vol 115 no7 august 1999 - Baptist Research

vol 115 no7 august 1999

NZ Baptist August 1999

Kiwi Baptists Serve in Ecuador

Retirees Philip andDorothy Scarrow (Raetihi-Ohakune Baptist Church) arecurrently serving as short-term missionaries with HCJBWorld Radio in Shell, Ecua-dor, for three months wherethey are managing HCJB'sguest house. Shell is fivehours drive over rough roadsfrom Quito, the capital.

Although they had servedbefore in the Philippines as'short-termers,' first impres-sions in Ecuador impactedPhilip and Dorothy strongly.

"The journey to Shell isbreath-taking," Philip writes."Above, the snow-cappedAndes are lost from view inthe heavens, while below,deep gorges threaten to swal-low the precarious road lit-tered with massive potholes.And all along the way, thejungle scenery is punctuatedby magnificent water fallsand small groups of dwell-ings where friendly peoplerush out to greet you."

He said his lack of lan-guage knowledge had been abarrier at times.

"Can you imagine work-ing in the kitchen on the menufor a whole week, only able

to speak English, when themaids can only speak Span-ish?" he asked.

The guest house wherePhilip and Dorothy serve, andwhich Nate Saint helpedbuild, was HCJB's originaljungle hospital. When a newhospital was constructed theoriginal building was con-verted to a guest house toaccommodate doctors,nurses and other HCJB staffcoming from all over theworld to assist with surgeryand medical clinics. HCJBmission staff also regularlyvisit families in the junglevillages, holding clinics andencouraging spiritual devel-opment.

Philip has appreciated theoccasions of worship in Shell.

"What a privilege to bepresent at church this morn-ing and then to walk twokilometers down to the riverto witness four people beingbaptised," he wrote recently."After the baptism we learnedof another lady wanting toaccept Jesus as her Saviour!'

Philip praised the minis-try of HCJB.

"It's great to be here," heconcluded, "knowing theLord is our guide and strengthas we work with so manywonderful people, each play-ing their part in bringingChrist and his eternal love tothe people of Ecuador."

Pastor's Children Take the Plunge at Epsom

An air of excited antici-pation filled the church asfriends, relations and churchmembers eagerly awaited thefirst baptisms to be held inthe Epsom Baptist Churchfor some years. (Previouslybaptisms had been held inneighbouring churches).

The baptismal candidateswere Andrew and Sarah Suth-erland, two of the children ofMartin (senior pastor) andYvonne Sutherland. The serv-ice was led by Pastor Martin,who spoke on "Repent andBe Baptised - die with Christ- rise with Christ."

Young people from theBalmoral Baptist Church led

in some singing, and variouschurch and family memberstook a part in the service,including Andrew andSarah's grandparents.

After giving a short testi-mony Andrew was baptised

by the youth pastor from Bal-moral, Sean Moore, andSarah was baptised by SandyBrown, the outreach pastorat Epsom. A moving serviceconcluded with shared com-munion and a pot-luck lunch.

Christian Counselling Centre Thrives in Levin

Mairi Sewell and MurrayLucas, both members of theLevin Baptist Church, havebeen appointed to serve asthe church's representativeson the board of the LevinChristian Care Trust.

The focus of this trust is theChristian Counselling Centre,where counselling is based onChristian ethics and values, inthe context of caring relation-ships. Thehoped-forresults arepersonal growth and a deepen-ing experience of God.

Since the Centre openedin January 1990 it has ex-panded rapidly, meeting theneeds of children, teens andadults. Today this accessi-

ble, affordable and profes-sional counselling service isreputed to be the largestagency of its kind in theHorowhenua.

The results are exciting.In 1998 the Centre providedcounselling for 297 people,72 percent of these beingunchurched. It also providessupervision for nine othercounsellors or counsellors-in-training, and runs semi-nars on parenting, anger man-agement and befriending/en-couragement.

Originally established byLevin's Queen Street Chapel,the Centre now involvesmany local churches and

Mairi Sewell is chairpersonof its Board of Management.

