The Lamb of God Chronicle January 2021

The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 Christchurch 8640 Phone [04] 232 2297 Mobile 021 0586 909 Email: Office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com Website: www.lambofgodcommunity.net

INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1 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: January – Where On The Journey Are We?

Hi brothers and sisters, wishing you a very Merry Christmas. I pray that you may experience the presence of Jesus in your celebration of the day, through all the different aspects; church services, time with family and in any quiet moments of reflection.

As we celebrate the 1st coming of Jesus, we are very mindful that He will return. In this privileged time of being on this earth, we are graced with two calls, being faithful to the two great sayings; 1)

The Great Commandment [Mark 12:28-31] “… you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart ….the second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself…’ and 2) The Great Commission [Matthew 28:16-20] “… Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit …” As we look forward into 2021, may we have the desire expressed by St Paul: “… this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:12-14]

2021 will be different from any previous year, let us focus on the road ahead with its new landscape and not dwell on that we have travelled through. We have made accommodations to our journey to navigate through the last period; let us not be too distracted by the landscape in the rear vision mirror. Let us press on to follow and serve the Lord with all our life’s. For this year 2021, my prayer is that each community member would have the joy in assisting someone to commit their life to Christ. During November, Bill McElhinney and Mike Cullimore were recipients of the Benemerenti Medal, an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. The award recognises Bill and Mike’s 30 plus years of serving in the church by providing music each week for the Sunday mass. We rejoice that our brothers have been acknowledged for their faithful service and wish them and their families every blessing.

mailto:Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nzhttp://www.lambofgodcommunity.net/

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May the Lord each one of you in the coming month, may He protect you whether you are home or travelling and may you find times of grace as you come before Him. I look forward to seeing you on our National Zoom gathering on Sunday the 31st of January (the meeting link will be coming out closer to the time).

God bless, Mark C

NEWS AND ARTICLES

BENEMERENTI MEDAL AWARD – BILL MCELHINNEY AND MIKE CULLIMORE

On Saturday the 29th of November, our Blenheim brothers Mike Cullimore and Bill McElhinney each received a Benemerenti Medal in honour of their thirty five-plus years of service through their music in St Mary’s Catholic Church in Blenheim. “Benemerenti” is Latin for “Meritorious” or “Well done” and is given to an exclusive few [around five people a year in New Zealand] who provided outstanding service over many years in the church. The award comes from Pope Francis himself. On that memorable day, Cardinal John Dew travelled

from Wellington and presided over the ceremony to award the medals to Bill and Mike. The award came as a surprise for the brothers, but to those who knew of their faithful excellent music over many decades, the award was not surprising at all. The brothers have played music in the church and the community, and many of us have been blessed when the brothers play music with a band for special community occasions. Indeed well done, brothers!

AUCKLAND BRANCH NEWS

UCO Reflection Day – Saturday the 28th of November 2020: This year, our annual reflection day was on Saturday the 28th of November at St John Vianney Parish Hall, and the theme was ‘Immovable’. The day was filled with a lot of praise and worship, fellowship, talks and discussions. Our first talk was ‘Unconquerable Joy’ given by Rohan D’Souza. The main points from this talk were that the three ways to maintain joy are remembering that joy is infectious, relying on God’s presence and being thankful. The second talk was ‘Unrelenting Zeal’ given by Aidan Misquita. We learnt that zeal is based on a decision, and we can show this unrelenting zeal through expectant faith, sufficient courage and total surrender. Above all, we must go at the pace of grace! The third talk was ‘Unquenchable Love’ given by Renita Martis. The type of love we learnt about was agape love, which is the sacrificial kind of love. God designed us to be like a sponge and soak up love. It was great to be able to have this reflection day as our final event for the year. 2020 has been a challenging year for us all. However, through it all, God has been a constant and been there with us.

Left to Right: Bill, Jenny, Mike and Carol [Photo from Marlborugh Express]

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We would like to thank you all for your prayers. We would also like to thank YCP for organising the games, talks, and supporting us throughout the day. We wish you all a blessed Christmas season with your family and friends. God bless.

- Kim Coutinho This UCO reflection day's theme was 'immovable', and for me, this meant being grounded in our faith and being grounded because of our faith. It felt perfectly apt to have 'immovable' as the focus of our reflection day, as being a University student, there comes so much uncertainty and volatility in our lives; it is crucial to have a pillar of faith to keep us strong and ready to face whatever obstacles life throws at us. Rohan, Aidan, and Renita delivered some inspiring talks covering the topics of ‘Unconquerable joy’, ‘Unrelenting Zeal’ and ‘Unquenchable Love’. I was taken aback with how much I resonated with the messages conveyed in these talks. Each one felt like a practical guide to living a more grounded fulfilling life, and these speakers imparted so many pearls of wisdom which I hold at the front of my mind. It was clear that the topics covered touched each one of us, based on the heartfelt discussions we had with our sharing groups, as we unpacked these talks, and reflected over the teachings. Our sharing groups' time was a precious opportunity to reflect on our own faith and look for support and guidance in our faith areas that require strengthening. Overall, the reflection day was a very spiritually fulfilling and fun day that I know I will cherish for a long time. Between the teaching and reflections, it was great meeting new 2021 UCO members whilst also enjoying the fellowship of old friends.

