Below is Cindy Ruakere's final email from their world missional tour. She carries the life and zeal of God that has at its core the power to call up a new generation to live for the Jesus to the ends of the earth. We salute the whole team. You have inspired us all.
Fraser.
How fitting that as we near the end of the Karanga tour we come to Herrnhut, the founding place of the Moravian battlecry, ‘that the Lamb may receive the reward for His suffering’. The place that is once again inspiring a generation.
For me it began in 2003 when Fraser Hardy spoke about Count Ludwig Von Zinzendorf and the Moravians at Edge Church family camp. I was inspired to write Receive from that encounter, a song that would come to encapsulate my predominant message to inspire a youth generation into prayer and mission – kaahore te oranga o te tangata mo ia anake..
The song that has since sent me into the world, a song that would eventually lead us into doing this thing called the 2007 Karanga tour.
The YWAM conference that we were invited to participate in called mission live is in place to challenge and provoke people into thinking about and eventually doing mission. And challenge and provoke we did, as only we can. Jay joined us for this stint and it was so good to be reunited with our bro..to play with him again..to hear this provocative message that God is raising up in him. The German people received this message in a way that we have rarely seen on this tour. There was the initial shock as we pulled no punches and plunged straight into the challenge of what mission looks like for them, German youth. The provocation to rise up beyond the shame of the war…the fear of rallying…the horror at the thought of seeing masses united again for one purpose has riddled them with anxiety and laced them with mediocrity. So God sends from the ends of the earth provocateurs who will raise the battle cry within them and raise it up we did; as Jay confronted them and I’m sure at times affronted them, you felt the corporate flinching as he spoke about a fatherland that was to father nations for Jesus. It was gentle but provocative, at times like a scalpel, at times like a hammer but through it all it seemed to awaken a longing in them. a valid longing, a true God induced longing that goes back centuries. From Zinzendorf and the heroes from Herrnhut to Tilmann Geske who was martyred in Turkey on april 18th 2007.
So we did what we were sent here to do. The joy to see the message received and absorbed was so encouraging, especially as we near the end of this Karanga tour. We know that from this one weekend God added to the hope and dream of a man by the name of Jan C. Schlegel to see 10,000 German believers raised up and sent out again unto the ends of the earth..to every nation...
Kein mensch jebt fuer sich selbst…
Kaahore te oranga o te tangata mo ia anake…
Cindy Ruakere.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Here I am
Just listened to Hugh Thompson,an older man, an apostolic leader from England who spoke out of Abrahams and Samuels lives and a few others who encountered God. In each case they responded to God with 'Here I am ' and then had God speak powerfully to them. Hugh explained that this meant 'here i am totally present, totally engaged, totally with You'. Challenged me how 'un engaged' I can get when seeking God.
Spent today with other Linknz leaders today, we prayed, fasted and spent the day as close as possible to be totally engaged with God.It was refreshing and challenging to be ' up close' and 'totally engaed'. Felt so right.
Must do it again-soon.
Spent today with other Linknz leaders today, we prayed, fasted and spent the day as close as possible to be totally engaged with God.It was refreshing and challenging to be ' up close' and 'totally engaed'. Felt so right.
Must do it again-soon.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Mike Rowe - Testimony of Healing
This is Mike Rowes testimony,a young man I have had time with over 2007.During all this time he has been in a cast and had a broken arm so this testimony of healing is very encoraging.
'In February 2006 I was playing in a sevens tournament for my club team in Whangarei when I was tackled and landed on my wrist braking my Scaphoid. At the time it was sore but I didn’t think it was broken. After the tournament I met with the Northland team physio who said it wasn’t broken, just sore. A week or so later I went to the hospital in Rotorua. They saw that I could move my wrist so they decided it didn't need an X-ray. For the next 2 months I strapped it up and played with the Blues development team although it was pretty sore.
In April 2006 I was still in pain so was sent to a surgeon in Whangarei who didn't have a very good reputation, but it had to be worked on quickly. After many months of going back and forth different surgeons around the country including a
top surgeon in Auckland, my wrist hadn't improved at all. I was sent back to Whangarei but they were unable to operate or do anything more for me. My contract with Northland was nearly up and so I returned home to Feilding. I was then sent to a surgeon in Palmerston North who saw the problem was too complex so he sent me on to Professor Thurston in Wellington.
Professor Thurston decided that it needed operating on and would need a complicated
operation called a vascular bone craft. After 4 months of going back and forward with more X-rays it looked as though this bone was never going to heal. Rather than getting better with each operation it was getting worse. It had come to the point that I didn’t care if they couldn’t fix my wrist well enough to play sport again I just didn’t want a weak wrist that was always sore and stopped me doing day to day activities.
During the operation Professor Thurston couldn’t even find the break at first. The X-ray that I'd had earlier on revealed that there was massive damage. But as Professor Thurston looked at my wrist, there was nothing to do – it was fixed. After the operation he walked in to Recovery with a beaming smile and gave me the good news, there was no need to operate – my wrist had been healed!
Only God could have healed it as quickly as it did. I know that Mum and Dad never stopped praying even though I had given up a long time ago. I also know that Fraser and Dale were also praying for me during this time.
I had been in the safe hands of a highly trained professional who was to find out that he had been beaten to the operation by GOD ALMIGHTY.'
