTCHURCH: Christian Superstore, 370 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Ph: 03 366 1917; New Millennium Books, 22 Grampian Street, Redwood, Ph: 03 359 1310 Catholic Shop, 79 Forfar St St Albans, Ph: 03 366 2853 ASHBURTON: Christian Superstore, 80-82 Tancred Street, Ph: 03 308 9235 TIMARU: Christian Superstore, 102 Stafford Street, Ph: 03 688 3431 OAMARU: North Otago Christian Bookstore, 27 Thames Street, Ph: 03 434 9025 QUEENSTOWN Salvation Army Bookshop 29 camp St, 03 442 51003 DUNEDIN: Catholic Centre Shop Moran Building 8 Octagon, Ph: 03 477 6342 MOSGIEL: Mosgiel Christian Bookshop, 135A Gordon Road, Ph: 03 489 4953

Christian Woman

The PHARISEE in ME... A ‘works’ mentality almost caused this woman of God to walk away from Church forever... LINDA MAE-BALDWIN As a little girl, I attended church in a beautiful old brick sanctuary with stained glass windows. We had neat little padded kneeling things that flipped down for prayer time but you could also sit on it and rest your head on the pew to sleep until church was over. I remember my dad dropping us off in his taxi and waiting for him to be out of sight before I stomped up the walkway trying to undo the dress bow that would poke me in the back and get me in trouble when I tried to wiggle against the pressure from the back of the pew. I don’t remember hearing about Jesus coming to die for my sins, or that he rose again, and that it is possible to have eternal life with him in my confirmation classes though. What could have, should have been an event that showed me the one true King and how I can have him in my life, was not. I was a good religion person but knew nothing of the real relationship I could have with Jesus. When I did finally meet Jesus I was 22 years old. Up until then I had been on a sort of remote control from my childhood religion. My kids knew the song Jesus Loves Me and we prayed, Now I lay Me Down to Sleep at bed time. We attended a church that was unlike the church of my child hood, and there, I met Jesus. When I fully understood that God loved me so much He gave His one and only Son to die for me, (John 3:16) and that because of my separation from God – this death was necessary to heal the rift and make a way for us to be right with God again. And, that if I accept this free gift of grace, I could have a full life and eternal life with Him, (John 10:10) I felt as if my eyes and my heart were opened. I wanted nothing but to live for Him and love Him and receive the love He had for me. I was feeling unburdened and happy. Living for Jesus was truly amazing. Until the Pharisee in me took over. Besides the great introduction to Jesus, a whole lot of stuff I should no longer do was presented in the form of the church covenant (and people’s opinion). These things included: no drinking

www.christian-life.co.nz | 11

Christian Woman

Sometimes the rules, regulations and the arguments that ensue cause more than strife, it can make us ineffective in doing His work.

alcohol, no makeup, no R rated movies, no worldly music, and Christian fiction only, please. We should only sing old hymns in church, no mixing up the order of service. When my husband was licensed to preach I learned more things for the list. According to some, I did not look like, dress like, talk like, and behave like a Pastor’s wife. Not sure what that meant, I contemplated wearing my hair in a bun, cat’s eye glasses and gingham dresses. This after all is what my thought of a Pastor’s wife was. It was very frustrating, until a wise older Believer (sis in Him) told me to be who Jesus made me to be because if I tried to mold myself to people’s ideals of who I should be, I would always disappoint someone but worst of all, I would have a wall between the real me and Jesus. That was liberating. While sometimes I annoy even myself, I am who He made me to be and I do seek to improve, but I am what I am. All these extra rules of how a Christian must live was a real struggle for me and other people. Like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, some religions have opted to add a lot of extra rules to their religion. Matthew 23 tells us all the rules and regulations the Pharisees imposed on the people. And how they loved to have special things to make them seem more righteous than everyone else. They made rules for everyone else that they did not follow themselves, and they wanted special titles to differentiate themselves from the common folk. In modern churches, in my opinion, church covenants or rules that I reckon started out with good intentions, actually bind people. With all the extra rules you turn into a sort of nanny state, with other believers toeing the line, but also watching lest someone else stray. It happened to me on both ends. I became a good Pharisee. I told my teenage brothers they were going to hell, not because they didn’t know Jesus, but because they listened to rock and roll and had questionable posters on their walls. I told my parents they were going to hell because they didn’t know Jesus and because they smoked and drank beer. Also, they bought lottery tickets and were known to dance at parties. My intention was that they would see the error of