- Natasha Fernandes Full Covenant Commitment – Sunday the 13th of December 2020: On the 13th of December 2020, I made the full covenant commitment to live as a member of the Lamb of God Community, putting my life in the Lord’s hands, giving back to Him all he has given to me, and desiring to be His servant. I wanted to share my journey in the Lamb of God Community and why I decided to be a full covenanted member, not signing up to be a part of an organisation but being joined to a family. The community has been a big part of my life. As soon as my family came to New Zealand in the year 2000, we were introduced to the community. As a 4-year-old and for many years after that, the community gathering was where I went to see my friends and play football. Although that desire has not changed, there are many more reasons why I still attend! I have understood the importance of having like-minded brothers and sisters to walk this journey of life with; brothers and sisters who can hold me accountable and help me stay on the correct path, especially in a culture which is counter to our Christian way of life. If I were not in community, I would struggle to live out my faith and wrestle to find purpose in my life. I would be living a “me” centred life, doing whatever made me feel good. I want to thank a few people who have played an essential role in my journey through the community:

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My parents – they introduced me to the community and have remained faithful to the community, bringing me to the meetings and embedding in me the community way of life. All the youth leaders (KJ, Pre-EJ, EJ, UCO and YCP) – some of them are still with us, and some of them have moved on, but each one of them moulded me and helped me develop in the community. To Christine, Noella, Judy, Shalini, Fred, Nikhil, Rosana, Tili, Jacob, Patrick, Michelle, Chris and Carol, thank you. My pastoral group – one of the things I wanted to experience before I took my full covenant was a pastoral group. For the last two years, I have been a part of Colin Tan’s group. The humility and openness of the group are remarkable; they have welcomed me with open arms. I have learned so much from them, and they have told me that they have learnt from me as well. Although we have the most age-diverse group in the community, being in this group has taught me that age is just a number that does not affect its purpose. It really depends on how much you are willing put into your group; that is how much you will get out of it. I want to end by thanking God for giving me the desire of my heart. I was not always sure if the community way of life was right for me, especially when some of my close friends and their families left. But God works in His own way. He slowly put that desire on my heart and granted it to me. So, praise God for that! - Aidan Misquita Last General Community Gathering for 2020 – Sunday the 13th of December 2020:

The last GCG meeting included a final praise and worship lead by Uncle Harry, Aidan Misquita taking his full commitment to the community and some fun and fellowship all in the Christmas spirit. Praise and worship were a very reflective time in which everyone could concentrate on themselves and God entirely. I am grateful for this time as it

allowed me to thank God for getting me through this year 2020 with its many obstacles. Following praise and worship, Aidan took his full commitment which was very inspiring to me. He has always been such a great leader and role model, and seeing him take his full commitment was very encouraging. Lastly, to bring in the spirit of Christmas, I was part of a group that led the community in singing some Christmas carols. Everyone enjoyed the medley of festive songs as well as our rendition of Feliz Navidad. Overall, I think it was a terrific way to end the year.

- Kim Fernandes

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WELLINGTON CHRISTMAS OUTING

On December 5 and 6, the Wellington branch travelled over to the Rimutaka ranges and spent Saturday and Sunday morning together fellowshipping together in joy and fun. They first met in Parkvale Mushrooms in Carterton, then had lunch at Martinborough. After a few wine tasting, the group went to Cape Palliser, and some went up to the lighthouse. They also dropped by a seal colony near the lighthouse. After a sumptuous dinner in Lake Ferry, the brothers and sisters had a few dancing lessons from Ron and Jacqui Blackwell. On Sunday morning, the group visited Te Kairanga Farmers Market and bought some delicious brunch and some fruits and nick-nacks for home. Indeed, it was a wonderful time spent together!

