The Lamb of God Chronicle May 2017 Issue

The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 Christchurch 8640 Phone [04] 232 2297 Mobile 021 0596 909 Email: Office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com Website: www.lambofgodcommunity.net

INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 Our People, News & 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 - A Gift Not To Be Taken For Granted… This month, Mark Challies asked Bill McElhinney [Blenheim Branch] to share in the Reflections on his behalf. One of the many blessings bestowed on us in The Lamb of God Community is our unity – the ability to be brothers and sisters despite our obvious differences. The appreciation of this gift was brought home to me once again when the National Coordinators met in Wellington early in April. Here we were, a group of people from different parts of the country, different ages, different backgrounds and different cultures, but coming together without any of the reservations or awkwardness you might expect in such a gathering. Some of us had not seen each other for months, and some had not previously met at all. But there was an immediate sense of belonging, warmth, and welcoming. This unity is a work of the Lord, a gift of the Holy Spirit. It was the prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples at the Last Supper: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you are in Me and I am in You …” (John 17: 21). However, as history shows, it didn’t work out that way. The Christian Church suffered many divisions and remains divided today, despite calls for unity. It’s not much different at a local level. We go to a church service, exchange a sign of peace, then go our separate ways. Our Catholic Church in Blenheim has Filipino, Tongan and Indian parishioners but, like most other parishioners, they keep pretty much to themselves. This is why our life in Christian Community is such a blessing. It brings a diverse group of people together with a deep sense of unity, purpose, and belonging.

Bill and Jenny McElhinney with their grandchildren

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I had not previously met some of the brothers and sisters from the Wellington branch of the Lamb of God, but when I did, I immediately felt I was with family. And a big thank you from all of us who were visitors for the kindness and hospitality we were shown during our time in the city! In a world that worships the cult of the individual, this gift of the Spirit, the gift of unity, is something to cherish and not to take for granted. Because we are human, we have the ability, to irk, irritate and even upset one another from time to time. As we prayed together at the end of our meeting, The Lord brought forth this scripture from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians – Ephesians 4: 1– 3. “I plead with you then, as a prisoner for The Lord, to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force.” How’s that for a word of conviction! Let’s make every effort to live it out. God bless you all. Bill McElhinney Lamb of God Community – Blenheim Branch

OUR PEOPLE

With sadness, yet confidence in the Lord, we remember: Marie Fredericks [Christchurch Branch], who has gone to the Lord. She is the

daughter of Chris and Anita [Blenheim] and sister of Ginetta [Blenheim].

NEWS AND ARTICLES

BLAST 2017 YOUTH CONFERENCE

The last weekend of April 2017 saw around thirty young people come to Silverstream Retreat Centre in Lower Hutt to participate and attend BLAST 2017. BLAST is an acronym for Believe, Live and Share the Truth. The theme for the weekend was “Standing Ground, Taking Ground,” which was centred on Evangelism or Mission, and young people from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and one

from Costa Rica attended the weekend camp. The weekend was filled with fellowship, games and fun, but more importantly, praise and worship, meditations, sharings, and teachings. This camp saw three young ladies gave

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talks that were inspiring, challenging and very helpful. Nicole Lim-Kwan [Auckland] gave the first a talk about “The Harvest,” and how we should develop compassion for those who are lost, desperate, lonely and without purpose or meaning in life. Renita Martis [Auckland] delivered the second talk “The Mission,” and she shared about if the Mission to share the gospel was an impossible one, and she concluded the Mission was possible to do. Clarese Caballes [Wellington] presented the last talk for the weekend named “The Battleground,” and she mentioned how we could work together in spite of a confusing environment, and we should leave the results to God. She also said that we are on the winning side even if we have a formidable enemy on hand. All participants went home with new and greater understanding and vision for the lives regarding sharing the gospel with others. There were two night rallies as well, and the participants were given the opportunity to encounter God again and make a commitment or re-commitment to Jesus once again,

based on the principle that “no one can give what he or she does not have.” OG Gueco presided on the second night rally and focused on “passing the seat” of faith to others so that they can, in turn, pass the seat to other people. Both night rallies had ample time for ministry and praying over the participants, and both nights ended on a high note.

