The Lamb of God ChronicleAugust 2015

The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 Christchurch 8640Phone [03] 383 2631 Mobile 021 817 232Email: Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nzWebsite: www.lambofgodcommunity.net

INDEX TO CONTENTS

Reflections Page 1Our People, News & Articles Page 2-5House Group Resource Page 6Kairos NZ News Page 7

Web Sites Page 7Members/Info/Records Page 8Birthdays/Anniversaries Page 8-9National Prayer Watch Page 9-11

REFLECTIONS… ‘Our Needs and His Timings… ’

Veronica and I are ‘on the move’ after thirty-six years atNo9. In fact we have been moving car and trailer loadsof household items for about a week now but it hasbeen rather difficult in needing to negotiate a narrowfenced pathway, now an absolute mud-bath of a track.But tomorrow, as I write, we have permission to accessa one-day pathway through a live workplace [bigmachinery, loaders and drilling machines] to completeour move.

Getting through these earthquakes and the need to move from our home has at timesseemed a nightmare of complexities, stress and difficulties. I also know that my prayerhas struggled and that many times prayer was more like a ‘why and wish-list’ than faithand fervour for the Lord.

But this would be nothing new for the Lord who walked the earth as so many sought Himwith a priority for what He could do for them. Even though their needs were oftenlegitimate, Jesus would have known the motives behind the seeking. There is a fine linebetween selfishly trying to use the Lord to get what we want and humbly coming to Himwith our needs and struggles. What we call faith can at times become a whining set ofdemands.

We need now to seek to re-focus as we emerge from these challenging years, and turnto help brothers and sisters in the cluster who are still struggling.

We give thanks to God for His mercy and grace during this long journey out of thedevastation of the earthquakes.

Your brother in the Lord- RogerSenior Coordinator Lamb of God Community

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OUR PEOPLE

Congratulations!

To Fr John Rea, who recently celebrated 60 years since ordination into thepriesthood. Congratulations from your Lamb of God family!

[Note to all Branch leaders: Please send your local news/snippets to Roger Foley or TomCaballes so that we can acknowledge important occasions in the lives of our brothersand sisters and make sure we do not miss any of them.]

NEWS AND ARTICLES

BLENHEIM AND NELSON BRANCH GATHERING

Sisters and brothers from theNelson branch ventured eastover the Whangamoa's toBlenheim over the weekend23/24 May. This type of event ishoped to be a bi-annualgathering, hosted alternately byeach branch. This gathering sawMichael and Dianne Staite, Peterand Stephanie O'Connell, Terryand Sandy Westbury, andCarole Crocker join the sistersand brothers form Blenheim. TheSaturday evening began with aLord’s Day Meal, followed bysome games and fellowship.

After Church Services on Sunday, we joined for a shared lunch, and fellowship. Then bymid- afternoon the Nelson contingent departed whilst road conditions were good. It wasan awesome weekend, where fun & fellowship reinforced great relationships. Areciprocal event is on the drawing board for later in the year.

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AUCKLAND WINTER OASIS 2015 YOUTH CAMP

The Auckland Branch of the Lamb of God Community hosted Winter Oasis Youth Campfor young adults. Fifty seven participants, members and guests of the community, fromschool Year 9 to Year 13 attended this weekend camp held in July to refresh themselveson their Christian journey. Yohanna D’Costa shares with us on how this ‘time away’impacted our young people.

The theme this Winter Oasis was “Take the Plunge”. We were challenged to step out ofthe boat and fully commit and surrender to God. In our first talk, Jesus asked us twovery important questions. Who do people say I am and who do you say I am? Though allof our answers and thoughts about Jesus were different, we were united through ourbelief that Jesus is our salvation and the ultimate “life vest”. Uncle John tackled othertopics about our faith; are we baby Christians or are we mature Christians? Do we thirstto know who God is, are we desperate to feel his presence and continue to mould ourlives according to his will? Or are we content with our current level of spirituality? Are wecontent to never improve our relationship with God?