"There is a huge need forChristian counselling," saysMurray Lucas, "and I am ex-cited about the number of secu-lar agencies such as stateschools that refer clients to theCentre and are delighted withthe results. A significantnumber of unchurched indi-viduals alsoreferthemselves."Baptists in other areas, par-ticularly in provincial towns,who would like more infor-mation about Levin's Chris-tian Counselling centre, maycontact Mairi Sewell orMurray Lucas, c/o PO Box199, Levin.

Baptist Church Disappears from Chechenya

Written by a representativefrom Open Doors

In June practically all ofthe Baptist Church ofChechenya was evacuated.The 67 members are now liv-ing in Southern Russia in alarge house which was boughtby Open Doors for this pur-pose. The church consists ofethnic Russian Christians, themajority of whom were bornand grew up in Chechenya.Since the end of the war withRussia in 1996, the Baptistswere tolerated because theywere neutral in the war andbecause this church was theonly link through which for-eign help was being channeledinto the ruined country.

The downward spiral oflawlessness, corruption andincreasing Islamic radicalismhas made it impossible forthe Baptists to remain in thecountry any longer.

In October last year, theBaptist Union in Moscowurged that the Church be closedand that all the members leavethe country. This was a weekafter the kidnap of PastorAlexei Sitnikov, who has al-most certainly been murdered.

PROMOTIONS MANAGERFar East Broadcasting CompanyNew Zealand

Applications are being sought for the position of Promo-tions Manager for New Zealand by the N.Z. Board ofFEBC. The successful applicant will join a team of over1,000 people world wide who serve the Lord in a ministrythat is reaching tens of thousands every week with themessage of the gospel. The person we are seeking willhave to be able to:

1. Relate to a wide range of age groups for the purposeof encouraging people throughout N.Z. to supportthe world wide Missionary Radio Ministry of FEBRadio International. This will involve speaking inChurches throughout the country, seeking to en-courage all age groups to be involved in supportingthis vital ministry.

2. Promote the well established 'Farmers for Broad-casting' method of financially supporting the work.

3. Assist in the assembling of material to be used inpublications that the Mission produces.

4. Represent the Mission at functions both in N.Z. andOverseas as requested by the Board.

For further details please write to:

Human Resources Secretary,34 Darraghs Road , Tauranga

Mrs Noreen WrightPrincipal Nurse

Care of the elderly

The New Zealand Christian Writers Guildis an organisation for Christians who love to write. It offersmembers:• Semi-annual workshops for those who live in the Auckland

region• A bimonthly magazine• Regular competitions to sharpen a variety of writing skills• Local groups for regular fellowship and encouragement• A postal lending library• An editing and advisory service for writers• A free lance writing course by correspondence

Writers' Workshop: Sat. 21 August, 9-3, Eden Chapel, 72View Rd., Ak. Admission $10. All welcome! For more infor-mation, including a complimentary copy of the magazine,write to the president, CWG, PO Box 65-275, Auckland 1330.

Many Baptists left the countryat that time, but about a hun-dred people were too poor toemigrate. Apart from two men,these were older women,mostly war widows, and theorphaned children for whomthey were caring. After Alex-ander Kulakov, the successorto the murdered Sitnikov, wasalso kidnapped and beheaded,it became clear that somethinghad to be done. The prepara-tions for the evacuation wereconducted in top secret, be-cause the authorities did notwant the church to leave. Theyneeded the Baptists in order tobe able to continue to milkthem of relief goods from theWest.

The man who was leadingthe operation was repeatedlythreatened with death. In Au-gust 1998, the now murderedPastor Alexei Sitnikov wrotein a letter to friends abroad,"The terrible and destructivewar in our republic has placeda huge burden on all of uswho remain. Our church isone of God's few lights in ourIslamic republic."

With the closure of theBaptist church in Grozny, thislight has been extinguished.Practically all foreign Chris-tians have now left Chechenya.There is a handful of nationalChristians, but because of per-secution, they cannot meet to-gether as a church.

