Christian Life issue 3 - July 2013

JULY 2013 • Issue THREE • www.christian-life.co.nz

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Christian Youth FILM FESTIVAL Winkie Pratney kicks off the ceremonies

GENEROSITY AT ITS PEAK Conquering Kilimanjaro for micro-finance

MAN ON A MISSION Professor Swee Tan and his remarkable work

WE GET BACK TO NATURE WITH OUR CAMPS SPECIAL

Live out the call on your life!

Men’s Events

CHRISTCHURCH 23-24 August WELLINGTON 13-14 September AUCKLAND 4-5 October promisekeepers.org.nz | 0800 PROMISE ( 77 66 47 )

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY MANNA BOOKSTORES AND THE CHRISTIAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION

Contents...

Issue three | JULY 13

Join us online at christian-life.co.nz to stay connected

Editor’s note...

Welcome to Issue 3 of Christian Life. It’s amazing to think that what was just a God-inspired idea for a publication just a few short months ago sees us already publishing our third issue.

03 CAMPS: Enjoying the Great Outdoors 06 Who is Everywoman?

08 Generosity at its peak 10 NZ Christian Youth Film Festival 11 Professor Swee Tan 12 Let there be light 14 Classifieds

In this issue we feature Christian campsites. There is nothing more enjoyable then breathing in fresh air and turning away from our digital devices to take time out and hear from God. Campfires, activities, adventure walks, good wholesome food and relationship building are just a few of the perks of camping with these great organisations.

08

Another feature this issue is an amazing new project called ‘World Vision Micro’. This is the aid agency’s new microfinance scheme, which will allow Kiwis to lend small loans to poor entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow their own businesses in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya or Cambodia.

Despite the amazing work being done through World Vision initiatives there are still many people in need. An urgent appeal has been launched to help the Syrian refugee crisis, as the conflict is now in its third year.

Don’t forget to check out our classified section with positions vacant, resources and events! We’re really wanting to use Christian Life to build that network and community of NZ’s Christians, so check it out.

So please let your family, friends and church friends know that they too can grab their free copy from their local Christian bookshop. You can also head to our website - www.christian-life.co.nz - to read the latest New Zealand news.

Gemma Margerison Editor

NEXT ISSUE OUT AUGUST 2013

Publisher Matthew Danswan

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Enjoying the

GREAT OUTDOORS New Zealand is synonymous with the great outdoors, and not even the sad winter weather can hold back those who want to enjoy God’s creation in all its glory.

Christian campsites are scattered throughout Aotearoa providing everything from fun filled family adventure holidays to quiet spiritual retreats.

Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (BMAC) “Our mission at Blue Mountain Adventure Centre is to help people discover and live out their God-given potential through the challenge of adventure,” says marketing and communication co-ordinator Nicola Maycroft. “We work mainly with schools from all around New Zealand, along with church and marginalised groups, which allow us to work with the children that need help the most.”

Surrounded by the stunning adventure playground of Tongariro National Park, BMAC can be a place for reflection, learning, and of course, fun.

With NZOIA qualified instructors at hand BMAC offers a high-quality experience that will allow people to grow physically, mentally and spiritually.

“We provide a professional and safe programme for any group,” says Ms Maycroft. “No previous experience is required to take part in our activities, and we help match the skills of the group with the best adventures for their growth and development.”

BMAC offers the widest range of activities available, with the most cost effective options. Groups can choose one of their adventure packages, or they design a programme that suits the groups’ needs, budget, time of year, and goals.

Some of the activities on offer include kayaking, Canadian canoeing, white water rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving, tramping, mountaineering, high ropes activities, abseiling and adventure based learning.

“Blue Mountain Adventure Centre is about creating an experience where real change can happen,” she says.

Vertical Horizon Adventure Centre The core purpose of Vertical Horizon is to offer a unique and diverse camp with extensive activities that provide challenges, learning opportunities and encourages people to grow physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The Centre is located 10kms from Inglewood in Taranaki, surrounded by scenic native bush, and bordered by the Manganui River.

With fully instructed and catered camping experiences, Vertical Horizon provides an adventure-based learning in an outdoor Environment for school camps, community groups & organisations, sports teams, holiday programmes, corporate team building and fun days.

Vertical Horizon has a range of activities available including kayaking, archery, air rifles, zip line, blind trail, line dancing, bush craft, senior ropes course, raft building, eeling, and many more.

The Centre is also a great place to hold up and coming events. Anything from weddings, birthday celebrations, conferences, club meetings , they have great facilities, accommodation, 10.5 hectares of space, and can also provide catering.