'In February 2006 I was playing in a sevens tournament for my club team in Whangarei when I was tackled and landed on my wrist braking my Scaphoid. At the time it was sore but I didn’t think it was broken. After the tournament I met with the Northland team physio who said it wasn’t broken, just sore. A week or so later I went to the hospital in Rotorua. They saw that I could move my wrist so they decided it didn't need an X-ray. For the next 2 months I strapped it up and played with the Blues development team although it was pretty sore.
In April 2006 I was still in pain so was sent to a surgeon in Whangarei who didn't have a very good reputation, but it had to be worked on quickly. After many months of going back and forth different surgeons around the country including a
top surgeon in Auckland, my wrist hadn't improved at all. I was sent back to Whangarei but they were unable to operate or do anything more for me. My contract with Northland was nearly up and so I returned home to Feilding. I was then sent to a surgeon in Palmerston North who saw the problem was too complex so he sent me on to Professor Thurston in Wellington.
Professor Thurston decided that it needed operating on and would need a complicated
operation called a vascular bone craft. After 4 months of going back and forward with more X-rays it looked as though this bone was never going to heal. Rather than getting better with each operation it was getting worse. It had come to the point that I didn’t care if they couldn’t fix my wrist well enough to play sport again I just didn’t want a weak wrist that was always sore and stopped me doing day to day activities.
During the operation Professor Thurston couldn’t even find the break at first. The X-ray that I'd had earlier on revealed that there was massive damage. But as Professor Thurston looked at my wrist, there was nothing to do – it was fixed. After the operation he walked in to Recovery with a beaming smile and gave me the good news, there was no need to operate – my wrist had been healed!
Only God could have healed it as quickly as it did. I know that Mum and Dad never stopped praying even though I had given up a long time ago. I also know that Fraser and Dale were also praying for me during this time.
I had been in the safe hands of a highly trained professional who was to find out that he had been beaten to the operation by GOD ALMIGHTY.'
Friday, October 26, 2007
Famous People
Bryce Parks was my all time hero in the fourth and fifth forms-he could grow a beard in a week, drink beer [ lots of it] and was in the first fifteen when the rest of us just dreamed of such lofty achievements.He was as famous a person as I knew and so i let everyone know he was in my class and infact was a very , very close friend [ I think?]. He ultimately dropped out of school, lost his way and last time i heard had been in prison.
Why is it we all love to identify with 'famous people'. When I see people I grew up with now on TV or doing well in life I somehow take a bit of qudos for their success even if they have long since forgotten my name.When they fail we soon move on and identify with another rising star.
My latest 'famous person' is a little differnt from the rest.I think its for life and even when I move on he wont forget my name . The reason is that he is a friend, a spiritual son and faithful follower of the same Lord.Hes married, got three children,hates gardening, loves music and worship and faithfully dotes on his wife and children.He makes mistakes, fails at times, picks himself up and keeps competing in this race called life.
He wrestles with his faith, asks hard questions and loves the church with all its challenges.
He loves to laugh and hang out and enjoy the favour life has to offer but is no stranger to challenges and the odd tear that life throws up at us all.
Hes joined me weekly at 6 am many years ago as part of a group of the ' younge men' who met and prayed and journeyed together as we ventured to learn together and believe that a relevant and vital church could be raised up in this day.
Hes served in the community, worked as a counsellor in schools,been a city counsellor,led Youth For Christ in Palmerston North, and seved in a full time role on the church staff.
So whos this 'famous person'. His name is Jono Naylor and he has just been elected with a record vote as one of our youngest mayors into being the new mayor of Palmerston North.
Hes 'famous' because hes been tested and tried even when he was far from the public arena.
Hes 'famous' because hes given what seamed impossible a try and overcome.
Hes 'famous' because hes faithful to his wife and family and loyal to his friends.
Hes 'famous' because he loves God and wont compromise the cause.
Hes 'famous' because he gets a free car park in our city streets.
I really dont know what makes someone famous but somehow I think this may be as close as I get to the real deal.
I congratulate Jono and Karen as they step forward into this next stage of their lives.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
spiritual fathers
'there are not many fathers' [ 1 Cor 4 : 15 ]
Just had Barney Coombs with Dale and I and some of the Linknz network over the last ten days. What an amazing privilege to have had Barney in my life for over 27 years-a rare treasure.
Barney met me at age 24 in NZ , invited me to travel with him and to see how apostolic ministries were working in their sphere of the international church scene .Ive been a 'spiritual son' since that day and have travelled, ministered and learnt around this wonderful man. A true apostolic father and friend in the gospel to me.A privilege that so many orphaned leaders have never experienced.
In all these years he has been to NZ almost every year, has instructed, encouraged, rebuked and inspired me to stay true, sincere and fearless to this calling.
As a single young man he took me as a Timothy and through some deeply trying times has never wavered to stand with me, has given money, time, tears and a whole lot of laughs through these years.
And now I see him speaking into my natural sons , 'spiritual grandsons' I guess and now leaving in them a legacy of grace, love and pastoral care that is a rare treasure in the light of so many busy and professional people called into this role.
I salute such a man, friend and father in the gospel.I am truly blessed.
There are not many fathers- but thank God for the ones who have perservered and earned the right to be true and trusted leaders in the church today.