Keswick Convention CentreRororua

We need a person/couple to host camps and

maintain our property at Holdens Bay.

Excellent housing and good remunerations.

Applications and enquiries to:Keswick Secretary

Mrs Gwen Syme

RD2 Tirau, Waikato

over the weekend of 18-19 September 1999.

All who have been associated with the church arewarmly invited to request details from:

Marge Crocker26b Seabreeze Rd,

Devonport, Auckland 1309.Ph. 09 445 8855.

2

Archer Memorial Home166 Colombo StreetP.O. Box 12189 BeckenhamChristchurchPhone 332-7510

Belmont Baptist Churchwill celebrate its

August 1999 NZ Baptist

Howick Poet Prepares to Publish Book

Brian Keane (71) ofHowick Baptist Church hasbeen writing poetry for thepast thirty-five years, but es-pecially in the last five. Hesays he has written aboutthree hundred poems since1994, some humorous andsome serious. About a yearago he sorted out about 170of his best poems, had themedited, engaged a talentedillustrator (Anne Otte) fromhis church, and is now on theverge of publishing his firstbook of poetry.

"The idea of publishingmy poems just grew on me,"he says, "and I believe theLord's hand was in it." Thework will be privately pro-duced and he is talking to acouple of printers at present.He hopes to have the book,which contains many poemsabout his strong faith in God,ready for the market this Sep-tember.

"I've always liked read-ing poetry and I've liked

learning it, too," he says. "Ihad an aunt who taught elo-cution and she taught mepoems as a child."

He says the hardest thingabout writing poetry is thepolishing process, which ismuch harder than the firstcreative burst.

"I believe if you write apoem properly you shouldconsider every word in rela-tion to the word before it andthe word after it," he said,"but I haven't had the pa-tience to do that until quiterecently. Most of the poems

I've written were dashed offin less than 90 minutes, butthen they have needed a lotof editing."

Brian Keane grew up inDunedin, and was baptisedin his early twenties with hiswife Pauline at the HanoverStreet Church. Today Briansuffers from Parkinsons dis-ease, among other ailments,but remains cheerful and op-timistic. The Keanes, whonow have four children andnine grandchildren, havelived in Howick for the pastthirty years.

Bible Societies to Double ScriptureDistribution in Three Years

"Operation 21" is thename given to a global cam-paign involving Bible Socie-ties, including New Zealand,which aims to double theworldwide distribution ofBibles in all media, in thefirst three years of the twenty-first century.

The world fellowship ofBible Societies, the UnitedBible Societies, has approvedan increase in its fundraisingprogramme which will boostthe funds available for Scrip-ture distribution by over 30percent per year for the nextthree years.

"Our goal," said ColinReed, UBS executive commit-

tee member, "is to bring God'sWord to an increasinglypostmodern, postliterate andspiritually searching world."

Mr Reed, who is also thechief executive of the BibleSociety in New Zealand, ex-plained that "Operation 21"is a three-stage project. Stageone begins in the "BibleLands" which includes sup-porting Bible Societyprojects in Israel, the WestBank, Egypt and Lebanon.Other areas of the world in-cluded in the later stages ofthe project are Asia, Africa,Latin America and the Car-ibbean.

"The Bible Lands focus

is deliberate," said ColinReed. "As the world cel-ebrates the 2000th anniver-sary of the birth of Jesus, weare helping to fund Bibleprojects in these areas so thatall people there will focus onthe true significance of themillennium celebrations."

Blockhouse Bay Celebrates Jubilee

Special Readers Offer

RRP $39.95Frank Peretti's new book The Visitation

will be another best seller. We have a

limited supply available at the discounted

price of $24.95(+ $4.95 pph). That's a

saving of over $10.00! Fill out your

details and post with a cheque payable

to NZ Baptist. Don't delay, stocks are

limited!