Many groups, organisations and clubs from all over New Zealand coming to Vertical Horizon for meetings and get-togethers. The team can provide: accommodation, conference facilities, activities, team building and leadership, catering (if required) and much, much more. Vertical Horizon is the perfect place for small and large groups; it has plenty of room for your inside and outside needs.

Adventure Camps “Adventure Camps run 3 sites at the moment with the hope of adding more sites in the future,” says operations manager Colin Yearsley. “Carey Park sleeps 170 and is fully catered, the Piha Mill site sleeps 80 and can be catered or uncatered as the client wants, and Salisbury Park is being developed as a day site.”

Carey Park offers a large range of activities such as flying fox, swimming hole, kayaks, archery, air rifles, Burma trail, bush skills and walks, confidence course, camp fire to name but a few along with amazing yummy food prepared fresh by our resident chefs.

There is also a large gymnasium with a rock climbing wall and Adventure Camps will shortly be introducing paint ball.

Piha mill is located near to the beach at Piha and is a beautiful location. It has several activities similar to Carey Park with the added attraction of a beach and many bush walks.

Adventure Camps operate this site mainly between the months of September and May as it lends itself more to the summer and is often used for weddings and family reunions.

Salisbury Park is going to be a site for organisations or churches to run seminars and team building days or retreats as well as weddings, kids’ birthdays or schools wanting just a day camp experience.

“Fellowshipping together at church on Sundays is a beautiful thing but when you come together at a camp surrounded by God’s creation, the depth of fellowship is amazing and we draw so much closer to God and each other,” says Mr Yearsley. “It’s an experience not to be missed.”

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So, You’ve Decided to Become an Ecommerce Entrepreneur As more and more businesses look to the internet

Securing your finances

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Starting an online business can be cheap but

Putting it all together and preparing for the long haul

eCommerce Entrepreneur may just be taking shape

sustaining it is usually going to cost. Depending on

In the end it all boils down to how well you’ve

in your head. While starting an eCommerce venture

your industry (and the competition in that niche) you

shaped your initial business strategy, how realistic

is quite easy, actually becoming a successful

may need to look for outside investors to fund your

you’ve been in your expectations, and how long you

eCommerce entrepreneur is an entirely different

initial set-up and early development costs. Sources

are willing to keeping pushing towards success.

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of cash can be: your savings, friends and family,

Let’s look at some of the key points you need to keep in mind as you make your push into the online commerce arena.

Develop a business plan While some may argue that starting an online business is as easy as setting up a website, jumping into a new venture without proper planning is risky. It is always best to develop your business plan first, even if you do not require funding, just to get your strategy down on paper. A business plan will allow you to understand many of the key elements that need to be in place in getting you where you plan to go and will provide you with something of a roadmap to follow. Moreover you can validate your concepts with outside professionals that have experience in running online businesses and receive their valuable input.

Set realistic timelines. Too many businesses demand too much, too soon. Accept that your eCommerce project is a long-term project, and even if results don’t come immediately, with consistent effort, they will come.

bank loans or venture capitalists.

Once your business gets going, it may make take a little time to draw the traffic that you originally

Know the technology and your online platform

envisioned. Don’t get discouraged. These things

It’s important to understand what kind of website

haul and have made a commitment to keep

you need to further your goals. The platform you

working in a focused manner regardless of early

create should be scalable and it should have the

results. As always, patience is a virtue that every

capacity to function in a predictable, profitable

businessperson should possess and, as a new

manner from the start. Chances are you’ll need

eCommerce entrepreneur, you need to cultivate that

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developer about easy set-up options, but more importantly, talk to the payment gateway providers.

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Make sure you understand their fee options completely and that there will be no hidden charges down the line. Get quotes, in writing if possible, and where services look the same, choose the provider

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with the lowest bottom line.

There will be bugs when it comes to actually doing business online—that’s unavoidable—but the more you can get out of the way in your offline testing, the better for everyone. The golden rule here is TEST, TEST, TEST. Article by Anita Lattanzi

Camps special

“We’ve got catapults, go karts, some great stories with plenty of food and time to take it all in alongside your son or your father.” NARROWS PARK

Titoki Healing Centre Renewal. Refreshment. Retreat. The Titoki Centre is a spacious Christian retreat and seminar venue situated on 10 acres of parkland ten minutes out of Whakatane.

Titoki offers hospitality and time out for Group Retreats and seminars and can accommodate groups of up to 30 people in comfort with everything supplied. Whiteboard, video/DVD player and power point projector available.