12 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

their ways and come to Jesus, but for a while it was simply a barrier between us. Me judging and them living their life thinking their daughter had become some sort of Jesus freak. I do own up to being a Jesus Freak, but back then, ashamed to say, I was also a Pharisee freak. We had a pretty bad break off at one of our churches which turned me off the church and it’s people for quite a while. But, the Word does say you should not give up meeting together with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.) Thing is, we were wounded and while some of it had scarred up, I was afraid some wounds would rip open and start bleeding right in front of people. (Meaning I would blow up, throw up or have a meltdown in front of them. Not the kind of first impression one wants to make.) Finally, after much prayer we went back to a church. When it came time to join the church we read the covenant and at the top it said, ‘you agree to not drink alcohol’. That was it for me. I’m not a lush but I had determined that I was not going to live a life that was framed in a bunch of extra rules and regulations that were outside of the Bible just because some person or organization thought it should be that way. The Bible says that when I am saved I am a part of the church. Acts 2 is an excellent testament to this. Nowhere does the Bible say I shouldn’t wear makeup, abstain from alcohol, wear only suits and ties on Sunday, or pantyhose, not cut my hair, not have music in church, only sing old hymns, only sing contemporary songs, don’t lift your hands, you must lift your hands. The list of manmade rules is quite exhaustive. And ever changing. And completely binding. Sometimes the rules, regulations and the arguments that ensue cause more than strife, it can make us ineffective in doing His work. We face the same danger the apostles had when dealing with legalistic people. In Mark 9 14-29 we are told the accounting of the disciples arguing with the Scribes (or religious

teachers) and Jesus comes up and asks what’s going on. They explain the situation, seems a demon won’t come out of a kid, and the dad implores Jesus to help. At the end of the chapter the disciples ask why they had been unable to perform this particular miracle and Jesus says because that kind of thing required MUCH PRAYER. The disciples had been too busy arguing with the religious teachers that they had neglected the most important thing: PRAYER. I reckon being a Pharisee is hard work. I think of Paul who confronted Peter in Galatians 2. Poor Peter, always doing the wrong thing, it seems. I readily identify with him. Here Peter is in Antioch and living a free life with the gentiles. But, then, when the religious folk arrive he stops doing that and starts following the rules again. Hypocrite and so wrong, because he was putting what man thought over what he was there to do! He was called to spread the gospel to the gentiles and Paul was called to spread it to the Jews….and even worse others starting following his pattern of hypocrisy. It’s got to be draining to hold fast to a bunch of man-made rules and regulations when Jesus himself says he came to die so we can be free. (John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed). It’s kind of missing the point. I can sometimes slip into the Pharisee role. And the Holy Spirit nudges me almost immediately and I repent. Phew, the freedom of living in Christ’s love is not even comparable to living the bound life of hypocrisy and rules. Now, I know some folks reading this will think maybe I’m being judgmental of those who live their religion this way, but believe me, I am not. I simply don’t want folks to miss the free and wonderful life they can have in Jesus. Because if the Son makes you free, well, you will be free indeed… By Linda Mae Baldwin | Freelance writer

World focus

image captions Above: Andrew Marriott (left) with a Kiwi/Indonesian team of water specialists,

assessing damage to village water supplies following the eruption of Mount Merapi - one of the world’s most active volcanoes located in Central Java, Indonesia. More than 100 people were killed and approximately 75,000 displaced during the violent eruption in Nov 2010; Right: MAF Making impossible journeys possible; Below: MAF Where flying is not a luxury, but a lifeline

MISSIONS and MINISTRIES in ACTION By Sarah Tengvall As Christians we all know there are a lot of missions, ministries and aid organisations out there. And all of them have amazing visions, and are working tirelessly for God’s Kingdom. But if you are considering becoming a missionary or supporting one of these just where do you start? And what ones do what where? Well the panic is over, read on and find out about some of the key players in Missions in New Zealand. God just might be talking to you... Missionary Ventures New Zealand is a registered charitable trust and part of a Missionary Ventures International - a non-denominational Christian missions organization serving in more than 70 countries. Much of the work is pioneered by MV’s Field Coordinators, long-term missionaries who form key relationships, develop outreach plans, host MV’s short-term teams, oversee new projects and ensure that donated funds are used effectively and with integrity. Missionary Ventures New Zealand also has strategic partnerships with indigenous Christian leaders and organizations, and aims to support and encourage them in reaching their own nation or region. Missionary Ventures New Zealand is planning more short-term teams