YES! Please send me my copy of TheVisitation, I have enclosed my Chequefor $29.90 payable to NZ Baptist

"The king of the [Christian Fiction] genreIs Frank Peretti." -Time Magazine

Courier address - no PO Boxes

Post to: Special Readers Offers, NZ Baptist, PO Box 97543, SAMC

by Greg KnowlesThe words of Jesus to go

to Jerusalem, to Judaea,Samaria and the ends of theearth have been somethingof a challenge to BlockhouseBay Baptist as they celebratetheir 50th jubilee this year.

In 1917 the church beganas the Green Bay Mission, anon-denominational group.But in 1949, with NelsonSkeates as their first minis-ter, it was constituted as aBaptist church. In celebrat-ing the 50th jubilee thechurch wanted to take Jesus'words to heart and do some-thing within the church,within their community, andwithin the world.

The church celebratedover the Easter weekend withan afternoon tea featuring

static displays and old moviefootage, a dinner and a Sun-day morning Jubilee service.The speaker was Rev ChrisFinlay (Avonhead Baptist)who spent his teenage yearsat Blockhouse Bay, his fa-ther Rev Alan Finlay beingthe minister from 1962 to1971.

Still to come is the com-munity Jubilee project inwhich the church will con-struct an adventure play-ground, sandpit and shadearea at the local primaryschool. As an internationalfocus, the church family hasadopted an unreached peo-ple's group—the Balinese, aHindu group from Indonesia.

The church commitmentwill be one of encourage-ment and prayer.

Foundation members Vaughn & Ruby Jones and V. Woods(seated) cut the Jubilee cake.

Houston Artists ChallengeChristians: Reclaim Arts For God

(Zondervan New Serv-ice) Dancer Randall Flinnand singer Richard Bernhardhave created ArtReach, aweeklong, nondenomina-tional seminar that providesprofessional instruction forChristian artists, "The Hou-ston Chronicle" reported.The 3-year-old symposiumattracts hundreds of studentswho spend intensive hourswith Christian faculty,blending their faith and art-istry into a lifelong minis-try. The conference is grow-ing as churches increasinglyturn to the arts to attractyounger, more visually-ori-ented members. Since meet-ing in 1993, the two haveperformed and taught in Eu-rope, Malaysia and other ar-eas.

In April 1996, Bernhardand Flinn were teaching at aChristian youth conferencein Texas, when Bernhard re-alized they were teachingeverywhere but Houston, thenewspaper reported.

"I started [visualizing] abig arts conference with peo-ple coming from all over theworld," said Bernhard, a pro-fessional singer since 1985.

They decided the con-ference would encompassnot only singing and danc-ing but also drama, paintingand sculpting. The first con-ference in 1997 attracted 160students from 11 nations. In1998, the conference drew300 participants.

The conference includes

worship, devotional studies,technical classes, and con-certs and performances in-volving both faculty and stu-dents. Attendees also par-ticipate in outreach activi-ties, a concept Flinn calls"servant ministry." (Source:Charisma News Service,h t t p : / / w w w . c h a r i s m anews.com)

Zondervan books on thistopic:

The Heart Of The Artist:A Character Guide For YouAnd Your Ministry Team byRory Noland (1999, ISBN0-310-22471-3, 352 pp.)

Explores issues of char-acter facing Christian artistswho want to use their giftsmore effectively in churchministry.

Drama Ministry: Practi-cal Help For Making DramaA Vital Part Of Your Churchby Steve Pederson, (1999,ISBN 0-310-21945-0, 192pp.)

Practical help for churchdrama directors. Includes:directing procedures, build-ing a drama team, actor train-ing, script writing, and more.A CD ROM of staging ex-amples is included.

Roaring Lambs: A Gen-tle Plan To Radically ChangeYour World by Bob Briner(1994, ISBN 0-310-59111-2, 192 pp.)

A clear call for Chris-tians to reclaim culture forChrist by joining it ratherthan running from or boy-cotting it.