Healing Prayer/Ministry and Christian Counselling is also available. Many people come to Titoki for ministry and healing prayer spending a few days to experience God’s healing touch for emotional past and historic wounds in their lives.

A weekly chapel service for worship, healing prayer and communion is held each Wednesday morning at 10.00am in the chapel. Everyone is welcome to join our guests and community for this service.

Orama Oasis Orama is situated on Great Barrier Island with nearby access to the Aotea track, Kauri dam track, and the waterfall track, all in the bush clad hills.

“We are a short drive to what is considered a world class left hand surf break,” says Angela Worthington. “‘Okiwi Bar’ is a favourite spot amongst locals and tourists looking for uncrowded waves on unspoilt beaches.”

Part of Orama’s land is within the Glenfern bird Sanctuary, with Orama itself is situated on the shores of

Karaka bay.

Orama can accommodate all groups’ sizes from singles to 180 guests and has both selfcatered and catered options. Accommodation prices vary from cabins to more luxurious units, but at very reasonable rates.

“Orama is a place well known for a holiday that is both revitalising and inspiring,” says Ms Worthington. “Knowing the benefits of outdoor activity, what could be more wonderful than to experience healthful living with the backdrop of bush, birdsong and breath-taking ocean views.”

Bridge Valley Their mission: To challenge and encourage physically, mentally, spiritually and socially in an environment where Christian standards are upheld.

Bridge Valley offers school, camps, holiday camps and retreats with activities including archery, aqua tramp, caving, fire building, mini golf, spa, swimming pool, table tennis, volleyball and much more.

This peaceful environment is exemplary in creating memorable functions for groups of all sizes. Whether you desire a small retreat or large corporate conference, we are the ideal location for your event. Just 25 minutes from Nelson central and 15 minutes from Richmond, you have all the character of a rural location while maintaining accessibility to town.

Bridge Valley offers a range of modern facilities to suit your needs. Their Tui Lodge rooms provide delightful deluxe accommodation, while they also have pleasant rooms and cabins suitable for larger groups. The function spaces include a corporate lounge, large dining/meeting hall seating up to 200 guests, and a conference room with audio and multimedia equipment available.

The dedicated team at Bridge Valley is committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience, and includes an executive chef.

Narrows Park “The encyclopaedia of New Zealand tells us that ‘Since

the 19th century schools have encouraged their students to take camping trips for exercise, self-reliance, group bonding and other benefits’,” says camp coordinator Al Belcher. “Nothing’s changed except the people.”

The outdoor experience at Narrows Park changes people, kids and adults alike. Mr Belcher comments that they can see the stress and structure of life release people as they feel the fresh air on their face, the laughs as they race the go karts around a dirt track and the smiles when they finally figure out how to fire an arrow and hit the target.

“The earliest accounts of camping as a recreational activity are from relatively wealthy migrants from Britain. Sleeping under the stars and cooking over a fire was generally unfamiliar and exciting for them, and reinforced the Victorian attitude that simple outdoor activity was more wholesome and moral than urban life,” he says.

Narrows Park believes there is something inviting about getting back to basics around a roaring campfire with some good mates or family members.

This month Narrows Park is running its first ever Father and Sons Weekend, a space for guys to get away from busy urban life. “We’ve got catapults, go karts, some great stories with plenty of food and time to take it all in alongside your son or your father,” says Mr Belcher.

Andrew Stroud, a father of nine and nine-time superbike champion, is coming along to share his story alongside Richard Frost of Auckland, father of 6, and Bradd Trebilco, a Te Awamutu man and father of 3 who recently returned from the States.

Mr Belcher says, “I can remember growing up waiting in the car for hours as my dad ‘ran in’ to get some building supplies. I remember camping trips that were with dad but I don’t remember doing anything with him.

This weekend is the time to be present with your sons and experience life together.”

Narrows Park is a member of Christian Camping New Zealand, which includes over 50 camps nationwide.

They run holiday camps with a focus on youth leadership. Every camp is run by youth who bring new activities and themes and exciting programs.

The Easter camp this year had a mechanical bull, a barn dance party, a pool party, live bands and dance crews. There are also air rifles, archery and slingshot paintball.

“We run go karts and downhill trolleys and there is a swimming pool and waterslide among other activities. You can even join one of our kayaking trips down the Waikato,” says Mr Belcher. “It’s all here at Narrows Park, which is located just 10 minutes from Hamilton.