Thanks for the Wellington branch for all their work and sacrifices to make the weekend camp successful! The Kairos New Zealand Service Team met earlier this year and decided that due to changing youth demographics in Wellington, this will be the last BLAST event. BLAST 2017 was the 5th youth camp in Wellington, after taking over the annual Pitstop Youth Camp in Blenheim before that. Although this will be the last BLAST event, there is some exciting news on the youth front in the Lamb of God – watch out for more information the coming months!

MHEL CABALLES IS THE NEW LAMB OF GOD WOMEN’S LEADER

Earlier this year Veronica Foley indicated that she would like to hand over the leading of the NWLT (National Women’s Leadership Team) from April 2017. Veronica has been very supportive towards the succession planning for the NWLT and communicated she would like to give her support to the new leader.

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At the National Council Meeting on 8th April in Wellington, the recommendation of the NWLT for Mhel Caballes to lead the team was approved by the National Council. Words cannot express Veronica's phenomenal contribution to the community through her selfless service in this role. The community has been very blessed by her care for the sisters in each of the branches over many years. The community would like to thank Veronica for many years of leading the women to where they are now. She had been visiting all branches for many years now, and many women, even outside of the branch leadership group, had been blessed by her sharings, presence, and most importantly, love for all the women and men in the Lamb of God community. We are very blessed to have Mhel leading our Women’s Leadership Team and pray God’s grace in her service. Mhel leads the women in our Wellington branch and has been part of our National Team for many years. We will ask Mhel to share more of her story in a future edition of the Chronicle.

Photo from the recent National Council and National Women’s Leadership Team Meeting in Wellington. From left to right are: Maryanne and Greg Hall [Auckland], Mike Cullimore [Blenheim], Margaret and Alan McKenzie [Southern], Andre and Karen Geelen [Hawkes’ Bay], Bill and Jenny McLEnhinney [Blenheim], Mark Challies [Christchurch], Veronica and Roger Foley [Christchurch], Mhel Caballes [Wellington], Harry Lowe [Auckland] and Tom Caballes [Wellington].

AUCKLAND BRANCH NEWS On 25th March 2017, the Catholic Fellowship of the Auckland branch organised a Night Vigil at St John Vianney, Hillsborough, to help its members and guests to prepare for the biggest feast of the Church – Easter. The Vigil began at 7 p.m. with a short Praise and Worship led by Nicole Lim and the YCP (Young Christian Professionals) team. The vigil contemplated on the seven last words of Jesus and what they mean to us today. Each of the seven phrases uttered by Jesus was taken in chronological order – examined, prayed, contemplated upon and the reflection ended with a

hymn.

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Each phrase had its little message that spoke to the heart:

1. “Father, forgive them” – John Tham made us realise the “them” included all of us present.

2. “Today you will be with me in Paradise” – Maryanne convinced us that when we cry out to God, He remembers us and promises us Paradise.

3. “Woman, Behold your Son” – Rohan looked at Jesus’ suffering from Mary’s perspective and how important the family was to Jesus. In giving his mother into John’s care – Jesus is giving us the church family – the larger community.

4. “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” – Rachael McKenzie confidently asked us to take our cries to God when we feel down, low and abandoned – King David did the same – God has not and will not abandon us.

5. “I thirst” – Greg entreated us to thirst for the living water and the new wine of the kingdom. 6. “It is finished” – Judy Lim stated that Jesus had eliminated the debt of humanity – He achieved what He was sent to do. She asked us to examine our lives to find whether we were achieving what God wants us to do. 7. “Father, Into Your Hands, I commend my Spirit” – Ronnie informed us that “Into Your Hands, I commend my Spirit” is a Jewish prayer that is recited every day by the Jews and Jesus personalised it by saying, “Father, Into Your Hands I commend my Spirit.” We too can use this prayer every day to surrender ourselves to God.