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The Koinonia Fund - Ethically invested - Ethically managed Contact us for the eligibility conditions and a copy of the Investment Statement. 0508 RETIRE (738 473) - info@koinoniafund.org.nz - www.koinoniafund.org.nz Administered by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board www.christian-life.co.nz | 13

Special feature

Their vision is to share God’s love through aviation and technology so that the physically and spiritually isolated will be transformed in Christ’s name. MAF

Above: MAF Making impossible journeys possible in rural areas

for 2014 - to Japan, Africa, Indonesia, Vanuatu, PNG and other nations - with the New Zealand team working alongside indigenous team members and leaders. World Vision has a new tool for the church in New Zealand called “Just Church”. It aims to resource the church to engage holistically and sustainably with injustice both globally and locally. World Vision describes it as “a gathering at the intersection of faith, justice, worship and the arts, to inspire, model, sustain and resource Christian communities building for the Kingdom of God.” Most people who follow Jesus know that involves some willingness to stand for justice, for what’s right; to represent those who cannot represent themselves. Through the Just Church conversation World Vision New Zealand seeks to resource the Church in New Zealand. Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ (WEC) was founded by CT Studd, who served in Central Africa. And this year is their centenary. The organization’s goals are: to bring the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the remaining unevangelised peoples with urgency; to demonstrate the compassion of Christ to a needy world; to establish worshipping communities that lead them to spiritual maturity; and to inspire, mobilise and train for cross-cultural mission. In New Zealand WEC are based near Hamilton where they have an office and training college, Eastwest College of Intercultural studies. Mission Without Borders works in six former East European Communist countries. European Union pressure

14 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

on governments in Romania, Moldova and now Ukraine is forcing the closure of orphanages and the return of children to their communities. In response, MWB has started community centres staffed by local church volunteers: soup kitchens, feeding the homeless, after-school programmes, training in job skills such as, computers, sewing, english language. The aim is to move people from dependency to self-sufficiency. Three years of excellent results mean that more new community centres will be facilitated in 2014. New Zealanders can support MWB through sponsorship of children and families. Jubilee Ministries was established in 1992 and runs training courses on issues for the Christian Community. They also publish 100 book titles and mentor to Christians for deeper level ministry. They equip people for ministry internationally and have affiliates in forty different countries. The main aim is to the advance the kingdom of God said Dr Selwyn Stevens. Once suitable people are equipped, based on the five-fold ministry principle, there is the possibility of overseas mission trips. In the New Year the ministry continues a teaching series on training Christians in discipleship. Their popular upcoming summer schools will be run in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. TEAR Fund is a Christian aid and development organization that works in community development, child sponsorship and disaster relief. TEAR Fund’s mission is to provide a helping hand for brothers and sisters in some of the poorest places in the world. They go where we

are most needed, regardless of age, gender and religious and political orientations. TEAR Fund works by teaming up with a range of international partners from microfinancing enterprises to anti- trafficking organizations. Most notably, TEAR Fund’s child sponsorship program has recently been recognized as one of the best in the world with former sponsored children 75% more likely to become community leaders and 35% more likely to gain white collar employment opportunities. Mission Aviation Fellowship New Zealand is a faithbased, not-for-profit team of aviation professionals providing air transport in places of deepest human need. Some of these are the most remote places in the world. They fly over jungles, mountains, swamps and deserts to bring people medical care, emergency relief, long-term development and Christian hope. Every three minutes an MAF plane is taking off or landing somewhere in the world. Worldwide they service 2000 airstrips, supporting over 1500 organisations, with 130 aircraft, in more than 30 countries. Their vision is to share God’s love through aviation and technology so that the physically and spiritually isolated will be transformed in Christ’s name. Currently the organization is suffering a severe shortage of workers, particularly pilots and engineers. As well as recruitment, MAF NZ is actively engaging in getting their name and needs out into the wider mission and aviation community. They are seeking to raise awareness, and also support, for those who serve around the globe within their unique organisation.