- hard place people- Asia/Middle EastPhone:0800 4 GOINGEmail:[email protected]

3

F R A N K P E R E T T I Frank Peretti:The Visitation

Name

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ENGINEER - Pakistan, Middle EastESL TEACHER - Bangladesh. Nepal,Central Asia, Gulf, Middle East. LAB-ORATORY TECHNICIAN - Banglad-esh. Nepal, Gulf LIBRARIAN - Ban-gladesh MECHANIC - Bangladesh,Mongolia MENTAL HEALTH CAREWORKER - Afghanistan. NURSE /MIDWIFE - Asia, Middle East. OC-CUPATIONAL THERAPIST - AsiaPERSONNEL/PROMO/ADMINreplacing the energetic Mark Crebawho leaves November - AucklandPHYSIOTHERAPIST -Afghanistan,Gulf, Middle East, Nepal, PakistanPLUMBER - Middle East PYSCH-OLOGIST - Middle East RADIO-GRAPHER - Pakistan SOCIALWORKER-Pakistan SPEECHTHERAPIST - Nepal, Banglade-sh TEACHER - Afganistan, Ba-

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Why not call

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CreativityWebster defines creativity as "artistic or intellectual

inventiveness." But while the definition is simple, theexpressions of creativity are as diverse as the human raceitself. Since we announced two months ago that this issuewould focus on creativity, we have been overwhelmed withpoems and stories from inspired individuals within thechurches. I use the word "individual" deliberately, becausecreativity is a supremely individual thing. As FrankyShaeffer has pointed out, "creativity is not a committeeendeavour. It does not fit well with a socialistic concept oflife. Creativity is individual, just the way God made us. Itis an individual expression. It is your expression."

The reponse from readers has been gratifying, andwe regret that limitations of space have prevented usfrom publishing everything that was sent in. Finally wedecided to publish a selection of the shorter poems, inorder to recognise as many different writers as possible.

"Churches should support the creative people withinthe community," says Franky Schaeffer, "not alwaystrying to make them justify what they are doing in somespiritual sense, not demanding sloganeering, not onlyrecognising their creativity when it can be useful tothem, or used on a programme, but enjoying it for whatit is, a God-given gift."

Genuine artists among us need to be encouraged,because they often walk a lonely path. The visual artsonce rendered religion a great service. At least until theReformation, the church was art's patron saint. Works ofart were the people's Bible, as the artist's brush taughtthe illiterate masses the story of Christianity more con-vincingly than the pen of the theologian.

Clearly art plays a lesser role in today's Protestantchurch. In fact Schaeffer once complained that "themodern Christian world, and what is known as evangeli-calism, is marked, in the area of the arts and culturalendeavour, by one outstanding feature, and that is itsaddiction to mediocrity."

He despaired of the trinkets in his local Christianbookstore which included "the set of praying handsmade out of some pressed muck, Christian posters readyto adorn your walls with suitable Christian graffiti tosanctify them; perhaps a little plastic cube with a mus-tard seed entombed within to boost your understandingof faith; maybe a toothbrush with a Bible verse stampedon its plastic handle..." and so on.

We would answer Schaeffer by pointing out that inevery heart there is a love of the beautiful; and justbecause we have kitsch in our culture doesn't mean mostChristians have settled for it.

Artists use a variety of media. If this month's Baptisthas a preponderance of poetry, it's not because weconsider it a higher kind of creative endeavour, butsimply because newspapers handle words best. Wesalute all those artists in our midst who are makingbeautiful things, whether these be paintings or sculp-tures, dramatic presentations or puppet plays, wall hang-ings, dolls or designs—whatever, in fact, honours God,delights the senses, and lifts us above the ordinary.—Julie Belding

The New Zealand Baptist is the newspaper of theBaptist Churches of New Zealand.Published by the Communications Division of the Baptist Union andMissionary Society of New Zealand, 8 Puhinui Road, Manukau City.