Give us a call for your next school camp, group booking, church event or family reunion. Love to see you at the Narrows.”

www.christian-life.co.nz | 5

We are ordinary women across the generations who love shoes, shopping, chocolate and a great coffee. We are C3 women from around the globe loving Jesus, being fruitful in the House of God and above all making a difference in our worlds no matter the seasons of life we find ourselves in. Our mantra is ‘Connect’, whether in a small group or the large gathering, we love getting together. So every year in the middle of winter, undeterred by rain or snow, that’s where you will find us; getting together at C3 Church Auckland from all over the country for the annual Everywoman Conference.

The last six years have been quite a journey for Everywoman, each conference building on the previous; from ‘Her Stories’ in 2007, ‘Purpose’, ‘Passion’’, and Sing’ in 2010, we have explored the themes of letting our stories be our testimony to minister freedom to others, living our best life with purpose and passion and learning how to sing even in the wilderness experiences. For ‘Our Place’ and ‘State of Heart,’ Everywoman hosted international speakers, Shannon Ethridge, Janine Kubala and Sy Rogers whose inspirational preaching and wisdom strengthened and equipped us in knowing our place in the world and our identity in God. The theme for 2013 is ‘FEARLESS. Addressing one of the biggest issues we face today in society, Fiona Rush, Senior Pastor of C3 Auckland says, “Fear cripples us, and causes us to be silent. It makes us do what we don’t want to do and it paralyses us from doing what we ought. If the phrase, “Fear Not!” appears 365 times in the Bible that is a reminder from God each day to not be robbed by disappointment, fear of man, adversity or personal challenges.”

6 | Christian Life Issue Three July 13

This year we host the most FEARLESS keynote speaker; Vibrant, colourful, inspiring, powerful, liberating, hilarious, is how we describe Chris Pringle.

With her husband, Dr. Phil Pringle she is Senior Pastor of the C3 Church Oxford Falls, Sydney, Australia, and Co-founder of the c3 Global movement – a movement that encompasses more than 70,000 people, attending more than 200 churches, in many countries throughout the world.

Chris is a great communicator, and brings life, revelation, healing and joy to everyone who experiences her ministry. Her cheeky demeanor, wealth of experience and flair for style makes her a revolutionary speaker to men and women of all ages.

Chris’s best-selling book ‘Jesse Found in Heaven’ is currently in its second print and has brought healing and release to countless women who have experienced the loss of a child.

Her most recent release is a powerful DVD set titled ‘O Sacred Kiss O Sacred Call’. Speaking openly on marriage, families and friendships Chris depicts the presence of God, living holy lives and surrendering to the Sacred Call.

Caley Korocz, one of the key youth & young adult’s pastors at C3 Oxford Falls in Sydney is another FEARLESS speaker. Caley has been involved in youth ministry for over 10 years and carries a message that delivers with authority, revelation and power. We know she will profoundly impact the next generation by the word and her passion to see the younger girls grow into the amazing women God intends.

Caley is married to Dan, a singer / songwriter and worship leader at Oxford Falls and we are excited to

Clockwise from top left: Delegates at Everywoman,inspiring teaching, passionate praise and worship; Ps Chris Pringle

have her in New Zealand for the first time.

Finally, Fiona Rush is passionate about people walk in life transforming faith with Jesus Christ and has a huge heart for seeing women reach their potential in God. She is thrilled to host many women from other denominations outside the 20 nationwide C3 churches for a weekend of anointed worship, powerful prayer and as every woman needs, a bit of pampering and fun.

Fiona and the everywoman team are believing this is a breakthrough conference for women to rise in their destiny.

Fiona works full time as a Marketing Manager for McPhersons Products, is the mother of two boys and with her husband Dean Rush leads C3 Pacific and C3 Auckland.

Conference

Conference renewed my faith in God and His character. I know He will carry me and my family through this difficult time and I will be stronger because of it.

In the words of one past attendee: “Conference has definitely been the highlight of my year so far....”

I came to conference really scared and broken because of everything that is been going on lately. Losing my nana had really crushed me and being around lots of people was a bit too overwhelming at times.

Over the weekend God revealed himself in so many different ways. I was surrounded by girls who were supportive and loving and were able to be the strength I didn’t have. I encountered God’s healing through worship and prayer. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in my life and I learnt how to be vulnerable and open even when everything in me wanted to run away and hide!

Conference renewed my faith in God and His character. I know He will carry me and my family through this difficult time and I will be stronger because of it.

I began conference feeling empty and without hope. I left conference with a new joy and full of peace that everything is going to be ok.