Youth

Word on the Street Teaching our youth the mission field in our own backyard By Paul Martell

For young people today distractions away from a serious outliving of vital faith are serious, ongoing and attractive. Many churches are trying a variety of valid methods to teach their youth real Christian life values. In this context short-term overseas missions have become an increasingly popular way to expose young people to the real world we live in and their responsibility towards it. The aim in these missions is to help young people grow a biblical world view that encompasses a real understanding of poverty and a heightened awareness of the need for the Gospel to be life transforming. Usually these missions go to low cost areas such as the Pacific or Asia although some are now taking in the challenge of Africa. Youth who go on such missions usually come home with a refreshed view of the nature of mission in the 21st century. We are seeing worldview changed and commitment to mission both in New Zealand and overseas strongly enhanced. However for many young people the ability to raise the level of funding needed for such overseas mission trips is beyond their reach. Thus Scripture Union (SUNZ) has been working with local churches to develop an opportunity to relate to and serve a wide range of cultures right on our doorstep. YOUTHSERVE is a very affordable practical missions week which is based in local neighbourhoods. This dynamic ministry aims to empower young people to move out of their comfort zones and into the streets of their own extended neighbourhood to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This

is a stunning model where Christian young people get to build authentic relationships with the local community instead of having yet another technology based holiday. In West Auckland this winter, the theme was “Word on the Street”. Over a week a group of young people from several churches combined to commit their lives and holiday breaks to being witnesses for Christ in their own city. Each day, teaching and worship in the morning set the young people up for the rest of the day being committed to service. One of the exciting things the young people discovered during this time of service was that they had great opportunities to share Christ as their motivation for service. After the day serving, and witnessing to, the community, the evenings are a mixture of reflection on the day through cell groups and team community building mixed with a heap of fun activities. Like all of these events, each day featured a HOPE talk (Hear Our Personal Experiences), with leaders giving 20 minute testimonies sharing their own stories of being disciples of Christ. The youth involved were from a mixture of faith backgrounds and life situations. One young teen, indicated that his parents had recently left the church, and said he came along for the social aspects of working together with the team and helping out in the community ZEAL, a youth development and hangout venue in Auckland, was one organisation that got a helping hand. The team got stuck in doing odd jobs such as cleaning and repair work. Brook Turner. CEO at Zeal, said ‘SU are the first Christian agency ever to

Above: Scripture Union youth at work offer to serve Zeal for a day by coming to our west Auckland facility to clean, repair, wash and do other odd jobs around the place. The team at Zeal were truly humbled by this servant gesture and it really impacted the kids as well.’ ‘At one point of the day, one of the YOUTHSERVE leaders had their hoodie stolen by a regular Zeal young person. This is common behaviour from

Thinking about Pastoral Ministry? Don’t wait ‘til the cows come home

...enrol now!

Start your study in 2014 and be prepared to make a diﬀerence 0800 773 776 | www.carey.ac.nz www.christian-life.co.nz | 15

some of our teens because of their backgrounds. Usually when an outsider is the victim of petty crime at Zeal, it results in raised voices and high tensions. Not so with these young Christians. In fact, the situation led to a conversation of hope and the treatment of the young person reflected the Christian ethic that is so lacking in our society. Zeal is tremendously grateful for the day of serving SU offered us and would welcome the team back anytime.’ Once participant put it like this ‘When I got home one night all my mates were texting me about going to the mall the following day and watching a movie. My response was “nah, I’ve got YOUTHSERVE again tomorrow!” The next day I was put in the group to go into the town and ask/interview people about God and Faith, and yes we went into the mall! The first people we stumbled across were my group of mates! All I wanted to do was to put my interview sheet down and go and eat Burger King with them and watch a movie. I didn’t I went on - I asked countless people to our mid-winter Christmas party event and interviewed 3 people, includ-

Above: Scripture Union youth at work

ing the captain of my school football team! I had a great time asking people about God and also improved my confidence when talking to people. After an hour in the mall we walked back to church. Looking through our interview answer sheets, it was interesting to see what people had written. And it was great to see that our conversation had brought differences to their opinion about faith. At the end of the week, a mid-winter Christmas event was organised, which brought 20 families from the local community in to experience an event at church. For many, this was the first time they had ventured past church doors. SUNZ was rapt to see this intervention having such a positive impact. SUNZ Believes that when we live with others in community, our rough edges tend to get knocked off and a group culture starts to form. Jesus called a group of disciples and got them to understand and live out an intentional set of values. They wouldn’t have had a hope of living those values out on their own. The same is true for us. You can’t learn ‘community’ by doing a distance course. You can’t swim against the tide and live a Jesus-type life without being part of a faith community. This is not a cheap party trick or a fun week away but a purposeful determination to assist young people to live out Kingdom of God principles in their own lives.

In recent years Scripture Union New Zealand has been changing from an organisation that ran a series of programmes on the beaches and in schools around New Zealand to being an organisation that aims to empower local churches to be more effective in the areas of children’s and youth ministry where SUNZ has built up expertise over many years. SUNZ runs a series of training programmes and works alongside churches to help them to meet effectively the goals they set in their ministry. YOUTHSERVE is a ministry of the local church empowered by SUNZ. We would be delighted to hear from any church youth leaders who would be keen to build a similar event in their area.

