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TRANSCRIPT
The Lamb of God Chronicle May 2018
The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 Christchurch 8640 Phone [04] 232 2297 Mobile 021 0586 909 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lambofgodcommunity.net
INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 News and Articles Page 2-5 “Challenges” Page 6 Kairos NZ News Page 7
Web Sites Page 7 Members/Info/Records Page 8 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page 8-9 National Prayer Watch Page 9-11
REFLECTIONS: Celebrating our Covenant This year marks 39 years from the original call of the Lamb of God and 33 years from the start of the National Community. What a blessing we have received in being called into an initiative of God during these challenging times to remain faithful to God’s ways. My reading in the last month has been through the Books of Kings, and it is really interesting how the people of Israel and Judah struggled to remain faithful to the call to follow the Lord and His ways. When they did, God certainly acted on their behalf; unfortunately, most of the Kings were attracted to the ways of the world around them. In fact, when Josiah, after having work done on the temple and found the book of the law, they realised how far they had diverted from it and what this meant to them as a people. 2 Kings 2:11 “When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. He said, “….for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our ancestors did not obey the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.” It prompted me to think about Promise Keeping. This was one of the areas when I received the talk through our formation series that impacted me. When I make a promise, do I keep it? It is a sober thought as to what do I promise. Some of the marketing these days appears to note a product or service delivering amazing results, but on many occasions, the promise does not quite match the performance. We have learned to make assessments on what has been promised and try and assess whether the offer is “too good to be true,” or what other statements are included that don’t commit to the suggested promise.
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This is one area I have been pondering recently. Reflecting on what have I committed to and how to deal with promises or commitments I have broken or not carried through. I think most of us if we are honest with ourselves to fall down in some way or other in this area. I recall Roger mentioning in talks about sin and holiness: something like “it is not the number of times that you fall but how long it takes you to get back up.” I think this is something we need to be mindful regarding our promises. What have I promised to do? Where have I not held to my promise or commitment? Finally, I spoke to our branch in Christchurch on commitment last Sunday and started with the passage where Paul exhorts Timothy in 2 Timothy 1: 5-6: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands.” Paul reminds Timothy to think about his original calling. I encouraged our branch to think about their original calling to the community and later to share this with others in groups. I encourage you to take a couple of minutes or more and to reflect on how the Lord leads you to this community? God bless, Mark C (The biblical quotes are from the NRSV translation)
NEWS AND ARTICLES
AUCKLAND BRANCH NEWS Young Christian Professionals - Hearts of Service
One of the areas of the ministry of the Auckland’s Young Christian Professionals (YCP) group is to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 says “each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”
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To start the year off, around ten YCP members went along to help the Marist Sisters in Mt. Albert. On a sunny Saturday morning, the group faced the task of cleaning all the windows of the convent, and we were all up for the challenge! The sisters, who were very appreciative of our help kindly offered us tea and hot cross buns as it was the Easter season. They were very keen to learn about YCP and more about the Lamb of God Community.
The YCP group members enjoyed the experience. We look forward to seeing the Marist Sisters again and have hopefully all become better window cleaners because of it!
- Gail D’Mello
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last (John 15:16) The above was the theme of the men’s breakfast held on the morning of 14th April 2018. Praise and Worship ably led by Neville and Nathan was rather refreshing. Ronnie gave a talk on Pornography - the statistics, the impact and its far-reaching consequences not only on the wider community but also on Christians at large. He also spoke about the link between pornography and physical/spiritual health. Though it was a windy and cloudy morning and most of us were still recovering from the aftermath of power cuts and damage to streets and homes, it was still a joy to share and fellowship among the young and not so young brothers. The scripture from Romans 8:38-39 comes to mind… For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons...will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Cosmos Misquitta
WELLINGTON BRANCH NEWS
Son-Rise Easter Event – Mt. Victoria, Wellington The Wellington branch joined about three hundred Christians of different denominations in celebrating Easter Sunday 1 April by coming together at the top of Mt Victoria. Sponsored by the Council of Wellington Churches, this year’s host was the Wesley Wellington Methodist Church.
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After the early morning service, the brothers and sisters went to the Te Papa morning market for some coffee and breakfast. Then, the brothers and sisters assembled again in Aly’s house in Tawa to share a barbecue pot-luck lunch. What a way to celebrate Easter!