Our other three talks and workshops were led by Rosanna, Uncle Patrick, Uncle Lioneland Aunty Mel. They covered the power of prayer and the benefits you can reap if youinstitute it in your life. I realised how many barriers there are that prevent us from takingthat leap of faith into the deep where Christ is calling us to. There are barriers or faith,barriers of sin, barriers to the word of God and barriers to being a witness. There are somany things that can stunt our spiritual growth as Christians and harm our relationshipwith God, but with Scripture, Community and the Fruit of the Spirit, we can alwayspersevere on the road to heaven.

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I believe Winter Oasis showed how well a Community works together. It was beautifulto see how every single one of the adults was driven to helping us meet our purposeand grow closer to God. In turn every single youth present in the camp put anastounding amount of energy and passion into praising the Lord and honouring Hisname. It was fantastic to see everyone’s smiling, warm, welcoming face from early in themorning where most are still asleep, to late at night where fellowship took place in theform of dance, laughter and games. Overall, Winter Oasis was an invigoratingexperience where I was able to have a one on one with God and equip myself for thechallenges that lie ahead in my life. I thank all those who helped us in any way duringthis journey, with you it would not be complete!

AUCKLAND WOMEN’S BREAKFAST

July’s Auckland Women’s Breakfast saw over 40 women and children be blessed withpraise and worship led by Renita and a great reflection shared by Pam. Food andfellowship were enjoyed at the start. Thank you to God for such a lovely start to the day.

WELLINGTON BRANCH – MEN’S RETREAT PHOTOS

“A Bond of Brothers on the Way to Eternity” was the theme of the Wellington Men’sretreat held last week of June. A couple of photos are below.

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July - September 2015

WINTER MISSION APPEAL 2015Our International and National Mission Work

Throughout the Sword of the Spirit, the international community of communities to which we belong,individual members of the communities are encouraged to contribute to an Annual Appeal to assistwith the high costs of Mission and Community Building work.

The Lamb of God has decided to maintain the Winter Appeal as our means to encourage membersand friends to be generous in supporting our ability to continue and expand mission work in thePacific and here in New Zealand. We enjoy a land of plenty, despite what some are calling ‘times ofrecession.’ We do have adequate infrastructure, access to clean water, little pollution, and homes fullof many modern conveniences. Yet many people worldwide with whom the Sword of the Spirit workstruggle for the very basics. But they love the Lord and they are his people as much as are we.

As well as throughout New Zealand, the Lamb of God works particularly in the Fiji Islands, Australiaand in parts of Asia and our work is growing. You can talk with any of our young people who haveparticipated in our Mission Teams. Mission work does impact and change lives in both ways. We nowwork with many groups in Fiji and we have established a new community in Nadi. The Fijian economyis under stress and even breakfast cereals we are familiar with can cost as much as F$14-16 a box in aNadi Supermarket. Most of the people with whom we work in Fiji would earn less than F$4.00 anhour. The environment is challenging.

Will you please consider a donation to our work? Enclosed is a prepaid reply envelope. Chequesshould be made payable to the Lamb of God. You can also donate online - BNZ Chch Branch, AccountName: Lamb of God; Number 02 0800 0873299 03, but please inform Tom Caballes, our NationalSenior Administrator, by phone or e-mail [04 232-2297; josethomascaballes@gmail.com] regardingthe amount and date so it can be traced and receipts given accordingly at the end of the tax year.

The Lamb of God is a Registered Charitable Trust and receipts will be issued to those indicating theirname and address in the panel below.

With sincere appreciation,Your name:

Roger Foley Address:Senior CoordinatorLamb of God National Council Amount gifted:

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CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS COMMUNITYResource for House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes

Blessed, Privileged and Special – August 2015

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that youmay proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once youwere not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have

received mercy. [1 Peter 2:9-10]

When you look at a mirror, who or what do you see? I suppose you see a familiar face that you take forgranted. But have you ever wondered how God looks at you? You are very special in His eyes. Your nameis engraved in His palms. God knows the number of your hairs. He knows your past, present and future.He sent His only Son Jesus to die in your behalf. And He, the Creator of all the universe, wants to spendeternity with you! Don’t you think you are so blessed, privileged and special? So when you look at amirror again, you have all the reason to smile and be happy! You are looking at a unique God’s adoptedson or daughter - blessed, privileged and special!