16 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

Tertiary Education

BIBLE COLLEGE COURSES FOR 2014 It’s still not too late to get organized and enroll to study with God next year. In our September issue we profiled many of the current Christian Colleges throughout New Zealand. But guess what, there are still more! Read through the new options below and if you feel they could be for you, get alone and prayerfully consider what God is saying. Trust and believe he will guide the process and he will! Eastwest College of Intercultural Studies is a NZQA accredited trainer specializing in training men and women for cross-cultural Christian ministry. Their purpose-built residential facilities provide a campus where students from New Zealand, and a twelve other countries, are able to learn cross-cultural principles both in and out of the classroom. Graduates are spread throughout the world serving in varied ministries with numerous sending agencies. Eastwest College offers: a one-year Certificate of Intercultural Studies and a two-year Diploma of Intercultural Studies. They also offer an English program – Certificate in Foundations for Intercultural Studies. Throughout 2014 the following block courses are offered: June 16-27 Pastoral Care and SelfLeadership, July 21 – August 1 Teaching the Bible and April 14-17 Community Development.They also partner Wycliffe Bible Translators for a threeweek paper Tools for Language Learning course. Pathways School of Worship Leading is now taking applicants – only 10 places available – for the New year. This course gives current worship leaders the opportunity to invest a year, part-time, in developing and refining their skills. Trained by top-notch worship leaders from around New Zealand the course is highly sought after. It takes people with big hearts and music ability and turns them into competent, equipped church worship leaders. Ministry Training College of New Zealand is based in Auckland and owned by the Elim Christian Centre in Auckland. They are not just a bible college but promise that students will be challenged, stretched, encouraged and empowered by the Holy Spirit during their studies. They differ from other institutions in that their programmes are church based ensuring they met the needs of real local churches. Currently they offer a range of onsite and distance learning courses, as well as, internships with a blend of academic and practical subjects. Their overall aim is to train, equip, and release people for effective Christian ministry and leadership. At Carey Baptist College they offer a wide range of NZQA qualifications in Applied Theology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Alongside these qualifications students can also complete various specialised training such as: pastoral leadership, youth pastoral leadership, and intercultural engagement. Studying at Carey is very accessible, with part-time, full-time, distance, block, on-site, and internship options available. They even teach the Certificate and Diploma of Applied Theology qualifications in Mandarin! Carey is serious about creating thinking practitioners, leaders, and scholars who will stimulate new knowledge and fresh ideas for ministry and mission. Carey says it is Theology- applied. As Bethleham Tertitary Institute enters its 21st year they are marking the occasion with a new qualification. Subject to NZQA approval, they will be delivering a two-year full-time equivalent Master of Professional Practice from Semester 2, 2014. This qualification is designed for Christian professionals working in fields such as education sectors and Social Services. The reason they have called it, Master of Professional Practice, is because it is designed to focus more on actual everyday practice in Christians current context. Students will still grow in knowledge and learn about a range of different research approaches but these occur in conjunction with considering professional practice. BTI believes this degree will bring refreshing and renewal a student’s initial vision for becoming a teacher, counsellor or social worker. Faith Bible College has been operating for over 44 years with a special emphasis on preparing servant leaders, who manifest the character of Christ and operate in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Their courses are distinct as they have a very practical ministry focus, which they balance with quality theology and guest lecturers from over the globe. Students also have the unique opportunity to live right on campus and be totally emerged in all things concerning Christian living.

Send for your FREE Booklet on; OUR LOST HERITAGE by Dennis McLeod Learn how Yeshua/Jesus is revealed in the Biblical Feasts To cfi@ihug.co.nz or Lost Heritage PO 12349 Hamilton 3248

Passover Unleavened Bread First Fruits Pentecost (Shavuot) Feast of Trumpets Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) Tabernacles