When: 8 to 10 July Where: Camp Morley, Clarks Beach, Auckland Camp Fee: $100 Website: http://www.kairossp.com/winter-oasis-2018 Contact: Patrick or Michelle – Mobile 021 038 1984 or
Email: [email protected]
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This is an invitation for you to start planning for the Lamb of God National Men’s Conference. To help you with making travel bookings we are advising advance details of the weekend. The weekend is booked at the Willow Park Christian Camp & Convention Centre, 1 Hostel Access Rd, Eastern Beach, Auckland 2012. http://www.willowpk.org.nz/ The anticipated cost of the weekend is approximately $150.00. With a number of brothers expected from around the country and possibly from overseas the Auckland branch will be engaged in a lot of services supporting the conference. In particular, we can assist them with our travel arrangements. We all know that the Auckland can be challenging (and if you don’t you will probably find out!). Transport will be arranged to and from the airport to the venue with a bus. Could brothers making travel arrangements please ensure they book to arrive by 6.30pm on Friday 5th April and depart after 4 pm on Sunday 7th April. If a brother would like to extend their stay in the days prior or after the conference, I ask that you make your own arrangements for this time. We are working on the registration forms etc. and will have them out to you in due course. I am really looking forward to a full weekend where you and I can be encouraged by sharing with brothers from around the country, inspired by speakers and being touched by the power of God.
God bless, Mark Challies
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CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY Resource for Reflection or House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes
Being Men and Women of Grace – May 2018
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14 ESV] In the situation where you are in - your family, neighbourhood, school, or at the workplace, how much difference do you make? Does your presence in situations, both big and small, matter? God has placed us in different circumstances at different points in time to make a splash, a bang, a noise - for a purpose. God desires us to be men and women of grace - specifically, of God's grace. God wants His grace to overflow on us and towards all the people we meet. We are God's agents of grace on the face of the earth, and He wants us to make a difference in big and small ways. Are you ready to live a grace-bestowing life? So How Do You Become a Man or Woman of Grace? 1. Be friendly. Aim to make new friends – show genuine interest with people. Reach out to the lonely and those with no friends. Make the most out of your God-given relationships. Be outwardly-driven rather than be self-absorbed or gadget focused. Build bridges of relationships rather than centre on tasks and activities. 2. Be positive when you are with people. Philippians 4:8 says we should dwell on what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise-worthy. Show people hope instead of despair. Help people to seek courage rather than give in to fear. Avoid negativity, slander, and gossip. Be a light to other people rather than be part of the darkness. Be encouraging. Be the positive influence of the people around you. Lead or direct conversations that are wholesome and up-building as best possible as you can. As importantly as knowing what to say and when to say things, bite your tongue if you have nothing good to say. Your tongue can be a powerful tool in the building up – or destroying – God’s Kingdom. See Colossians 4:6 and James 3:1-12. 3. Romans 12:10 encourages us to outdo one another in showing honour. We tend to take people around us for granted, especially those close to us. Show gratitude for big and small things people do for you. Honour the people for the way they mean to you, even if it is not their birthdays. Be sincere when you honour people – do not flatter or do a lip service; they will know if you are faking it. Be creative in honouring others. 4. Being a man or woman of grace means having the character of Christ. If you love, forgive, think, act and behave as Jesus would have in your situation, God’s grace would be transparent in you, and people will get attracted to the way you live your life. You will make a difference. So, grow in becoming like Jesus in all things. 5. Be open to sharing your life with Christ in a way that attracts them to Christ. Be transparent so others can see the light of Christ in you. Use discretion in all situations, but do not also be closed about sharing to others about your relationship with God. Giving people a small peak of your life with God can make them curious. 6. Our lives here on earth are just like a momentary blip in the night sky or a small ripple in the sea of eternity. What we do in that short time can make a huge difference to others, who also live short lives, as to where they will spend eternity. If we choose to become radically loving, people-focused, and grace-giving people, others around us would be blessed tremendously by our temporary presence here on earth. And at the end, you help them in your own little way for them to get closer to having eternal life with God. In a way, it’s all that matters. Scripture References: 1. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. [Colossians 4:5-6 ESV] 2. But as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you - see that you excel in this act of grace also. [2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV] 3. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. [2 Peter 3:18A ESV] 4. Other References: John 1:16; Ephesians 1: 3-14; Ephesians 2:8-9; and Hebrews 12:15. For Personal Reflection or Group Sharing: * What changes do you need to do so you be a more radically loving, people-focused, and grace-giving person?