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CHALLENGES IN LIVING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY Resource for Reflection or House Group Discussion by Tom Caballes

Trusting in the Wisdom of God – January 2021

To the only wise God, be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:27 ESV)

It takes a lot to trust someone, especially when the stakes are high. When we were young, we trusted our parents blindly because we did not have any choice. As we grow older, we learn how to withdraw our trust from untrustworthy people. As new Christians, it is easy to trust in God; the fervour of our first love [Revelations 2:4] has not waned. But over the years, hardened by different trials, disappointments, and hardships in life, it can be difficult at times to continue to trust in the Lord. But what is our choice? What is the bottom line for us? Do we trust our own limited and imperfect wisdom, or continue to trust in God’s perfect and limitless wisdom? The Lord created us for our good, not for our disaster nor destruction. God wants us to have a life in fullness and abundance [John 10:10]. Where else would we want to be but in the hands of an all-knowing, all-wise God? So How Do You Trust More in God’s Wisdom? 1. Be assured of Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV) God does not promise us a rose garden in this lifetime; we need to be strong in facing hardships and trials in life, knowing He will be there for us throughout the ordeal. 2. Have a healthy respect for God’s ways and yield your thinking to God’s wisdom. Our understanding is nothing compared to that of God’s. It is okay to trust God even if we do not understand everything. 3. Know that God is after your maturity and growth in character as a disciple. Like a useful knife, the only way you get sharp is by facing the grinding stone many times. Be strong, knowing you are growing in becoming like Jesus daily. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV) 4. Be child-like in trusting in God. Do not over-analyse things; sometimes, as adults, we do that. In times we tend to over-think things, let us be like a child in trusting God like a young child fully trusts in his or her parents. 5. Know who you are putting your trust with: He is the God who created us; He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is in control who is in control of all things. He loves you and cares deeply for you regardless of the situation you are facing. God is the most trustworthy person you can depend on. 6. Know that you are on the winning side of life. In all things, be a conqueror, not a victim. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Romans 8:35 ESV) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 ESV) OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: 1. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV) 2. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor? (Romans 11:33-34 ESV) 3. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17 ESV) 4. Other Bible verses: Psalm 92:5; Psalm 147:5; Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 40:28; and 1 Corinthians 1:25. FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING:

1. How often do you struggle with God’s wisdom, and at times you feel you know better? 2. How can you develop a more child-like trust in the wisdom of God?

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Kairos New Zealand and Singles Schedule of Events – 2020/21

[Due to COVID-19, our plans are not set for the year.

Watch out for future events here]

WEBSITES WORTH NOTING

KAIROS South Pacific Web Site – check it out at www.kairossp.com

We updated our Lamb of God website– www.lambofgodcommunity.net.

The Sword of the Spirit website is www.swordofthespirit.net. This website is where we can know more about 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 https://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 office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com. We close on the 20th of the previous month.

http://www.kairossp.com/http://www.lambofgodcommunity.net/http://www.swordofthespirit.net/http://www.kairos-na.org/youthculturenewsletter.htmhttps://www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/archives.htmhttp://www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/index.htmlmailto:office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com

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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 member additions, deletions, address, phone changes, births, deaths, transfers, etc. to: Tom Caballes – email: office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com

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: office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com

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 office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com. [2] If you receive this by hard copy, but you have an email address, please send your email address to office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com. [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 office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com.

Wedding Anniversaries - Happy Anniversary!

Saldanha Denver Clarese Wellington 3 1

D'Souza Peter Maria dos Anjos Auckland 10 1

Lowe Harry Maureen Auckland 11 1

Elliott Ron Helen Christchurch 13 1

D'Souza Alwin Mira Auckland 14 1

Geelen Andre Karen HB/Napier 22 1

O'Connell Peter Stephanie Nelson 24 1

Gladstone Suresh Maria Auckland 26 1

D'Souza Lionel Carol Auckland 31 1

Martis Elias Priscilla Auckland 31 1

Birthdays for This Month - Happy Birthday!

Gueco Dan Wellington 2 01

Carneiro Allen Auckland 3 01

D'Souza Pam Auckland 3 01

Summerfield Barbara Ashburton 3 01

D'Souza Carol Auckland 7 01

Fernandes Vitus Auckland 9 01

Forster Andrea'a Christchurch 12 01

Louella Noronha Christchurch 14 01

D'Souza Sheila Auckland 17 01

Philippupillai Anthony Pillai Auckland 18 01

mailto:office.lambofgodnz@gmail.commailto:office.lambofgodnz@gmail.commailto:office.lambofgodnz@gmail.commailto:office.lambofgodnz@gmail.commailto:office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com

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Mariposa Jaison Wellington 19 01