After the fourth word, there was a short break to refresh and encourage each other. There was an energising Praise and Worship session after the break by Rachel D’Souza and the Encounter Jesus [High School] group, which got us ready to listen to the last three words with more attention. The Vigil ended with a rosary led by Mira – asking everyone to intercede for the Church and various needs.

- Felecia Fernandes

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

On Fire for God - May 2017

"I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! [Luke 12:49 ESV]

Have you ever thought of what legacy will you leave behind once you are gone? What impact will you have to your family, community, and society? Do you want to create a huge wave in the ‘sea’ of life or just a minute ripple that no one will ever notice? Is your life one huge blast for everyone to witness or just a small sputter of light no one will see? One thing I’ve learned in life is that radical people – either for good or bad - makes a lasting effect on the world they leave behind. Billy Graham, Francis of Assisi, Theresa of Calcutta, and Therese of Lisieux – they made a lasting impact, even up to now. How about you – can you put your name beside them, as one who was on fire for God while they were alive? Can you dare try, in your own little way, to set your life on fire for God? Jesus came to set your life on fire for Him! So How Do You Grow in Becoming on Fire for God? 1. Being on fire for God starts with your conversion. Before you can change the world, you need to change yourself first. Make sure God is your one true passion, joy, and treasure. Surrender your inmost longings and plans to Him. Offer your weaknesses, sins, and flaws to God. Get rid of habits of sin in your life. 2. Appreciate just how blessed you are. You have a roof over your head, clothes to wear, and food to eat. One way you can think about the purpose of living is to show gratitude to God for all His blessings to you. 3. Let love for God and others be the goal and basis for your living. Let love be your motive in all your relationships and let love be your afterthought to all dealings in life. Being loving is being on fire for God. 4. Act, think, and live like Jesus. In different situations in life especially the hard ones, think of how would Jesus behave and respond. We are called to follow and imitate Jesus, even if it is against our old nature. 5. Lukewarmness is not acceptable in God’s eyes! You need to decide to either be hot or cold for God. Lukewarm people never made any lasting impact on their lives and others. See Revelations 3:15-16. 6. A Christian on fire would also attempt to share Jesus with others by his witness and being vocal about his faith. You may be the only living gospel that others will ‘read’ and meet in their lifetime. So live your life well, be a salt of the earth and the light of the world, in all humility, meekness, patience, and love. 7. Live an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Saints in the past grew in holiness by conquering their selfishness, learning to forbear in love, and being patient with the people. They had serious issues that challenged their holiness – and by overcoming those ‘small’ battles, they obtained eternal life. 8. Live a radical life for God. What the world desperately needs now are people who are on fire for God. Aim to be either a missionary, a saint or a martyr – or if you want to be truly ambitious, aim to be all! Aim to be a spark that can start a blazing fire for God to all the people you meet. You have only one short life to live – use it for the glory of God! OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: 1. And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself." [Luke 10:27 ESV] 2. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. [Galatians 6:9 ESV] 3. I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. [Revelation 3:15-16 ESV] 4. Other references: 1 Timothy 4:10; 2 Timothy 1:7; and Romans 12:11. FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING: o If you were to look at your life from the outside, do you see any visible signs of your life being on fire

for God? Or will you see more signs of lukewarmness in your life rather than being on fire? What do you need to do change so that you can be more on fire for God?