Jenna Stokes

Everywoman ‘FEARLESS’ is held on 12th & 13th July at C3 Church Auckland (20 Cawley Street, Ellerslie, Auckland). For more information on the conference visit everywoman.co.nz or contact the church office on (09) 5791716. For any other information on C3 Church and it’s ministries visit c3church.org.nz

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“If we commit ourselves to reading thus increasing our knowledge, only God limits how far we can go in this world.” Ben Carson www.christian-life.co.nz | 7

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3/05/13 9:48 AM

On June 24 World Vision’s kiwi celebrity climbers reached the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.

After five days of non-stop climbing, Mahe Drysdale, Rhys Darby, Kerre Woodham, Boh Runga, Juliette Haigh and World Vision CEO Chis Clarke trekked the final eight hours through the night to reach the 5,900m summit.

The charity challenge was set up to launch World Vision Micro, the aid agency’s new microfinance scheme. This will allow Kiwis to lend small loans to poor entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow their own businesses in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya or Cambodia. Once the loan is repaid, it is recycled again and again, so every dollar that Kiwis donate through World Vision Micro is loaned out over ten times to over ten small businesses.

The climb, which has so far raised almost $20,000 for World Vision Micro, pushed the stars to their very limits. Not only did they climb the 19,300ft but also faced temperatures of minus fifteen degrees Celsius while camping out in tents on the mountain.

Comedian Rhys Darby climbed with a serious chest infection and singer/designer Boh Runga battled a bad cold. The others endured the headaches, dizziness and nausea caused by the high altitude, leading altitude medicine expert Dr Jeremy Windsor to name Kilimanjaro “perhaps one of the most dangerous mountains in the world.”

“It was the hardest day of my life,” says Rhys Darby. “But for some reason I never thought of turning back. I think that reason is the reason I’m here in the first place – doing it for Micro. The pain was worth it.”

Only 40% of people who climb Kilimanjaro actually make it to the summit. Billionaire and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramov-

“Physically, I didn’t find it that demanding, but it was really tough due to the altitude. It was a very tough day out.” ich and tennis legend Martina Navratilova both failed in their attempts to climb Kilimanjaro. However, pop stars Ronan Keating and Cheryl Cole and actress Jessica Biel have all summited it. An average of ten people die every year on the mountain.

“The Kilimanjaro challenge was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do,” says Boh Runga. “I’m so proud I got there.”

After reaching the summit Mahe Drysdale, Kerre Woodham, Chris Clarke and Star Times journalist Rob Stock continued on to Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point. “It was really hard,” says radio personality Kerre Woodham. “Harder than giving birth and harder than a marathon. But it was spectacular…it was absolutely worth it.”

“It’s a weird one,” explained Mahe Drysdale.

“Physically, I didn’t find it that demanding, but it was really tough due to the altitude. It was a very tough day out.”

Each of the celebrities will be supporting an entrepreneur, and before they set off for Kilimanjaro they personally met the entrepreneur they are helping through Micro. “These guys had two very big challenges,” explained World Vision CEO Chris Clarke.

“To climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world, and to engage with people who have lived a life very different than their own. Yet they all did it without a word or complaint.”

At 5,895 m, Mt Kilimanjaro is 2.1 kilometres taller than Mt Cook and two thirds the size of Everest. After reaching the summit the team made their way through the 12-15 hour descent, which they did over two days.

Around a quarter of the money raised for World Vision came from a series of Trade Me auctions which were launched on May 27 to coincide with 40 Hour Famine, World Vision’s annual fundraising event.

The Trade Me auctions by World Vision CEO Chris Clarke, ambassadors Mahe Dysdale, Juliette Haigh, Boh Runga, Rhys Darby and Kerre Woodham closed on June 3 and came to just shy of $5,000.

Kerre Woodham’s offer to MC an event fetched

$2710.00, while Rhys Darby’s personalised voicemail message went for $601. Mahe and Juliette’s rowing lesson went under the hammer for $950 while a piece of Boh Runga jewellery and a Trilogy pamper pack was sold for $336. One lucky bidder has also scored themselves a trip to see World Vision’s microfinance work first-hand with the development agency’s CEO Chris Clarke.

This year’s 40 Hour Famine had a target of $2.5 million to help women and children in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Critical issues in the area include malnourishment in unborn children, babies struggling to live due to hunger and disease, and women and children dying due to poor sanitation.

The deadline for this year’s sponsorship money is July 17 and the funds raised will help introduce programmes to provide medical aid to pregnant mothers and babies to increase life expectancy, teach farmers to grow fruit and vegetables to prevent malnutrition with a balanced diet, educate women and children on improved sanitation practices to prevent disease, and strengthen community, district and autonomous region of Bougainville participation to sustain development projects.