Editorial and lettersPO Box 65275, Auckland 1330Phone 0-9-479 7603 Fax 0-9-479 7819Email [email protected], Subscriptions and AccountsPO Box 97543, South AucklandPhone 0-9-278 7494 Fax 0-9-278 7499Email [email protected]

EditorMissionary Editor

Churches in ActionBusiness ManagerProduction

Julie BeldingGreg Knowles502-506 Blockhouse Bay RoadBlockhouse Bay, Auckland.Christine GuttenbeilRichard HuntJonathan Read

Printed by Horton Media, East Tamaki, Auckland.

Copy Deadline: 12th of the month prior to month of issue.Publication Date: First Sunday of each month except January.Distributed through local Baptist Churches in New Zealand, anddependent on their contributions.Subscriptions and postage for othersNew Zealand: $20.00 (inc GST); Overseas surface: $25.00; Overseasairmail: Australia & Sth Pacific: $29.00; Asia & Nth America: $35.50;Europe, Sth America, Africa, Middle East: $38.00

Registered at POHQ as a newspaper ISSN 0027-7177A member publication of the Australasian Religious Press Associa-tion. Articles and advertising in the NZ Baptist are the opinions of theauthors, not necessarily the editors or publishers. Every effort is madeto ensure the correctness of facts and information; however we cannotaccept responsibility for errors. The publishers reserve the right toaccept or decline any advertising. Fundraising appeals areaccepted for Baptist causes only.

If you have something to say about a current issue write to the Editor. The NZcondensed . The Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline any

Baptist PO Box 65275. Auckland 1330 Letters of more than 200 words will beletter without explanation. Your full name and address must be supplied.

Sophie'sChoice

In the last two or three dec-ades we have witnessed, in soci-ety and the church, an emphasison the equality of men andwomen. This has been necessaryand good, and the emphasis needsto continue. Yet Sophie, throughher wedding vows, has remindedus that although men and womenare equal, they are not the same!This timely reminder is alsogood.

Somehow we have to pre-serve these two elements, sexualequality and difference—hold-ing them together in some sortof tension. This may be diffi-cult, but not impossible. Paulseems to have captured the ten-sion well in that notorious pas-sage, Ephesians 5:21-33!

—John Leman, Mt Albert[How did Sophie's wedding

vows remind us that men andwomen are equal?—Ed.]

Capernwray inNew Zealand

I wonder how many churchpeople know about the remark-able Capernwray facilities avail-able in the buildings and grounds

of the beautiful Monavale prop-erty near Cambridge? This ispart of the worldwide outreachof this movement to train youngpeople in Christian service. Atan economical rate young peo-ple can spend a week at thecentre to explore courses avail-able. The adventure programmeis especially appealing. Couldchurches consider sponsoringselected young people for thisunique opportunity? Informa-tion is available fromCapernwray Bible School, P.O.Box 702, Cambridge.—Arthur Jamieson, Feilding

by Trevor DonnellThe special Millennial

Assembly Celebrations inAuckland, 8-14 November,will focus on our mission toNew Zealand and the worldin the twenty-first century.

Together in Ministry—New Zealand 2000

On Thursday evening,November 11, the VictoryCentre in downtown Aucklandwill be filled with the sightsand sounds of ourdiverseNewZealandBaptistfamily. Maori,Pakeha, Samoan, Korean, In-dian and Chinese groups fromour churches will join in mu-sic, word, dance and song tocelebrate our family in Christ.During this event, two groups

accompanying our outgoingand incoming presidents,Graeme Murray and AngelaCossey, will be welcomed anda multicultural ceremony tomark the change of the presi-dents will take place. This willbe a very special event, towhich delegates and people ofthe Auckland region are in-vited.

A Millennial PresidentNo, she is not a thousand

years old! Angela Cossey isa young wife and mother ofthree children who brings aforward view to the Presi-dent position. She representsthose who will have the ma-jority of their ministry in thetwenty-first century, rather

than those coming to the endof their twentieth centuryministry. Angela is marriedto Paul, pastor of RandwickPark church in South Auck-land. She is a member of theAssembly Council and con-venor of the College Wom-en's course at Carey BaptistCollege. She will be auniquely different president.