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KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS

Kairos New Zealand and Singles Schedule of Events - 2017/2018 26 to 28 May 2017 YCP Weekend in Auckland [for working singles] 9 to 11 July Winter Oasis 2017 in Auckland [for high schoolers]

1 to 3 September Get Set 2017 in Auckland [for tertiary and singles] 7 to 11 January 2018 Summer Oasis 2018 [for high schoolers and up]

SUMMIT

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 on-line 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 office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com. 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: 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 just need to hear if and when you change 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 email address to Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz. [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! NAMES DATE BRANCH

Joel & Tiza Sison 01/05 Central

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

Tony & Christie D'Costa 21/05 Auckland

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

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Kathryn O'Malley 08/05 Central

Mike Prendeville 08/05 Southern

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

Ruby Lowe 16/05 Auckland

Trevor Wall 17/05 Ch/Ashburton

Anita Fredericks 18/05 Blenheim

Teresa Suares 20/05 Auckland

Brian Nazareth 20/05 Auckland

Nathaniel James 21/05 Central

Jacqui Blackwell 22/05 Central

Kimberly Coutinho 22/05 Auckland

Liza Blanch 24/05 Central

Mike Garrett 25/05 Blenheim

Leroy Lobo 25/05 Auckland

Sarah Nicholas 26/05 Christchurch

Maryanne Hall 27/05 Auckland

Clifton D'Costa 28/05 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 SOLDIERS OF CHRIST - LOYALTY After last month’s introducing the Prayer for Evangelisation, it is back to the attributes of a good soldier and this month ‘Loyalty’ is what I will look at this time. In the dictionary, “loyal” means to be faithful to one’s friends, country, or government. Do we see ‘loyalty’ important in our workplaces, our sports teams or any organizations we belong to? Whether we are workers or employers/management, loyalty is needed to make the workplace a place that works well, and all are happy in their work. The same applies to sports teams and other organizations as loyalty is needed for them to function properly and achieve their goals. We need to be loyal to our parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren as part of God’s call to honour our parents and for families to be living examples of God’s love and goodness to this world. God, our Father, is loyal to us as we continually fail to follow His commandments, so He sent His Son Jesus to die for us so we might be forgiven. Jesus was loyal to God the Father as He submitted to death on the cross as His Father wanted. Then God poured out the Holy Spirit on each of us that we might understand and serve better. As Soldiers in Christ’s army, we are members of a team called to encourage, support and be loyal to

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one another and Jesus, our commander. There can be no unfaithfulness [1 Cor 4: 2] Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. No turning back [Luke 9: 62] Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. No selfishness [Phil 2: 3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. As we serve in the war against darkness, evil, sin and unbelief [1 Cor 3: 9] For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. Loyalty to one another and the King are paramount in this army as we are called to be a disciplined, united, faithful and a loyal community of disciples on mission. Are we loyal to our brothers and sisters in the Lamb of God Community by not taking an hour on the Prayerwatch? Are we being loyal to our Commander in Chief, Jesus by not being involved in spiritual warfare in this increasingly evil world? Let us stand up for Jesus and fight the good fight. Soldiers of Christ, Arise, and put your armour on! 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: Yvonne D'Souza, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Joel & Tiza Sison, 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, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville,

OTHER NEEDS

Auckland: Clifton & Anora D'Costa, Southern: Florence & Susan Quigley,

HEALING CANCER

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Central: Ron Blackwell, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, 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, Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Niul Kay, Andre’a Forster,

HEALING

Auckland: Winona D'Costa, Mira D'Souza, Peter D'Souza, Fr John Rea, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Thomas Hong, Vimath Sequeira, Alwin D’Souza, Joan Lobo, Alfred Saldanha, Shalini Saldanha, Allan D’Souza, Simone D'Mello, Karyn Coutinho, Cheryl Lobo, Central: Stephanie O’Connell, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, Cutie Zalamea, Blenheim: Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Judith Rodgers, Barbara Ryan, Jamie Rodgers, Micah Rodgers, Chris Fredericks, 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, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Judy Prendeville, Richard May, Others: Julianne Masilomani, John Keating,

BEREAVEMENT

Auckland: Ronnie & Rina D'Souza & family, Blenheim: Pat Twose, Philip & Alison Middlemiss, Chris & Anita Fredericks & family, Christchurch: Karin & Robert Van Doorn & Family, 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], and the Ashburton Group in Christchurch.

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