Just had Barney Coombs with Dale and I and some of the Linknz network over the last ten days. What an amazing privilege to have had Barney in my life for over 27 years-a rare treasure.
Barney met me at age 24 in NZ , invited me to travel with him and to see how apostolic ministries were working in their sphere of the international church scene .Ive been a 'spiritual son' since that day and have travelled, ministered and learnt around this wonderful man. A true apostolic father and friend in the gospel to me.A privilege that so many orphaned leaders have never experienced.
In all these years he has been to NZ almost every year, has instructed, encouraged, rebuked and inspired me to stay true, sincere and fearless to this calling.
As a single young man he took me as a Timothy and through some deeply trying times has never wavered to stand with me, has given money, time, tears and a whole lot of laughs through these years.
And now I see him speaking into my natural sons , 'spiritual grandsons' I guess and now leaving in them a legacy of grace, love and pastoral care that is a rare treasure in the light of so many busy and professional people called into this role.
I salute such a man, friend and father in the gospel.I am truly blessed.
There are not many fathers- but thank God for the ones who have perservered and earned the right to be true and trusted leaders in the church today.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Books
Had an enormous response back from people regarding their favorite reading material over 2007 [exactly 1 person reads books apparently if the responses have anything to go by]
So here's my lot for 2007.
1- U2 BY U2. An interesting read as Bono,Larry,Edge and Adam share in chat sized bits their journey from school boys in Ireland to mega international rock stars.Only half way through but loving it.Their spiritual journey including the power and influence of the charismatic move and their ups and downs that was always tempered by their spiritual awareness.Lots of pictures, a good look and easy read before one falls off to sleep at night.
2-Above all earthly powers, by David F Wells. Too much of this book certainly will put you to sleep but a thorough and well written book examining culture,modernism,postmodernism and their affects on society and the church as a whole. Cal Thomas [syndicated columnist] says this about this book:
'The finest critique of culture I have read since the late philosopher - theologian Francis Schaeffer.David Wells outlines the lay of the cultural land and offers a type of GPS system for navigating it if we are to arrive safely at our final destination.Every Christian should read and internalise what Weill's says in this powerful book'.
Not easy reading but worth the read.
3-The Bible.
I'm absolutely serious that this remains my number one read.I am more transfixed by other books at times[holiday novels and sport books] but once read rarely want to read them again.Its now over 40 yrs since Ive read and re read this amazing book and it still keeps me coming back.It has living breath in its very pages and even in seasons of little illumination it gives away enough hope,joy,truth and wonder to keep coming back.
I have read the bible from cover to cover many ,many times but it keeps surprising me,speaking to me and challenging me to reach further into the life of the living God.
Yesterday it was Psalm 59:16 'But I will sing of Your power;Yes I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning.For you have been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble'
Cant tell you how much hope and healing poured into me as I shared the psalmists need to trust in Gods power and strength'
Yes still number one for me.
So here's my lot for 2007.
1- U2 BY U2. An interesting read as Bono,Larry,Edge and Adam share in chat sized bits their journey from school boys in Ireland to mega international rock stars.Only half way through but loving it.Their spiritual journey including the power and influence of the charismatic move and their ups and downs that was always tempered by their spiritual awareness.Lots of pictures, a good look and easy read before one falls off to sleep at night.
2-Above all earthly powers, by David F Wells. Too much of this book certainly will put you to sleep but a thorough and well written book examining culture,modernism,postmodernism and their affects on society and the church as a whole. Cal Thomas [syndicated columnist] says this about this book:
'The finest critique of culture I have read since the late philosopher - theologian Francis Schaeffer.David Wells outlines the lay of the cultural land and offers a type of GPS system for navigating it if we are to arrive safely at our final destination.Every Christian should read and internalise what Weill's says in this powerful book'.
Not easy reading but worth the read.
3-The Bible.
I'm absolutely serious that this remains my number one read.I am more transfixed by other books at times[holiday novels and sport books] but once read rarely want to read them again.Its now over 40 yrs since Ive read and re read this amazing book and it still keeps me coming back.It has living breath in its very pages and even in seasons of little illumination it gives away enough hope,joy,truth and wonder to keep coming back.
I have read the bible from cover to cover many ,many times but it keeps surprising me,speaking to me and challenging me to reach further into the life of the living God.
Yesterday it was Psalm 59:16 'But I will sing of Your power;Yes I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning.For you have been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble'
Cant tell you how much hope and healing poured into me as I shared the psalmists need to trust in Gods power and strength'
Yes still number one for me.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
SURF
Suns out today and all I can think of is surf and all the 'God blessed' people who live along the coast.Not fair - totally jealous.
What's it about surf that triggers such primal emotions in me; someone who hasn't surfed for months and for whom the future possibility for another dash to the coast looks bleak.Is it the sun,the waves,the friendship,the peace one encounters?
What's it about surf that triggers such primal emotions in me; someone who hasn't surfed for months and for whom the future possibility for another dash to the coast looks bleak.Is it the sun,the waves,the friendship,the peace one encounters?
I realised its that part of me that wants to be free from daily choices,decisions and pressure that simply leaves you 'boring' and 'tired' and 'responsible'.The thought of a carefree life really does look good when winter is ending and the body is a bit tired and the planning and decision making needed for the months ahead looks pretty intimidating.