Last year the focus of World Vision’s campaign was Mali and Niger. Around 128,000 young Kiwis participated in the 40 Hour Famine, raising $2.3 million to support kids. Since then 46 nursery producers have been trained to grow moringa and acacia plants, 360 farmers have received training on how to regenerate farm trees, 400 beneficiaries have received funding, and 33,770 moringa plants have been produced.

Despite the amazing work being done through World Vision initiatives there are still many people in

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need. An urgent appeal has been launched to help the Syrian refugee crisis as the conflict is now in its third year.

More than 5 million people now - 1 in 4 Syrians - are in need of humanitarian assistance both inside and outside the country. Over 1.5 million have fled to neighbouring countries, which are struggling with the influx of new arrivals. World Vision is extremely concerned about the children impacted by this ongoing humanitarian crisis. At least half of Syrian refugees are children.

“Although the Syrian war receives regular news coverage, the plight of millions of homeless Syrian families gains little coverage. Help us let people know about this humanitarian crisis. You can also support Syrian refugee children in urgent need today by making a donation to the Syrian Refugee Crisis Fund.”

www.cba.net.nz THAMES: Thames Christian Bookshop 732 Pollen St, Ph: 07 868 9115 HAMILTON: Living Word Bookcentre, 52 Collingwood Street, Ph: 07 839 5607 CAMBRIDGE Solomon’s Couch, Capernwray, 3883 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 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

Serving all NZ www.christian-life.co.nz | 9

Arts

Finals Night of the New Zealand Christian YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL International evangelist-speaker Winkie Pratney told 60 young New Zealand film-makers that when studying the scripture and praying at one time he believed he heard God say to that him that “He (God) is an entertainer.”

I said, “No way”. Then God said (to me) “I AM an entertainer.” Winkie said that God is one and He wants us to present Christian truth in a way that engages people, that arouses genuine interest and communicates in an excellent way our values and message.”

Mr Pratney made the comment at an a pre-event for film-makers which preceded the Finals Night of the New Zealand Christian Youth Film Festival (NZCYF), which just ran its second New Zealand-wide competition, with online voting by the public and assessment of the 15 films entered in the competition by four professional judges. The Finals Night was held in Auckland on 29 June, and was attended by about 250 people.

The 2012 Finals Night programme states: “Main aims of NZCYF are to help and encourage young people in film-making and acting ability, and in creative skills, to effectively communicate good values and Christian principles to our modern culture; using the digital format and media...

NZCYF wants to build what is good, positive, uplifting and inspiring...”

All films entered are made by people in age categories 13-17 or 18-25, and films are 5 to 7.5 minutes long. They are judged by four professionals who assess the technical skills and cinematography in the movie, effectiveness/ interest of the script, quality of acting, the clarity and effectiveness of communication of Christian message.

The total (of the two years) of 26 films have been viewed over 15,000 times, and in many countries — the organisation’s website had visits by people in over 25 countries including Australia, USA, the Philippines, UK, Malaysia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan.

NZCYF Project Manager, journalist Michael Hamilton, said organisers and judges were generally impressed with the quality of films made this year, and saw good aspects in most, with room for development of skills in specific areas such as sound, or script. The judges write comments on each film to ‘tutor’ or guide and encourage film-makers.

The film with Best Christian Message was won by: ‘A Beautiful Promise’.

Film with best Acting was won by: ‘Late’. Film with best Cinematography and also film with Best Original Music/song was won by: ‘He Thinks of Me’.

Film with best Script: ‘Perfect’. Most Creative Film: ‘Heavy Lifting’.

All 26 films (2012 and 2013 finals) can be viewed at www.nzcyf.org.nz — to see 2013 films, click on website homepage as though you wish to vote.

Next year Christian film-makers in New Zealand will run a training camp during the school holidays in May 2014.

For more info contact rex@familymemories.co.nz

10 | Christian Life Issue Three July 13

Profile

Man on a mission Sarah Tengvall chats candidly with Professor Swee Tan and discovers a remarkably humble man who has discovered so much...

There has been a huge amount written about Professor Swee Tan. He has appeared in national, regional and community newspapers and magazines throughout the country. He was recently nominated for Kiwi bank’s New Zealander of the Year Award. And a schoolgirl, Hana Olds wrote a book about him, “If Persistence was a Person the story of Professor Swee Tan.” The Wellington Plastic Surgeon and Scientist renown for repairing shattered faces is spectacularly successful. He currently heads Hutt Hospital’s surgery unit. In 1998 he set up the Gilles McIndoe Foundation to research Strawberry birthmarks, their treatment and implications for curing cancer. His research team have won a number of international awards including the famed John Mulliken Award from the International Society of vascular anomalies. He was chosen to speak for New Zealand at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference.