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Kairos New Zealand and Singles Schedule of Events - 2018
8 to 10 July 2018 Winter Oasis 2018 [for high schoolers] 31 August to 2 September 2018 Get Set 2018 [for tertiary students/young adults]
WEBSITES WORTH NOTING
KAIROS South Pacific Web Site – check it out at www.kairossp.com You can network and chat with other young people by going to this website:
http://www.kairossp.com/kairosspnzchatroom.htm We designated every Friday night at 10 pm as a time to meet other young people.
Go and visit the International Kairos Media website: http://www.kairos-media.org/
We updated our Lamb of God website– www.lambofgodcommunity.net. We also have two new domain names which point to the same website: www.lambofgod.nz and
www.lambofgodcommunity.nz. Try them!
The Sword of the Spirit website is www.swordofthespirit.net. This website is where we can know more what is happening in our communities around the globe. The Lamb of
God is a community of the Sword of the Spirit.
Sign up [free] for Youth Culture Newsletter The most recent edition of the Youth Culture Newsletter is now available online. Please visit the website below:
http://www.kairos-na.org/youthculturenewsletter.htm This link is a recommended Sword of the Spirit publication for youth and parents.
Living Bulwark Sword of the Spirit – Highly Recommended! This Sword of the Spirit online publication has received more than 43,000 visits (an average of 135 visits each day) in its first year. All back issues for the past 12 months are available at http://www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/archives.htm. To view the current issue of the online magazine, go to www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/index.html.
SENDING NEWS FOR CHRONICLE PUBLICATION
Branches are encouraged to email news, photos, happenings and snippets to Tom Caballes at [email protected]. We close on the 20th of the previous month.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OUR RECORDS Membership Records and Data: Branch leaders are responsible for keeping updated records and then emailing all new attendee additions, deletions, address, phone changes, births, deaths, transfers, etc. to: Tom Caballes – email: [email protected]
BIRTHDAY INFORMATION [Day and month, but the year is optional.] Branch leaders are asked to keep updated records and email all new attendee additions to: Tom Caballes – email: [email protected]
GETTING CHRONICLE & OTHER NEWS BY EMAIL [1] If you are receiving The Chronicle as an electronic edition, we need to hear if and when you change your email address. Notify [email protected]. [2] If you are receiving this by hard copy but you have an email address, please send your email address to [email protected]. [3] The Chronicle has a national and international mailing schedule. If you want to add an email address we can send the Chronicle, please notify [email protected].
Wedding Anniversaries - Happy Anniversary!
NAMES DATE BRANCH
Thomas & Irene Hong 02/05 Auckland
Terry & Sandy Westbury 03/05 Nelson
Mark & Kirsten Challies 09/05 Christchurch
John & Janet McManus 10/05 Southern
Nick & Rosalie Barber 11/05 Nelson
Ivan & Annette Carvalho 11/05 Auckland
Raema & Ray Muollo 14/05 Nelson
Alan & Margaret McKenzie 15/05 Southern
Ronnie & Rina D'Souza 27/05 Auckland
Birthdays for This Month - Happy Birthday!
NAMES BIRTHDAY BRANCH
Rachel McKenzie 01/05 Auckland
Philip Middlemiss 04/05 Blenheim
Martin Patrao 04/05 Auckland
Saahil Castelino 05/05 Auckland
Clyde D'Souza 06/05 Auckland
Gail D'Mello 07/05 Auckland
Kathryn O'Malley 08/05 Central
Mike Prendeville 08/05 Southern
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Fr Merv McGettigan 10/05 Southern
Carlos Briguera 12/05 Central
Alison Middlemiss 12/05 Christchurch
Cynthia D'Souza 13/05 Auckland
Ludeth Mariposa 13/05 Central
Sue Greig 14/05 Central
Winona D'Costa 15/05 Auckland
Trevor Wall 17/05 Ch/Ashburton
Anita Fredericks 18/05 Blenheim
Teresa Suares 20/05 Auckland
Nathaniel James 21/05 Central
Jacqui Blackwell 22/05 Central
Kimberly Coutinho 22/05 Auckland
Lisa Blanch 24/05 Central
Mike Garrett 25/05 Blenheim
Leroy Lobo 25/05 Auckland
Sarah Nicholas 26/05 Christchurch
Maryanne Hall 27/05 Auckland
PRAYERWATCH SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE Fight the good fight. Reinforce the guard, station the watchmen, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out his purpose. Jeremiah 51: 12 NIV 25 YEARS OF DEDICATION Joshua and the Israelites had a delegation arrive from the people of Gibeon who had heard how the Lord God had guided the Israelites out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, across the wildness for forty years, crossed the Jordan River in flood and the early victories in Canaan. In Joshua 9, we read how they arrived with old worn saddles on their donkeys, wearing old worn out clothes and sandals, carrying wineskins that were old and cracked, old sacks with dry mouldy bread and with a story they had come from a distant land. The purpose of this journey was