My friend Graeme Singleton has just got back from the Maldives where he surfed himself to a standstill. He cruelly sent me his quiver full of shots showing himself carving up the face of a beautiful 4 ft crystal clear wave in that part of the Indian ocean [ see the two shots].Apparently meant to encourage me but actually left me totally jealous and envious of someone being able to have a life to do such things.
My friend Graeme Singleton has just got back from the Maldives where he surfed himself to a standstill. He cruelly sent me his quiver full of shots showing himself carving up the face of a beautiful 4 ft crystal clear wave in that part of the Indian ocean [ see the two shots].Apparently meant to encourage me but actually left me totally jealous and envious of someone being able to have a life to do such things.
Looking out the window and the suns out again and I hear that the surf is looking great down the south coast-that primal call just gets louder.
I know Jesus found the lakes and mountains to be His place of 'connection' and somehow that gives me a sense of permission to check out the diary and consider another dash to the coast.
I remember Bill Hybels talking to leaders on staying healthy and sane in this calling as church leader's .He spoke about having a healthy spiritual life [daily prayer,word,worship etc] and a healthy body[did gym 4-5 days a week-only a Dutchman like he could be that disciplined!] but how after all his disciplined lifestyle looking solely after his body and spirit life that he still felt weary.It wasnt till he spent time with good friends who didn't drain him and got back into his yachting [his sport he loved but gave up] that he truly felt whole and free again.He explained that yachting has become a key to filling up his emotional tank [peace,speed,wind,time alone,excitement etc]He recognised that being made with 3 working parts to our one being [body,soul,spirit] that we as Christians need to be aware that feeding our emotional tank is as important as feeding our spirit and body .In fact the emotional tank kept 'alive' gives joy to the rest of our life's journey.
So there we have it-Jesus and Bill Hybels both say its time for me to find a good beach,hot sun and a wave to heal my troubled soul !! Now all I have to do is convince Dale that Jesus and Bill really do know their stuff!!
ISAIAH 40:31 They shall renew their strength,they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
I know Jesus found the lakes and mountains to be His place of 'connection' and somehow that gives me a sense of permission to check out the diary and consider another dash to the coast.
I remember Bill Hybels talking to leaders on staying healthy and sane in this calling as church leader's .He spoke about having a healthy spiritual life [daily prayer,word,worship etc] and a healthy body[did gym 4-5 days a week-only a Dutchman like he could be that disciplined!] but how after all his disciplined lifestyle looking solely after his body and spirit life that he still felt weary.It wasnt till he spent time with good friends who didn't drain him and got back into his yachting [his sport he loved but gave up] that he truly felt whole and free again.He explained that yachting has become a key to filling up his emotional tank [peace,speed,wind,time alone,excitement etc]He recognised that being made with 3 working parts to our one being [body,soul,spirit] that we as Christians need to be aware that feeding our emotional tank is as important as feeding our spirit and body .In fact the emotional tank kept 'alive' gives joy to the rest of our life's journey.
So there we have it-Jesus and Bill Hybels both say its time for me to find a good beach,hot sun and a wave to heal my troubled soul !! Now all I have to do is convince Dale that Jesus and Bill really do know their stuff!!
ISAIAH 40:31 They shall renew their strength,they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Leadership
Leaders are central to producing great communities.
Listen and look at the life of someone who has grown up under the leadership of a great dad or mum.When life gets rocky I notice they have an ability to fall back on their parents proven journeys.This journey carried pressure,loved through difficulties and trusted in simple and proven principles like faith,hope and love.
Listen and look at the journeys of people who have influenced the way you lead in the work place.In my case as a church leader I look at Barney Coombs from Canada , an apostle,friend and spiritual father who for 30 yrs has cared for me and my family.He has never missed a trip in 30 yrs,has financially cared for me in seasons of difficulty,has growled at my carnal behaviour,has believed in me when just a young man.The leadership he has modelled carries into my life to this day a security,faithfullness and confidence that overshadows my own journey as a leader.
Listen and look at the price leaders pay to produce lasting legacies.They all have paid a big price,have stood strong in opposition,experienced and walked daily in their own vulnerability,have failed,doubted yet have kept believing,kept trusting in others and in a simple belief that their life can make a difference.
This spot is dedicated to such leaders.To all of those great people let me say thank you.
Because my life is spent with leaders [church,business,parents]I get to listen and look at their lives and hear their stories.The challenge,pressure,joy and cost are never far from their conversations.Often they hear little of appreciation from those they serve and wonder if they really are making a difference.
Because of this I want to dedicate this spot to leaders who have influenced our lives and suggest this week we find ways to 'encourage and inspire' that person.Why not ring and thank them for the part they have played in your life,send them out to dinner,send a card,flowers,pray for them,send a movie pass or go all the way and buy them a new BMW ! Whatever the gift be, the 'thankyou' and 'gratitude' behind it will inspire them to keep on doing what is so vital-leadership!
We need great leaders so lets do our part in raising up their profile and place in our communities.
Proverbs 25:11.A word [gift]aptly spoken [given] is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Listen and look at the life of someone who has grown up under the leadership of a great dad or mum.When life gets rocky I notice they have an ability to fall back on their parents proven journeys.This journey carried pressure,loved through difficulties and trusted in simple and proven principles like faith,hope and love.