This booklet summarises the Feasts of the Lord. These Feasts are a pattern of the life and mission of our Lord Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ), with scriptural references for authenticity. I recommend a study of this booklet to all Christians who wish to enrich their faith and heritage in Christ. The booklet is so successful it has been translated into many languages. Reverend Ken Stone. This Booklet is to the point and is very good for all Christians wanting to know more about the Biblical Feasts. Rita H This booklet expands the teaching of God’s Feasts as in Leviticus 23. It has changed my Christian walk in the way that I am now determined to learn from these feasts, keep them and be prepared for the Lords return. I am so grateful for this teaching and the way that this booklet has been written with such clear clarity in such an easy way to understand . I would encourage everyone to read and study this small booklet - Our Lost Heritage. Pam N

www.christian-life.co.nz | 17

HaYovel

INVITES NEW ZEALANDERS TO COME AND SERVE IN ISRAEL HaYovel is a ministry in Israel, volunteering help to Israeli vineyard growers, that provides a unique opportunity for all age groups to not only tour the land of the Bible but also to minister God’s love to his Jewish people in a practical and prophetic way. Since 2006 the Waller family have been volunteering in the vineyards of Judea and Samaria serving Israel’s farmers on the very mountains about which Jeremiah prophesied 2,500 years ago, ‘they would plant vines’. In 2007, Tommy and Sherri Waller established HaYovel and the number of volunteers tripled every year after that. In 2009, one hundred volunteers picked 75 tons of grapes and today, over 1,000 Ha Yovel volunteers from the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Colombia, South Africa, South America, India, Europe, Australia and New Zealand have picked 900 tons of grapes, 100 tons of olives, pruned over 250 acres of vines, and planted over 16,000 new vines. Through their service of love they have enabled ten local farmers, with more being added every year, to extend their vineyard’s yield, in some cases, fivefold. And in the process, they are transforming the perception of Christians held by many Israelis. The history of Christianity, as we all know, has given the Jewish people, over the centuries, good cause to distrust Christians. However, in this part of the country, the ministry of HaYovel has already gone a long way towards reversing this attitude toward Christians and healing the breach. Not only has the ministry of HaYovel changed the hearts of the Israelis in these areas towards Christians, the Israeli government, in recognition of the volunteers’ selfless demonstration of love for the Land and the People of Israel, have granted them the necessary visas. For those readers interested in participating, the annual Harvest starts around the end of August and people can volunteer for a period of ‘three‘, ‘six’, or ‘ten weeks’, and while the day begins before ‘sun up’, the work is finished by noon, and a ‘four day working week’ provides plenty of opportunity to travel the Land and visit the Biblical sites,** provides plenty of opportunity to travel the Land and visit the Biblical sites. ** There is nothing like opening your Bible and reading the account of what took place in that very location, to bring the Bible to life and provide a deeper, richer, appreciation of the Scriptures. Particularly, as the vineyards are situated on the very mountains where a good many of the biblical events actually occurred. And for those of you who are quietly wondering ‘just how strenuous the work of harvesting might be’ . . . If you can snip a bunch of grapes off the vine with a pair of scissors, you have all the expertise required! The fact that the men do all the heavy lifting is a very persuasive factor (for women) in the decision to sign up. The work is something that girls and boys can equally

participate in, making the Harvest an opportunity for the whole family to be involved. To quote one volunteer: “Getting up in the very early hours and hearing the grapes drop into the bucket as you clip them – is a very exhilarating experience” While the harvesting of the grapes is open to both genders of all ages, the annual Pruning is a ‘Men’s only’ Adventure, and takes place over the winter, beginning around the end of January. The Pruning, lasting eight weeks, also offers a range of periods of service, to fit both budget and schedule. The men work daily from 7.30am until 4.30pm., during which time they enjoy the unique fellowship of ‘men with men’. In the process of which the men experience a spiritual pruning as well, equipping them to bear real, positive, spiritual fruit in their personal lives. Perhaps, the ultimate rush comes from the realization that, by volunteering, you are actually fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61:5b (TLB) ‘Foreigners shall be your Servants, they shall plough your fields and tend your vineyards’ . . . And, also, from knowing that the physical and emotional support being given to the farmers, is a confirmation to them as well, that they are hearing from God in ‘returning to the land and cultivating it’. Jeremiah 31:5 (TLB) ‘Again, you will plant your vineyards upon the mountains of Samaria and eat from your own gardens’ Seeing once desolate hills being transformed into flourishing farmland and vineyards is exciting, but the subsequent verse is even more so, to my mind, when you understand that the Hebrew word here for ‘Watchmen’, is ‘Notsrim’, a term used for ‘Christians’. Jeremiah 31:6 (TLB) ‘For there shall be a day when the ‘watchmen’ will cry on Mount Ephraim, ”Arise and let us go up to Zion, To the Lord our God”.’ HaYovel’s tours are called ‘Zionsake’ and present to this generation the optimism and confidence of Joshua and Caleb, bringing to us from the heartland of Judea and Samaria, a ‘Good Report’; sharing their powerful and personal testimonies, and declaring the importance of Israel and the wonderful future that awaits God’s people in Zion. Offering you the potential of playing an active role in the fulfillment of Israel’s prophetic destiny In addition to working with farmers and touring historic sites, the volunteers also get to meet influential community leaders, rabbis, and government officials – enabling them to return to their respective countries as ambassadors equipped to inspire and to educate others about Israel and her prophetic restoration! Jeremiah 31:10 (TLB) ‘Listen to this message from the Lord, you nations of the world and publish it abroad: The Lord who scattered his people will gather them back again and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock’ The Re-gathering of the Jewish People is the sign of the coming ‘Redemption of all things’. Jeremiah 31:12 (TLB) ‘They shall come home and sing songs of joy upon the hills of Zion, and shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord – the good crops, the wheat and the wine and the oil . . . .’ The Vineyards are back, . . . the Wine is back, . . . the Oil is back, . . . the Restoration of all things is at hand . . . everything in Scripture is pointing to the imminent return of the Messiah to Jerusalem.