But how many of us know that underpinning everything he does is a deep abiding faith in God. A faith that is strengthened everyday as he delves further into research and becomes more and more convinced of God’s intelligent design underpinning everything.

“If you look at the research we are doing, the more you look into science, the more I am convinced that someone put it there. The more we investigate strawberry birthmarks and what happens to those cells. The more I am convinced that someone has designed it. There is more evidence that things are designed, whether or not you believe in God, rather than things happen by accident. I believe that if you look into it someone has a blueprint,” he said.

A very humble man, with a gentle disposition, he was born into poverty in a village in Malaysia as one of 14. As a child he worked with his family in the coconut, coffee and palm oil plantations. He had a dream, which he believe God planted, to be a doctor. However, people told him he could never be a surgeon with his rough hands from the hard physical work.

Mr Tan was raised by Taoist parents, which he described as a crossroads of Buddhism. They believed in gods but no one god. He said growing up he knew nothing about God who died for everyone’s sins. He didn’t hear about Christ till he moved to Melbourne’s Medical School in 1980 and went to an “Overseas Christian Fellowship’ meeting at the university. Then he was invited to their May Camp and at 19 years old he heard the gospel message for the first time and was saved immediately. “God moves in mysterious ways,” he commented.

Mr Tan continued attending the Overseas Christian Fellowship, which he said attracted mainly overseas students, Indians and a few white Australians. And he started to try to live the Christian life and encountered the shortcomings of the human race but you always know deep down there is a God he commented.

He met his wife Sanchia, who had been raised in a Christian Dutch Reform church family in Sri Lanka before moving to Australia to train as a nurse. Meeting his wife was a turning point in his Christian journey. He recalled that when he first asked her out she later told him she has prayed and an angel told her she should go.

After moving to New Zealand in 1987 and taking his first run in plastic surgery at Waikato

Hospital he realised he was fascinated in the life-tansforming creativity of it. And despite there being only four training positions nationwide God opened the door to a position at Christchurch’s Burwood Hospital.

He agrees it is Christian values that are driving him. And medicine was a definite calling, “I don’t know how else you explain it. It’s just a deep conviction. God underpins everything I do. It’s the reason why you do certain things, you are not the person always doing it. You are doing it on behalf of someone (God) and you’re always grateful for everything you’ve got. It’s not just me; I’ve been enabled to do certain things. I do pray in my work especially when I have challenges,” he reflected.

Perhaps Professor Swee’s biggest medical breakthrough to date was the discovery that stem cells were the origin of strawberry birthmarks. In early pregnancy, stem cells are released from the placenta and travel through the umbilical vein into the foetus.

We had been investigating this for a number of years.

“Research is like going into an adventure that you don’t know what is going to happen,” described Professor Tan. “And there are pieces of information that gradually get assembled and put together.

Then in 2008 a group of French doctors accidentally discovered the drug Propranolol, used to treat heart failure, rapidly shrank strawberry birthmarks. “That gave us a piece of the jigsaw puzzle to fit into what we are talking about, we assembled the two concepts together. This was wonderful described Professor Tan and meant an effective treatment for babies. Propranalol works by blocking rennin to stop cell multiplication, which causes them to commit suicide.

This dramatic achievement means children can now be treated very simply, and more importantly limit the physical and emotional impact traditional treatments caused.

But for Professor Tan the achievement had wider implications. “It also shows us that somebody has put all these things together. We haven’t invented anything. We have discovered something – see the difference. We didn’t put this thing together – we discovered it, and that itself is very humbling.” For Proffessor Tan that person is God. “I can’t find an alternative,” he laughed.

“It also shows us that somebody has put all these things together. We haven’t invented anything. We have discovered something – see the difference. We didn’t put this thing together – we discovered it, and that itself is very humbling.”

To read the full article go to www.christian-life.co.nz

HEALING AND EVANGELISM MEETINGS WITH Bill Subritzky Saturday 3 August – Greenlane, Auckland 9.15am, Women’s healing meeting with Kaylene Subritzky, at Greenlane Christian Centre, 17 Marewa Road, Greenlane.

Wednesday 7 August – Greenlane, Auckland 7pm, Greenlane Christian Centre, 17 Marewa Road, Greenlane.

Tuesday 3 September – Papatoetoe, Auckland 7pm, Papatoetoe Town Hall, 35 St George Street, Papatoetoe.