Listen and look at the journeys of people who have influenced the way you lead in the work place.In my case as a church leader I look at Barney Coombs from Canada , an apostle,friend and spiritual father who for 30 yrs has cared for me and my family.He has never missed a trip in 30 yrs,has financially cared for me in seasons of difficulty,has growled at my carnal behaviour,has believed in me when just a young man.The leadership he has modelled carries into my life to this day a security,faithfullness and confidence that overshadows my own journey as a leader.
Listen and look at the price leaders pay to produce lasting legacies.They all have paid a big price,have stood strong in opposition,experienced and walked daily in their own vulnerability,have failed,doubted yet have kept believing,kept trusting in others and in a simple belief that their life can make a difference.
This spot is dedicated to such leaders.To all of those great people let me say thank you.
Because my life is spent with leaders [church,business,parents]I get to listen and look at their lives and hear their stories.The challenge,pressure,joy and cost are never far from their conversations.Often they hear little of appreciation from those they serve and wonder if they really are making a difference.
Because of this I want to dedicate this spot to leaders who have influenced our lives and suggest this week we find ways to 'encourage and inspire' that person.Why not ring and thank them for the part they have played in your life,send them out to dinner,send a card,flowers,pray for them,send a movie pass or go all the way and buy them a new BMW ! Whatever the gift be, the 'thankyou' and 'gratitude' behind it will inspire them to keep on doing what is so vital-leadership!
We need great leaders so lets do our part in raising up their profile and place in our communities.
Proverbs 25:11.A word [gift]aptly spoken [given] is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
All over the world
Last year I lived in burundi (Africa), and one of the things that amazed me was just realizing how huge God is. That I could travel to the other side of the world and he is there. God is God all over the world, and God is moving all over the world. I recieved an email from a guy I worked with in Burundi in regards to a team of African evangelists they had trained and sent throughout Burundi.Here it is:
I've just received a report about what the twenty three groups of Harvest for
Christ evangelists got up to. Ten in each team, they went to fourteen unreached
areas, and had a massive impact. I know some reports tend to be quite
evangelastic(!) in terms of exaggerated numbers, but I assure you these guys are
the real deal. I'll just translate Onesphore's summary:
From our door-to-door visiting and outreach, 15,890 people believed and
prayed to receive Christ, including 47 witchdoctors and 16 Muslims. We burnt
talismans and objects of witchcraft in 49 families. There were 45 miraculous
healings, including 4 mentally ill and 11 demon-possessed people. 8 couples on
the verge of divorce repented and want to make their marriages work. 2 people
about to commit suicide were talked out of it. 308 people were trained for
follow-up in different churches.
He goes on:A famous witchdoctor at Ijenda, Joselyne, gave her life to
Christ. Her sister refused to believe, but brought over the demon-possessed
neighbour. The latter hadn't eaten for three days, and Joselyne's sister
challenged the believers:"If you heal this girl, I'll know that you are
serving the one true God.God duly healed the girl, and 21 people (including
the sister) promptly gave their lives to Christ. Elsewhere a group of
evangelists were arrested and taken to prison. One lad whilst in his cell led
two people to Christ! Another team were beaten up, but continued preaching.
That's just a sample. You get the idea! Praise God!
Its good to be reminded that we serve a Global God. The Church is doing amazing things all around the world by God's grace. What a privelage to be part of it.
God Bless
Aaron
I've just received a report about what the twenty three groups of Harvest for
Christ evangelists got up to. Ten in each team, they went to fourteen unreached
areas, and had a massive impact. I know some reports tend to be quite
evangelastic(!) in terms of exaggerated numbers, but I assure you these guys are
the real deal. I'll just translate Onesphore's summary:
From our door-to-door visiting and outreach, 15,890 people believed and
prayed to receive Christ, including 47 witchdoctors and 16 Muslims. We burnt
talismans and objects of witchcraft in 49 families. There were 45 miraculous
healings, including 4 mentally ill and 11 demon-possessed people. 8 couples on
the verge of divorce repented and want to make their marriages work. 2 people
about to commit suicide were talked out of it. 308 people were trained for
follow-up in different churches.
He goes on:A famous witchdoctor at Ijenda, Joselyne, gave her life to
Christ. Her sister refused to believe, but brought over the demon-possessed
neighbour. The latter hadn't eaten for three days, and Joselyne's sister
challenged the believers:"If you heal this girl, I'll know that you are
serving the one true God.God duly healed the girl, and 21 people (including
the sister) promptly gave their lives to Christ. Elsewhere a group of
evangelists were arrested and taken to prison. One lad whilst in his cell led
two people to Christ! Another team were beaten up, but continued preaching.
That's just a sample. You get the idea! Praise God!
Its good to be reminded that we serve a Global God. The Church is doing amazing things all around the world by God's grace. What a privelage to be part of it.
God Bless
Aaron
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Leadership
Every time I hear successful leaders speak about their journey it leaves me inspired and challenged to press on. Their battles,victories,and willingness to break through the mediocre to see change that effects the future generations empowers me in my own journey as a leader.
Just spent the day listening to Gordon Moore who now leads a CCC church in Brisbane of 2500 people . He originally came out of this region [Palmerston North] and was leading youth initiatives in this city about the same time I got saved.He moved to Ausie,pioneered a new church with 6 people and now leads this large church while being the national director of CCC Australia-amazing what comes out of little Palmy !