So What Do I Do Now, Knowing that I am Blessed, Privileged and Special?1. For you to fully respond to being blessed, privileged and special, you need to decide to follow Godwith all of your life for the rest of your life. God is inviting to spend a full and abundant life [John 10:10]with Him now and forever. Give your 100% to God, not just enough to ‘pass’ the minimum standards togo to heaven. It is worth giving our all to God – He knows what is best for us.2. Your greatest identity is that you are a son or a daughter of God. Do not let people steal or step onyour primary identity. Your being a child of God should be the source of your joy, hope, confidence andself-worth. Even at times of sorrow, pain, loss or a seeming defeat, you are God’s son or daughter.3. You are not a weak, hopeless or a useless person. You need to look at yourself the way God looks atyou – that you are a unique individual who has special gifts and talents, and can contribute to thecommunity and society. Do not believe the lies of the enemy and the truth shall set you free.4. You have a special audience before God – so you can pray and intercede for your and others’ needs,knowing that God has a listening ear for you. It does not mean you will get everything you want – onlywhat is right and good for you at the right time. Yes, you have a special access to God.5. You do not have to pursue earthly riches as you life’s goal – because you are rich beyond compare.Love and serve God, and be generous to those in need and to His people. Your riches are safely stored inheaven. So start looking at how you can amass riches in heaven, not on earth. How? By living a life oflove, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and gentleness, among many things.6. In life, have an attitude of being a conqueror rather than the one being conquered. You are meant tobe on the winning side because God is with you and for you - He loves you with an everlasting love. Nomatter what life throws at you, God will work for your good – see Romans 8:28.

OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES:1. Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;your walls are continually before me. [Isaiah 49:15-16]2. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so weare. [1 John 3:1A]3. Other references: John 1:12-13; Romans 5:6-8; Romans 8:31-39; 1 Peter 5:7; and Revelation 3:20.

FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING:Do you understand the extent of what God has done to make you blessed, privileged and special?

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KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS

Kairos New Zealand Schedule of Events for 2015

August 28 to 30, 2015 UCO Retreat in Auckland [for Post-High Schoolers]January 5 to 10, 2016 Summer Oasis 2016 in Christchurch

SUM M RT

UCO Retreat – Get Set 2015

The Auckland University Christian Outreach [UCO] team is busy planning for the firstever UCO retreat called “Get Set 2015.” The theme is Set Apart – ‘In their heartshumans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.’ This will be the firsttime we will have a retreat for tertiary students and young professionals. The dates areAugust 28 to 30 at the Karanga Camp, 79 Te Henga Road, Waitakere. Camp fee is $70per person. Come and be part if it! Register online here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1utjTNs8rnrxjct2fOaQ-529ubNm-48kdWa8M5nhaGcA/viewform

Please contact Dominic at 022 061 2171 or email: uco.auckland@ gmail.com for moreinformation.

WEBSITES WORTH NOTING

KAIROS South Pacific Web Site – go take a look …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.htmWe designated every Friday night at 10pm as a time to meet other young people.

Go and visit the International Kairos Media website: http://www.kairos-media.org/

Our Lamb of God website has been updated – please visitwww.lambofgodcommunity.net

Sign up [free] for Youth Culture NewsletterThe most recent edition of the Youth Culture Newsletter is now available online. It will nolonger be sent to you via the Lamb of God e-mail list but you can get it at this link:

http://www.kairos-na.org/youthculturenewsletter.htmThis 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 on-line publication has received more than 43,000 visits (anaverage of 135 visits each day) in its first year. All back issues for the past 12 monthscan be found at: http://www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/archives.htm. The current issueof the online magazine can be seen at: www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/index.html.