HaYovel extend to you, the invitation to ‘Come and be a blessing to His people, by encouraging, strengthening, and undergirding the small, independent farmers of Israel as a volunteer, as a labourer in the Harvest! ...And, to the experience of a lifetime; travelling, working, worshipping, meeting and making new friends from Israel and from every corner of the globe. To request an application, visit www.HaYovel.com and click on VOLUNTEER For more information contact Susette on aravahnz@yahoo.com www.hayovel.com

18 | Christian Life Issue Seven November 13

Inspired Business

STOP procrastinating and enjoy SUCCESS!

Too often we are pumping our brains with unhelpful procrastination and punishment scripts that paralyse us into inaction. It’s easy to get into a habit of programming ourselves with reluctance, paralysis and self-defeating thoughts. Why do we believe it will be easier not to do the tasks or work and instead put them off? Maybe we are afraid of failure. If we do the task we will not be successful, or it won’t be perfect. Eventually we get that something done and we realise how it was not that hard to just push through and get it completed and out of the way. Then we wonder why we didn’t finish it sooner when it wasn’t that hard, or didn’t take that long. It’s a wonderful feeling of euphoria when we overcome blocks, of seeing the end result of finishing. Maybe we procrastinate long enough so that when we do overcome that silly block (eg. completing a tax return, writing the report or finishing the budget) it is a euphoric feeling! Successful people use helpful scripts and develop strategies to overcome and minimise these blocks. They learn how to recognise the signs of indecision and procrastination, and how to cut them off before they develop. Their negative feelings and scripts are kept to a minimum or ‘rewritten’ quickly. These are the helpful scripts that can get you through: I am in control I will just keep going until I finish I will keep going and persevere I can do this – it will take time but I will succeed I am positive I can make this happen

way or another more confidently what the decision should be. Some people procrastinate and look at everything several times over several days or weeks – maybe months or years with some decisions. A good thing to do is to focus on what’s best to achieve a goal and get the benefits ahead. It keeps you moving forward. It stops you getting stuck. One of the best benefits we should remind ourselves of is simply how much better we feel after making the decision we were avoiding, or doing the task we were putting off. Focus on the importance of the task and the outcome, rather than thinking of the pain and effort of a difficult task. Tell yourself: “I’m going to feel better once this is done.” Create a situation for where there’s more pleasure associated with doing the activity, than there is pain. Too often we get stuck, or blocked, because we are focusing on the immediate difficulties and not on the eventual benefits. Whenever you find yourself procrastinating, remember why you are doing it, think of the benefits and how good you’ll feel once you’re finished.

Tony Gattari, Achievers Group The author is founder and Chief Energy Officer of Achievers group. He is a much in demand passionate professional speaker, business educator, author and corporate, business advisor. He has worked with over 140 businesses around the world.