He outlined why most churches don't get beyond 200 people and suggested it had most to do with leadership culture.
He shared that churches up to 200 members [general observation by him and international research findings] was that these churches [85% of churches in the western world are smaller than 200 members] are built and led around a 'ministry' model.This ministry model is based around preaching,teaching,pastoral care,couselling,seving,worship etc.This builds up individuals giving them care and preaching encouragement. However churches that grow beyond the 200 level have had to embrace a 'leadership' model and culture that is committed to 'building the church corporate', taking the individual parts and building them into the whole.This type of leadership is committed to corporate direction,vision casting,team building,and structures to facilitate growth through an empowering style of leadership.
The challenge for most leaders he explained was that we and our people are usually content with a 'ministry' model that keeps individuals at the core . The idea and mindset by many that small churches are better keeps this smaller church model in safe hands. He has observed that the key values and mindset of people who want small churches are:
1-Everyone is involved-in everything .All contributions are welcomed even if it is not at a high level.All good churches should have this happening [pastoral care,involvement etc] but only as a part of the whole and not as the whole.
2- Everyone is informed-about everything.All believe they have a right to have a say.The colour of the building to the youth leaders salary are known by all,it is everyone's right!
3-Everyone is an influence-even when not gifted for it'. The worship team is a arena where the unskilled and un-called find themselves influencing the whole church.Give it a go mentality prevails.
4-Everyone is gifted by God-Arising out of the charismatic movement a theology and practice arose that all have gifts and abilities therefore all have the right to exercise that right.
These I realised are observations I also come across as I travel and minister across this nation.
The cost and capacity to lead people beyond the 'ministry'level left me very challenged.
On the other hand Gordon observed that leaders who have taken churches beyond the 'ministry' level have learnt they have to move into a 'leadership mindset' that becomes more specialised,empowers the right people,is architectural and reflective in practice,giving its energy to building the 'big picture'.The cost of this appears to be too great for most as being 'mates' and 'peers' with all holds a greater value and cultural influence on us than we may realise.
To order Gordon's small book email glogal@c3bd.com.
My style and ministry culture are different from Gordon's but his insights and journey of faith,persistance and willingness to believe in the power of leadership to empower churches into significant growth left me inspired.
Thanks Gordon-your journey has left me encouraged and expectant.Thanks for paying the cost.
Just spent the day listening to Gordon Moore who now leads a CCC church in Brisbane of 2500 people . He originally came out of this region [Palmerston North] and was leading youth initiatives in this city about the same time I got saved.He moved to Ausie,pioneered a new church with 6 people and now leads this large church while being the national director of CCC Australia-amazing what comes out of little Palmy !
He outlined why most churches don't get beyond 200 people and suggested it had most to do with leadership culture.
He shared that churches up to 200 members [general observation by him and international research findings] was that these churches [85% of churches in the western world are smaller than 200 members] are built and led around a 'ministry' model.This ministry model is based around preaching,teaching,pastoral care,couselling,seving,worship etc.This builds up individuals giving them care and preaching encouragement. However churches that grow beyond the 200 level have had to embrace a 'leadership' model and culture that is committed to 'building the church corporate', taking the individual parts and building them into the whole.This type of leadership is committed to corporate direction,vision casting,team building,and structures to facilitate growth through an empowering style of leadership.
The challenge for most leaders he explained was that we and our people are usually content with a 'ministry' model that keeps individuals at the core . The idea and mindset by many that small churches are better keeps this smaller church model in safe hands. He has observed that the key values and mindset of people who want small churches are:
1-Everyone is involved-in everything .All contributions are welcomed even if it is not at a high level.All good churches should have this happening [pastoral care,involvement etc] but only as a part of the whole and not as the whole.
2- Everyone is informed-about everything.All believe they have a right to have a say.The colour of the building to the youth leaders salary are known by all,it is everyone's right!
3-Everyone is an influence-even when not gifted for it'. The worship team is a arena where the unskilled and un-called find themselves influencing the whole church.Give it a go mentality prevails.
4-Everyone is gifted by God-Arising out of the charismatic movement a theology and practice arose that all have gifts and abilities therefore all have the right to exercise that right.
These I realised are observations I also come across as I travel and minister across this nation.
The cost and capacity to lead people beyond the 'ministry'level left me very challenged.
On the other hand Gordon observed that leaders who have taken churches beyond the 'ministry' level have learnt they have to move into a 'leadership mindset' that becomes more specialised,empowers the right people,is architectural and reflective in practice,giving its energy to building the 'big picture'.The cost of this appears to be too great for most as being 'mates' and 'peers' with all holds a greater value and cultural influence on us than we may realise.
To order Gordon's small book email glogal@c3bd.com.
My style and ministry culture are different from Gordon's but his insights and journey of faith,persistance and willingness to believe in the power of leadership to empower churches into significant growth left me inspired.
Thanks Gordon-your journey has left me encouraged and expectant.Thanks for paying the cost.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Fishing and Blokes
What is it about 'fishing and blokes' and 'barbeque's and blokes' and 'newspapers and blokes' that fit so perfectly ?
Experienced all three while fishing this last week end away with some good mates at lake Taupo So I am a happy camper today and ready to take on the world again. Didnt realise that trout could grow up to a meter long or that it can take two strong men to carry such a catch from the boat and onto the shore.In the process of cooking the trout over the two barbeque's wheeled together we had to cut off their tails in order to fit all the fish into the BBQ .Then fed half the street with leftovers and then spent the day repairing the boat from all bite marks received from the earlier trout attack.