to sign a treaty with the Israelites, but sadly the leaders of Israel failed to inquire of the Lord God and signed a treaty with the Gibeonites. Three days later the Israelites discover the Gibeonites were close by, one of the nations God expected them to destroy totally. Because the Gibeonites had deceived the Israelites, they were cursed and ended up being servants but being protected because of the Treaty. We can learn many things from this incident as the Israelites continue conquering the Promised Land. As the Gibeonites responded to hearing what God had done for the Israelites, how do we respond to the Gospel, the good news of Jesus sacrifice on the cross to give us forgiveness of sins and life-everlasting? Plus the Holy Spirit to walk with us, to guide and strengthen us, to give us the power to transform ordinary people into people of power with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sadly the Gibeonites did not embrace the ways of God but tried to deceive the bearers of God’s way to save themselves. We also can hide from those around us rather than let the good news shine brightly as we are a ‘Community of Disciples on Mission.’ Finally, we need to know God’s word and way, seeking him in prayer, so we constantly follow his path and are obedient
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in all we do. The enemy is always there trying to deceive or take us off the narrow way as we see in this incident with the Israelites. Soldiers of Christ, Arise, and put your armour on, strong in the strength which God supplies, through His eternal Son. If you have any comments or questions concerning the Prayerwatch, then please send them to me or give them to one of your branch leaders to send to me. God bless and watch over you all.
Alan McKenzie - National Coordinator Prayerwatch
LAMB OF GOD PRAYERWATCH - PRAYER INTENTIONS
SPIRITUAL WARFARE Against strongholds of Apathy, Witchcraft, Confusion and other named spirits. INTERCESSORY PRAYER COMMUNITIES Protect and bless the life and mission of SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, Patmos & Cornerstone Lamb of God [Fiji], Families for Christ [Melbourne], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], The Covenanted Community For Christ, [Penang & Taiping],
FAMILY
Auckland: Ashlyn & Felecia Fernandes, Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Martin & Hazel Patrao, Valerie Menzies, Anora D'Costa, Teresa Soares, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & Mhel Caballes, Peter & Stephanie O’Connell, Blenheim: Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, Christchurch: Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karin Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai & De Stirling, Niul Kay, Lyn Keane, Pauline Marsden, John & Monica Haughey, Annette Sargisson, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Ian & Pārbati Hamilton, Trevor Wall, Joan Corbett, Steven & Maria Sequeira, Chris Aston-Grieve, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville,
OTHERS NEEDS
Auckland: Clifton & Anora, Cynaika and Antacia D'Costa, Southern: Florence & Susan Quigley,
HEALING CANCER
Central: Ron Blackwell, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, Christchurch: Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Trevor Wall, Southern: Christine May,
HEALING HEART
Auckland: Collin Sequeira, Maryanne Hall, Central: Paul Oliver, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, Philip Middlemiss, David Aberhart, Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Niul Kay, Andre’a Forster,
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HEALING
Auckland: Winona D'Costa, Mira D'Souza, Peter D'Souza, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Thomas Hong, Vimath Sequeira, Alwin D’Souza, Joan Lobo, Alfred Saldanha, Shalini Saldanha, Simone D'Mello, Karyn Coutinho, Cheryl Lobo, Harry Lowe, Anthony Philippupillai, Christopher Dalgado, Olivia Fernandes, Anila Collins, Central: Stephanie O’Connell, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, Cutie Zalamea, Josiah Grieg, Blenheim: Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Barbara Ryan, Chris Fredericks, Lily McKenzie, Christchurch: Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, Bernie Black, John Murray, Chris Lyons, Monica Haughey, Bronwyn Harborne, Pauline Marsden, Ian Hamilton, David Black, Fr John Rea, Joan Corbett, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Judy Prendeville, Richard May, Others: Julianne Masilomani, John Keating,
BEREAVEMENT
Central: Family - Rosemarie Buladaco & Wellington Branch Christchurch: Family - Beverley Cummins & Christchurch branch, Trevor & Nicola Wall, Southern: Janet & John MacManus, COVERING PRAYER National Council, Kairos Ministries, Branch Life, Lamb of God Centre, Branch Visits, Clustering in Auckland, Ministry of Fr John Rea, Employment of Members, Light of Christ Special Ministry, Wellington branch [sickness among extended family], Ashburton Group, Christchurch,
“I have made you a Watchman” Ezekiel 33: 7