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The first step in dealing with our paralysis scripts is to recognise they exist: it is to look for internal and external barriers that stop us achieving our goals. Here are some helpful tips: Keep focused on the big picture Sometimes we get sidetracked and upset about small things along the way. It is important to be able to tell yourself to step back, think of the bigger picture, remember what your vision is – and put the small things into perspective, so they no longer sidetrack you. Tell someone you know what you are aiming to achieve. Share goals with those close to you. Habits are our biggest obstacle to changing our behaviour. Habits are simply scripts, those that are part of the ‘black box of our brains’, deeply ingrained or embedded in us. Remind yourself of the benefits ahead Sometimes we procrastinate over decisions and actions, and this makes us feel bad. We are scared or anxious about what we have to do. So we leave a decision outstanding – waiting for a time when we can say one

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3/05/13 9:48 AM www.christian-life.co.nz | 19

Programme Guide Sunday Nov 17 - Saturday Dec 14 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Life Questions

Days of Wonder

Quick Study

Unlocking the Bible

Hillsong TV

Auto B Good / Pahappahooey Island (30 Nov) *

C 6:00

Unlocking the Bible

Precious Word of Truth

Bayless Conley

Derek Prince

Quick Study

Jovis Bon Hovis

C 6:30

Auto B Good / Pahappahooey Island (25 Nov) *

Buzz and Poppy

Fifty the Tractor

Bedbug Bible Gang

Fifty the Tractor

3-2-1 Penguins!

C 7:00

3-2-1 Penguins!

Bedbug Bible Gang

Jovis Bon Hovis

Hermie and Friends

Buzz and Poppy

Hermie and Friends

Veggie Tales

C 7:30

8:00

Buzz and Poppy

Veggie Tales

3-2-1 Penguins!

Creation’s Creatures

Auto B Good / Pahappahooey Island (28 Nov) *

Jovis Bon Hovis

Fifty the Tractor

C 8:00

8:30

Connection Point

Impact for Life

Word For You

LIFE TV P with Paul de Jong

Running With Fire with Tak Bhana

Connection Point

Hermie and Friends

C 8:30

Living Truth: Charles Price

Turning Point: P P Dr David Jeremiah

Blessing, Curse or Coincidence

Precious Word of Truth

Hour of Power

6:00

Living Truth: Charles Price

7:00

Creation’s Creatures

7:30

6:30

9:00

In Touch: Charles Stanley

9:30

Ultimate Choice

9:00 9:30

10:00

Life Questions

Little Film Big Heart

Blessing, Curse or Coincidence

Building a Difference

Give Me An Answer

Choices

10:30

Word For You

Life Questions

Days of Wonder

Life Church: Paul Scanlon

Your Best Life: Phil Pringle

Joni & Friends

11:00

Songs of Praise

Ancient Israel Explored

Joni & Friends

Little Film Big Heart

The Christmas Experience

Choices

D 11:00

11:30

Quick Study

Hearts Wide Open

The Christmas Experience

Christian World News

Building a Difference

Ancient Israel Explored

D 11:30

Impact for Life

Word For You

LIFE TV with Paul de Jong

Connection Point

Hearts Wide Open

D Noon

Joni & Friends

D 12:30

The Christmas Experience

D 1:00

Noon

12:30

Running With Fire

Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer (Mon - Fri)

FEATURES

See adjacent for detail.

1:00

American Bible Challenge

The 700 Club (Mon - Fri)

1:30

Little Film Big Heart

Blessing, Curse or Coincidence

Building a Difference

Life fm Presents

Y 10:00 10:30

Give Me An Answer

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

The Relate Show

D 1:30

Ancient Israel Explored

Nzone Focus

All Over the World

D 2:00

Joni & Friends

All Over the World

Building a Difference

D 2:30

2:00

Joni & Friends

Give Me An Answer

Precious Memories

2:30

Precious Memories

Ancient Israel Explored

Hearts Wide Open

Auto B Good / Pahappahooey Island (25 Nov) *

Buzz and Poppy

Fifty the Tractor

Bedbug Bible Gang

Fifty the Tractor

Choices

N 3:00

3:30

Bedbug Bible Gang

Jovis Bon Hovis

Hermie and Friends

Buzz and Poppy

Hermie and Friends

Little Film Big Heart

D 3:30

4:00

Veggie Tales

3-2-1 Penguins!

Creation’s Creatures

Auto B Good / Pahappahooey Island (28 Nov) *

Jovis Bon Hovis

Blessing, Curse or Coincidence

D 4:00

The Uprising

Ultimate Choice The Uprising

Life fm Presents

Ultimate Choice

D 4:30

Life fm Presents

Joni & Friends

Life fm Presents

The Relate Show

D 5:00

Hearts Wide Open

Building a Difference

Little Film Big Heart

Blessing, Curse or Coincidence

Nzone Focus

Give Me An Answer

D 5:30

Life Questions

Ancient Israel Explored

Life Church: Paul Scanlon

Your Best Life: Phil Pringle

Brian Houston @ Hillsong TV

All Over the World

D 6:00

Building a Difference

D 6:30

The Christmas Experience

D 7:00