Reading the newspaper after the fishing safari turned out to be an art form to behold-every word,picture and reference is carefully analyzed with 98% of the time spent on the all important sports page.The mighty Manawatu Turbos win added to what was close to a perfect week end-the new NPC threat has finally emerged !
So what is it about BBQs,newspapers and fishing that blokes love ? All three require minimal work,and doing absolutely nothing.
Yes a perfect week end indeed
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Any Great Books?
Let me know if you have read any exceptional books in the last 12 months and tell me why.
I will then let you know my ' great book' selection after your choices are revealed.
Thanks- Fraser
I will then let you know my ' great book' selection after your choices are revealed.
Thanks- Fraser
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
An interesting day-Davids perspective
Hello everyone dad has asked me to write something on his blog as he hasn't had one person look at it and is getting a bit down. Well i thought i'd tell about me and dads mornin as it almost made me wet my pants. You see dad being the trendy dude he is went and bought some hip modern pants the other day, or at least he thought they were hip. i tell u they are they queerest and stupid looking pants, all purple and feminine. to top it of he thought to go with the hip pants you've gotta have a hip hair do (of course) so he came out with the dumbest Mohawk ever done.at this point i was rolling around on the floor trying not to wet myself when i realised that he was wearing almost identical pants to mum or so i think .so it was an interesting mornin but I'm sure il be writing again soon about our favourite NZ church leader see you soon . ps . tell ur freinds about dads blog or he could have an emotional breakdown.
David -14 yrs-very mature for my age.
Taranaki
Just got back from a weekend in the Naki-what I learnt:
-They are as one eyed as the Cantabrians but support a very average rugby team.My prophetic predictions are that the mighty Turbos will steamroll them later in the season
-They have a regional pride that is wonderful and spills over into their spiritual vision to see their region won for Christ.
-They are generous,laid back and fun to be with.
PROPHETIC WONDER:
It continues to amaze me how the prophetic word has such ability and power to break open the hearts of people.
Speaking to a combined youth event which was going well but it was only once I gave out a prophetic word that the atmosphere changed,the youth became totally silent and engaged with what I was saying[even switched off their cell phones] allowing the Holy Spirit to break in.
Because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy[rev 19:10] it should be I guess a natural thing for prophetic revelation to be at work in our daily life-its part of Jesus testimony confirming His presence and life with us.
BOY BAND
Took four guys with me to lead worship and prove it is possible to be young,good looking and in the ministry.
Thanks guys -you were brilliant and helped bring worship breakthrough that turned the combined churches event [New Plymouth,Inglewood,Waitara] into a great night.
Love the next generation.
CHURCH PLANTING:
See our Web page www.linknz.org.nz as a church planting site is soon to start to give momentum to our future goal of planting 20 churches.
-They are as one eyed as the Cantabrians but support a very average rugby team.My prophetic predictions are that the mighty Turbos will steamroll them later in the season
-They have a regional pride that is wonderful and spills over into their spiritual vision to see their region won for Christ.
-They are generous,laid back and fun to be with.
PROPHETIC WONDER:
It continues to amaze me how the prophetic word has such ability and power to break open the hearts of people.
Speaking to a combined youth event which was going well but it was only once I gave out a prophetic word that the atmosphere changed,the youth became totally silent and engaged with what I was saying[even switched off their cell phones] allowing the Holy Spirit to break in.
Because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy[rev 19:10] it should be I guess a natural thing for prophetic revelation to be at work in our daily life-its part of Jesus testimony confirming His presence and life with us.
BOY BAND
Took four guys with me to lead worship and prove it is possible to be young,good looking and in the ministry.
Thanks guys -you were brilliant and helped bring worship breakthrough that turned the combined churches event [New Plymouth,Inglewood,Waitara] into a great night.
Love the next generation.
CHURCH PLANTING:
See our Web page www.linknz.org.nz as a church planting site is soon to start to give momentum to our future goal of planting 20 churches.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Greatness
Speaking on greatness this weekend and hope to show a clip from Amazing Grace CD of John Newtons life- took real character to hang in all that time to see parliament change the laws of slavery-greatness that took 20 yrs in the making.
Just looked at Michael Jordans quote on what made him 'great' in his basketball career:
" Ive missed more than 9000 shots in my basketball career,
I've lost almost 300 games , 26 times I've been trusted with the shot
that would have won us the game and I've missed it.
I've failed again and again and again and that's why I succeed.
I just cannot accept not trying "
Looks like greatness takes along time and a lot of hard work-keep going,we need a lot of great people.
Just looked at Michael Jordans quote on what made him 'great' in his basketball career:
" Ive missed more than 9000 shots in my basketball career,
I've lost almost 300 games , 26 times I've been trusted with the shot
that would have won us the game and I've missed it.
I've failed again and again and again and that's why I succeed.
I just cannot accept not trying "
Looks like greatness takes along time and a lot of hard work-keep going,we need a lot of great people.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
First Attempt
First attempt at this blogging business - Mike Donovan from Auckland [Edge City Church] suggested I enter the wonderful world of blogging and expose my inner most conversation to a waiting world. Might save the expense of having to see counsellors to do the same thing!