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SENDING NEWS FOR CHRONICLE PUBLICATION

Branches are encouraged to email news, photos, happenings and snippets to TomCaballes at josethomascaballes@gmail.com. Each issue is closed around the 20th of theprevious month.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OUR RECORDSMembership Records and Data: Branch leaders are responsible to keep updated records andthen email all new attendee additions, deletions, address and phone changes, births, deaths,transfers, etc. to -

Tom Caballes josethomascaballes@gmail.comand copy to Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz

BIRTHDAY INFORMATION[Day and month, but year is optional.] Branch leaders are asked to keep updated records andemail all new attendee additions to –

Tom Caballes josethomascaballes@gmail.com

GETTING CHRONICLE & OTHER NEWS BY EMAIL[1] If you are receiving The Chronicle as an electronic edition, we just need hear if and when youchange your email address. Notify Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz.[2] If you are receiving this by hard copy but you have an email address, please send your emailaddress to Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz.[3] The Chronicle has a national and international mailing schedule. If you know of otherswishing to be added, notify Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz.

Wedding Anniversaries - Happy Anniversary!

NAMES DATE BRANCHGreg & Maryanne Hall 02/08 Auckland

Jamie & Judith Rodgers 07/08 Blenheim

David & Kathleen Black 12/08 Christchurch

Terry & Barbara Ryan 27/08 Blenheim

Kerry & Angela Fordham 29/08 Christchurch

Birthdays for This Month - Happy Birthday!

NAMES BIRTHDAY BRANCHGrace Collins 01/08 Auckland

Monica Haughey 01/08 Christchurch

Chris Blanch 01/08 Central

Theresa Gomes 02/08 Auckland

Charmaine Vessaokar 02/08 Auckland

Clarese Caballes 03/08 Central

Anita Stocks 03/08 Christchurch

9Rosemarie Buladaco 04/08 Central

Arca Fernandes 05/08 Auckland

Cynaika D'Costa 08/08 Auckland

Judy Carneiro 09/08 Auckland

Ashlyn Fernandes 09/08 Auckland

Joan Corbett 11/08 Ch/Ashburton

Moira McMahon 11/08 Ch/Ashburton

Mark Challies 13/08 Christchurch

Christopher Dalgado 15/08 Auckland

Mary Jackson 15/08 Blenheim

Vivienne Southby 18/08 Blenheim

Judith Steele 18/08 Blenheim

Kimberly Fernandes 19/08 Auckland

Lionel D'Souza 19/08 Auckland

Ethan Collins 22/08 Auckland

Rohan D'Souza 22/08 Auckland

Lyncia Fernandes 22/08 Auckland

Tony Ashfield 22/08 Auckland

Bianca Blanch 22/08 Central

Audris Hong 23/08 Auckland

Bernadette MacNevin 23/08 Auckland

Shayna O'Malley 23/08 Central

Charlotte Lyons 26/08 Christchurch

Mary McCormick 27/08 Auckland

Kimberly Saldanha 27/08 Auckland

Bev Cummins 28/08 Christchurch

Jamie Rodgers 28/08 Blenheim

David Sison 29/08 Central

Christine Oliver 30/08 Central

Renella Carneiro 31/08 Auckland

PRAYERWATCH - SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE

Reinforce the guard, station the watchmen, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out hispurpose… Jeremiah 51: 12

SWORD, WORD OF GODEphesians 6: 13, Therefore put on the full armour of God … 17 the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God.

This month I return to the Armour of God and the next piece we are encouraged to puton as ‘soldiers of Christ’ is the ‘sword’. The first five pieces [belt, breastplate, boots,shield and helmet] we looked at are all defensive or armour that protect us from beinghurt or destroyed. Now we look at a piece that we can use in defense but also isoffensive and can be used to attack and destroy, this being the “sword,” the Sword ofthe Spirit, which is the Word of God. As a soldier we can use our sword to parryattacking blows, so when Satan harasses us to sin we can use scripture to resist theattack and understand God’s truth about the area under attack. Jesus in Matthew 4: 1-11 shows us how to use scripture when he was tempted in the desert at the start of hisministry. As our defensive weapon, the bible leads us to understand our role in the bodyof Christ and the ways of the world in tempting us. The Bible is most necessary as we

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fight the evils of the world as it is divinely inspired and rightly used, God’s word ispowerful. The Word of God is important in our families as we lead our children,grandchildren to know the Lord Jesus and to walk in his ways. As we seek to lead othersinto God’s kingdom, the sword or the Word of God is an important part of our equipment.

Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edgedsword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges thethoughts and attitudes of the heart.