Tuesday 10 September – Dunedin 7pm, Kaikorai Valley College, 500 Kaikorai Valley Road, Dunedin.

For more information and further meeting updates visit:

www.doveministries.com or Freephone 0800 36 36 83 www.christian-life.co.nz | 11

Advertorial

12 | Christian Life Issue Three July 13

www.christian-life.co.nz | 13

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Our church is looking for a married couple who would lead our vibrant high school youth group.

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This is a volunteer position.

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EVENTS www.visionchurchnorth.org.nz All enquiries to: Pastor Phil Coates pastor@miramarbaptist.org Ch: (04) 388 6535 Mob: 021 236 8139

www.miramarbaptist.org 1. Children & Families Pastor (20 hrs/week) This role would suit someone who is passionate about helping children grow to know Jesus and grow in spiritual gifts; excited about helping parents grow as spiritual caregivers; loves running children’s programs and family-oriented worship services; has some experience and/or qualifications in children’s ministry; and is filled with the Spirit & faith.

2. Community Pastor (15 hrs/week) This role would suit someone who is passionate about reaching out to the spiritually lost; enjoys leading Alpha and community outreach projects: naturally builds networks with people and links between the church and the community; and is filled with the Spirit and faith.

ADVENTURE CAMPS HENDERSON Maintenance assistant position available Must have building and general handyman skills Phone Dave 09 837 0494 [ext4] or 021 854 569

14 | Christian Life Issue Three July 13

About the Father’s Business Workshops • Exhibitors Keynote Speakers • Networking

Saturday 3 August 2013

Bethlehem College, Tauranga

www.envision.org.nz

EVENTS Prayer & Fellowship Meeting God, WHAT do you want me to do here?

Do you have a calling to reach boys & girls for God? Join us for a morning of fellowship, testimonies and encouragement!

Theme: God’s guidance – discovering and doing God’s will.

Saturday 27 July 2013 @ 10am Birkenhead Baptist Church All enquiries to: Suzanne Szilagyi; suzanne@cef.org.nz Mob: 022 368 0304

Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st July 2013 24 Duncansby Road (TBC) Stanmore Bay Whangaparaoa

RESOURCES CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CENTRE OFFICE OPPORTUNITIES Two exciting rental possibilities at our popular Centre have become available @ 297A Church Street, Penrose, Auckland. The Centre is a busy hub for Christian Ministries and is a great opportunity to network and be with other diverse ministries.

ONE Downstairs Warehouse of 500 m2 which includes office space, three large roller doors, lunchroom toilets and showers etc. Has possibilities as a church or many other combinations of varied uses.

Rental is negotiable.

TWO Top floor office of approximately 20 m2 which also includes use of a boardroom, large kitchen/dining, free power and broadband plus an extensive library. This space is alongside fifteen other ministry offices, both local and national ministries and church offices.

Rental is $350 per month.

For cost and details see brochure or contact: Wycliffe Bible Translators NZ Phone: 09 262 8440 Toll free: 0508 Wycliffe (992 543) Email: admin@wycliffe.org.nz

Please contact the Manager John Gummer on 09 974 2613, 021 534 407 or john@thecentre.net.nz

Totara Springs Christian Centre is one of the largest centre’s of its kind in New Zealand and is a venue for school camps, church retreats, business conferences, sporting and artistic events, holiday camps and weddings. We are situated in a beautiful setting, nestled at the foot of the Kaimai mountain ranges just outside Matamata. There are 90 plus acres of parklike grounds with accommodation for 420 people in fully serviced motels, 3 lodge complexes and 18 cabins. All our camps are fully catered by our resident catering team www.totarasprings.org.nz or bookings@totarasprings.org.nz or phone 07-8884700

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We are delighted to be partnering with the Christian bookshops of NZ to make Christian Life absolutely FREE of charge each month.

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To pick up your copy each month FIND A CHRISTIAN STORE NEAR YOU. Visit www.cba.net.nz or www.manna.co.nz. www.christian-life.co.nz | 15

Step out of the ordinary.

Reach beyond your limits... and live OUTSIDE THE LINE. // There is always so much more in store for you.

Discover the extraordinary life you’re called to live this year at Sistas Women’s Conference!

Our Guest Speakers Charlotte Gambill Dr. Robi Sonderegger Christine Martin Sy Rogers

Hosted by

Ps Maree de Jong

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Two Conferences at LIFE Convention Centre 110 Montgomerie Road, Airport Oaks, Auckland

* Earlybird discounted prices are available ‘til 28 July

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