My role in life composes of hanging out with my wonderful wife Dale and my three sons, if and when they are around. The rest of the time it's conversing with church leaders in particular from across the Linknz network, visiting churches, hanging out with leaders and hopefully being a bit of good news to people.
A trip to the gym, an occasional surf and a general love for life keep me very interested in my time and space on mother earth. I generally really love life and often feel incredibly privileged to be surrounded by such great people and most of all a great God who unexplainably keeps believing in me.
8-8-07 sitting here in Palmy on a drizzly day thinking over the past weekend. Was in Gisborne at Wainui Beach Church and had a ball. Great when you feel accepted and when people are hungry for what you've got to say. The church is led by Bruce and Shirley and like most leaders they give 110%, work too hard, believe in their people who they love and expect great things for.
One neat story - a Maori lady [a young granny actually] came up for prayer and was overwhelmed by God's presence. She started to fall over so we helped her down and let her enjoy God's presence. She later spoke with people and explained she was only a week old Christian and had never seen or experienced such a thing. She said she was full of peace and joy and wondered what it was all about. She was happy to know it was the Spirit's presence and went home with a large smile on her face.
Spent some time watching some good surfers on Sunday morning and wished I had brought my board along. Something magic about those Gisborne waves.
Off to the Taranaki coast this weekend with a team so should be fun to hang around the team at City Life Church.
Oops ! Slept in this morning - need to spend a few minutes in prayer now as it really does carry me. Don't worry, like most people I would like to pray more but so easily get busy. I actually love to pray so it's not a duty in most cases but a real vital deal to me. Love to pray better etc but that's I think how it will be this side of eternity while we run around in these earthly shells.
Go well - will try to get into this
Thanks Mike-you Auckland legend
My role in life composes of hanging out with my wonderful wife Dale and my three sons, if and when they are around. The rest of the time it's conversing with church leaders in particular from across the Linknz network, visiting churches, hanging out with leaders and hopefully being a bit of good news to people.
A trip to the gym, an occasional surf and a general love for life keep me very interested in my time and space on mother earth. I generally really love life and often feel incredibly privileged to be surrounded by such great people and most of all a great God who unexplainably keeps believing in me.
8-8-07 sitting here in Palmy on a drizzly day thinking over the past weekend. Was in Gisborne at Wainui Beach Church and had a ball. Great when you feel accepted and when people are hungry for what you've got to say. The church is led by Bruce and Shirley and like most leaders they give 110%, work too hard, believe in their people who they love and expect great things for.
One neat story - a Maori lady [a young granny actually] came up for prayer and was overwhelmed by God's presence. She started to fall over so we helped her down and let her enjoy God's presence. She later spoke with people and explained she was only a week old Christian and had never seen or experienced such a thing. She said she was full of peace and joy and wondered what it was all about. She was happy to know it was the Spirit's presence and went home with a large smile on her face.
Spent some time watching some good surfers on Sunday morning and wished I had brought my board along. Something magic about those Gisborne waves.
Off to the Taranaki coast this weekend with a team so should be fun to hang around the team at City Life Church.
Oops ! Slept in this morning - need to spend a few minutes in prayer now as it really does carry me. Don't worry, like most people I would like to pray more but so easily get busy. I actually love to pray so it's not a duty in most cases but a real vital deal to me. Love to pray better etc but that's I think how it will be this side of eternity while we run around in these earthly shells.
Go well - will try to get into this
Thanks Mike-you Auckland legend
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Living Missionally - July Update
Everywhere I go the challenge to live missionally as church communities appears to be the biggest agenda on the churches radar. It’s great to see so many attempting to find new ways in which to engage their communities from acts of kindness through to events with more deliberate focus.
Here in Palmy Vic Gledhill from the UK has been stirring the same pot and emphasizing the need to engage again with our peers in simple ways with acts of kindness and words of affirmation. He offers to pray for people if they have needs [work, marriage, home life etc] and to date has prayed for hundreds in this manner including many Muslims. He has never been refused when asked if people would like him to pray.
My niece Renee lives in Tauranga and recognised a simple need that her city had. Hundreds of drunk youth each weekend go partying and then drive home which in turn had caused many fatal accidents. She and a team now run a ministry called ‘life savers’ that operates on a Friday and Saturday nights offering free rides home to youth. They have now contacted and given rides to about one thousand people and in the process seen some come to Christ. Others are finding mainly music, youth initiatives and work with refugees producing great contacts into their neighborhoods.
Simple and effective - it works wonderfully.
Here in Palmy Vic Gledhill from the UK has been stirring the same pot and emphasizing the need to engage again with our peers in simple ways with acts of kindness and words of affirmation. He offers to pray for people if they have needs [work, marriage, home life etc] and to date has prayed for hundreds in this manner including many Muslims. He has never been refused when asked if people would like him to pray.
My niece Renee lives in Tauranga and recognised a simple need that her city had. Hundreds of drunk youth each weekend go partying and then drive home which in turn had caused many fatal accidents. She and a team now run a ministry called ‘life savers’ that operates on a Friday and Saturday nights offering free rides home to youth. They have now contacted and given rides to about one thousand people and in the process seen some come to Christ. Others are finding mainly music, youth initiatives and work with refugees producing great contacts into their neighborhoods.
Simple and effective - it works wonderfully.
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