Briguera Angie Wellington 21 01

Fernandes Glynis Auckland 22 01

Olyfernens Popsie Wellington 22 01

McElhinney Jenny Blenheim 25 01

Carvalho Sharmila Auckland 28 01

D'Mello Delia Auckland 28 01

Hong Thomas Auckland 30 01

Carvalho Andre Auckland 31 01

Jalandoni Ella Wellington 31 01

Sargisson Annette Ashburton 31 01

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 We live in this world that is fast and ever-changing, and this year we have seen unexpected changes because of Covid 19, but we serve an unchanging God which is a blessing for us and can bring stability to our lives. New Zealand changes have seen the attack on life continue with abortion law liberalised, and already numbers of abortions have increased. Next, euthanasia will be introduced following the referendum result showing changes continue, and we are moving further away from God’s ways. As we approach the celebration of the birth of our Saviour and Redeemer, know that we live in a world that has hijacked us from the true meaning of the season by commercialisation. We need to realise the importance of Jesus in our lives and how he guides and protects us from evil. Looking at what is happening globally, we see Satan is alive and deceiving many people to turn their backs on God’s way of life or doing unacceptable things. 1 Peter 5: 8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. Again, this year the weekly Prayerwatch update has used a steady stream of Prophetic word from our gatherings encouraging us to do spiritual warfare and fight the good fight using the weapons God has given us and to go forth in his strength and armour. Also, eight words have been received from warriors while doing their time on Prayerwatch this year, so God wants our attention as he also speaks to us in what is happening around us. As this is a time of the year, we spend time with family and friends, are away from home, and travel more and perhaps are more relaxed, our prayer life and our hour on the Watch may be interrupted by what is happening around us. I urge you to keep up the commitment at a more suitable time or use the ‘Gap Dedication prayer’ on the sheet. It is vital to keep up the covering prayers, especially to protect our homes and ensure our travel is safe and without problems. We need to be careful we are not giving the enemy an opening to affect our own life or our life in the Lamb of God, as we are counting on each other to keep up the spiritual wall that protects this way of life.

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As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Saviour, let us ponder and share the revelation of God’s intervention in our lives with his saving grace and the power of the Holy Spirit as we live our lives radically for Jesus, our Commander-in-Chief and leader of this mighty Army. The one who we join ourselves to as we live this call on our lives as a ‘community of disciples on mission.’ Be alert, be vigilant, and be ready for we are at war. Are you standing in the gap [Ezekiel 22: 30] wearing the full armour of God [Ephesians 6: 13-18] 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 The Sword of The Spirit, Patmos & Cornerstone Lamb of God [Fiji], Families for Christ [Melbourne], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], FAMILY Auckland: Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Valerie Menzies, Anora D'Costa, Teresa Soares, Blanche Hollingsworth, Wallace Fernandes, Simone, Glory & Leslie De Mello, 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 Haughey, Annette Sargisson, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Ian & Pārbati Hamilton, Trevor Wall, Joan Corbett, Steven & Maria Sequeira, Chris Aston-Grieve, Ron & Helen Elliott, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville, Paul & Shauna James,

OTHERS NEEDS

Auckland: Clifton & Anora, Cynaika, Antacia D'Costa, Tili Hunt, Southern: Florence & Susan Quigley,

HEALING CANCER

Central: Ron Blackwell, Sr Maureen Richardson, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, Jenny McElhinney, Rebecca Jarvis, Graeme Jarvis, Christchurch: Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Trevor Wall, Peter Anngow, Southern: Christine May,

HEALING HEART

Auckland: Brian Lobo, Vitus Fernandes, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, Philip Middlemiss, Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Niul Kay, Andre’a Forster, Southern: Mike Prendeville,

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HEALING

Auckland: Mira D'Souza, Peter D'Souza, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Thomas Hong, Alwin D’Souza, Joan Lobo, Alfred Saldanha, Shalini Saldanha, Simone D'Mello, Karyn Coutinho, Anthony Philippupillai, Christopher Dalgado, Olivia Fernandes, Bruce Donald, Patrick Lim, Philomena Coutinho, Cherylyn Donald, Jo Collins, Iris Saldanha, Cynthia D'Souza, Adam Collins, Dorothy Fernandez;Central: Stephanie O’Connell, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, Cutie Zalamea, Josiah Grieg, Jenny O’Connell, Karen Geelen, ascha Cooper, Chris Blanch, Blenheim: Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Barbara Ryan, Chris Fredericks, David Aberhart, Christchurch: Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, John Murray, Chris Lyons, Bronwyn Harborne, Pauline Marsden, Ian Hamilton, Fr John Rea, Joan Corbett, Roger Foley, Debbie Anngow, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Judy Prendeville, Richard May, Susan Quigley, John MacManus,

BEREAVEMENT

Auckland: Suresh & Maria Gladstone, Blenheim: Mark & Mary Jackson, Christchurch: Black family daughters, Bernadette, Maureen, Catherine & Rosemary, Pauline Marsden & family, COVERING PRAYER National Council, Kairos Ministries [YCP, UCO, EJ, Pre- EJ, YA], 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], and the Ashburton Group in Christchurch.

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