We can never win God’s battles on our own as they are his battles not ours or defeatGod’s enemies without God’s book. The Bible needs to be our constant companion andour most used book as when we are without our ‘sword’ [Bible or know its contents], weare weaponless and as a soldier we are useless. In research the New Zealand BibleSociety has found that surprisingly, 68% of New Zealanders own a Bible. Yet, only 11%of Christians read it daily. Are we among the 11% or does our Bible gather dust? Finallythe Lord may quicken our spirit with a word of prophesy, a warning of an attack, a wordof encouragement for when we should attack and claim a victory in defending the Lambof God or a brother or sister in the Lord.

If you have any comments or questions concerning the Prayerwatch then please sendthem to me or give them to one of your branch leaders to send to me. God bless andwatch over you all.

Alan McKenzie. National Coordinator Prayerwatch.

LAMB OF GOD PRAYERWATCH - PRAYER INTENTIONS

SPIRITUAL WARFAREAgainst strongholds of Apathy, Witchcraft, Confusion and other named spirits.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

COMMUNITIES Protect and bless the life and mission of The SWORD OF THESPIRIT, Patmos & Cornerstone Lamb of God [Fiji], Families for Christ [Melbourne],Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], The Covenanted Community For Christ,[Penang & Taiping],

FAMILYAuckland: Yvonne D'Souza, Desmond & Charmaine Vessaokar, Tili Leatitagaloa,Blanche Fernandes, Sequeria’s & Saldanha’s Families, Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Ivan& Hilary Carvalho, Valerie Menezes, Russell & Gidget Mendonca, Wendell & GlynisFernandes, Manuel Lobo, Delia D’Mello, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & CutieZalamea, Rose Buladaco, Joel & Tiza Sison, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & MhelCaballes, Blenheim: Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, Christchurch:Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karin Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai &De Stirling, Niul & Coila Kay, Lyn Keane, Pauline Marsden, John & Monica Haughey,Annette Sargisson, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike& Judy Prendeville,

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OTHER NEEDSAuckland: Mark & Elizabeth Stolten, Allen & Judy Carneiro, Gillian Puch, JosephGomes, Allan Carvalho, Blanche Fernandes, Peter Dalgado,

HEALING CANCERAuckland: Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, Christchurch: Mary Anngow,Robin Corbett, Kerry Fordham, Trevor Wall, Southern: Christine May,

HEALING HEARTAuckland: Isabel Morais, Central: Paul Oliver, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks,Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Philip Middlemiss, Niul Kay, Andre’aForster,

HEALINGAuckland: Annette Carvalho, Winona D'Costa, Olivia Fernandes, Lucy Misquita,Blanche & Denis Hollingsworth, Cheryl Donald, Mira D'Souza, Peter D'Souza, Fr JohnRea, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Bruce Donald, Rosana Kuresa, Thomas Hong, VimathSequeira, Manuel Lobo family, Michelle Amaral, Alwin D’Souza, Eddie, Cynthia, ClydeD'Souza, Joan Lobo, Christopher Dalgado, Pam D’Souza, Christie D’Costa, GraceCollins, Alfred Saldanha, Arca Fernandes, Rex & Winnie D’Costa, Ronnie & RinaD'Souza, Central: Stephanie O’Connell, Sharon Powick, Michael Powick, Jacob Muollo,Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Rae Taylor, Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, Blenheim:Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, JudithRodgers, Barbara Ryan, Jamie Rodgers, Christchurch: Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn,Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, Bernie Black, John Murray, ChrisLyons, Monica Haughey, Mikyla Challies, Bronwyn Harborne, Pauline Marsden, IanHamilton, David Black, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven &Judy Homes & Family, Pat Forster, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Judy Prendeville,

BEREAVEMENTAuckland: Peter Stoddard & Family, Central: Ron & Jacqui Blackwell,

COVERING PRAYERNational Council, Kairos Ministries, Branch Life, Lamb of God Centre, Branch Visits,Clustering in Auckland, Ministry of Fr John Rea, Employment of Members, Light ofChrist Special Ministry, Wellington branch [sickness among extended family], and theAshburton Group in Christchurch.

“I have made you a Watchman” Ezekiel 33: 7