Churches at Work Day —Saturday 13 November

Baptists need to tell theirstories, to share their insightsand experience, to find to-gether the most effectiveways to minister to New Zea-land in the twenty-first cen-tury. In a full-day forum atthe Windsor Park Centre,

churches and individuals willtell of what the Lord has donein their life and ministry.Those who were at New Ply-mouth last Assembly willremember the Saturday nightprogramme there. This is afurther development of thatconcept. During the"Churches at Work" day, newchurches joining the familyof churches will be welcomedin and will share how Godhas worked in their foundingand establishment. Duringthe day there will be sometime for reflection and smallgroup discussion, to allowdelegates to absorb and in-vestigate the feast of ideasthat will be spread beforethem.

contact

po box 65275, auckland 1330. [email protected]

4

Jonathan read, po box 97543, south auckland


To lead you have love as wellIt was this heading on his

weekly column that drew meto Paul Holmes' commentsin the NZ Herald. Only a fewlines into the column it wasobvious that Holmes wasspelling out his contempt forthe lack of leadership shownby government ministers inparticular, and politicians ingeneral.

But it was the centre-piece of the article whichcaught my attention.

Homes wrote..."There is a primitive

longing within us for leader-ship, for some calling to oursoul. We want a governmentto point the way.

Leadership is simple.Throw the dense MBA booksaway. Leadership is aboutlove and vision. You mustlove the people you lead, youmust understand the road youwant them to walk and youmust be able to describe thescene at the end of the jour-ney."

NZ Herald, 5 June 1999.I agree with Holmes'

statement wholeheartedly butnot only with respect to par-liamentarians. My lament isthat lack of leadership skillsare too often demonstratedin church life as well.

Leadership with love andvision is essential for healthycongregations and leadershipteams. And yet the experi-

ence of many leadership peo-ple - in the face of conflictand rumour - is that leader-ship is a thankless task. Goodleaders do not want to spendtheir time and break theirspirits overpointless conflictand pervasive criticism.

Please hearme! Iam talk-ing about church leaders andpastors and congregations inthis situation. I have seen toomany broken people andchurches. The Superintend-ents also are too often drawninto dysfunctional situations- often too late to achieve anysatisfactory outcomes.

Some of the leadershipnegatives which I have no-ticed appearing again andagain over the years include:• Arrogance: there seems

to be very little evidenceof a servant heart or atti-tude in the leader/ship.

• Aggressive styles whichpolarise rather than cre-ate unity and harmony indiversity.

• Anger, often demonstrat-ing a lack of personal spir-itual and emotionalwholeness.

• And not infrequently anabsence of biblicallybased principles in build-ing relationships. Con-sequently when difficul-ties arise the most com-mon responses appear tobe conflict and feeding

off negative rumour.Recently I had the privi-

lege of attending the Leader-ship Conference hosted bySpreydon Church and amongthe several things which im-pressed me was Graeme Reid'saddress about the crucial roleof leadership in building au-thentic Christian communities.Graeme is part of the SpreydonCommunity Services Trustand a leader in the church.

Graeme made us laugh!He also made us look at our-selves and our motives inleadership. He reminded usof some sobering require-ments which leadership mustexemplify if it is to have au-thenticity.

What follows are mynotes of what Graeme sharedat the conference. He has gra-ciously allowed me to out-line them here because I thinkthey are so pertinent.

Graeme talked about "thecharacteristics of authenticleadership" and in doing sostressed a very importantprinciple, often overlookedby people aspiring or pur-porting to be leaders, ie - that"leadership character andvalues are more importantthan the ministry itself!"

Graeme's emphases werethat authentic leadership:• Recognises and releases

the power of encourage-ment in others;

by John NorthThis huge universe is dif-

ficult for our limited mindsto take in. But we humans areinquisitive creatures whowant to know, to understand,to analyse, describe and pre-dict. We use numbers, logic,experiment, technology, lat-eral thinking and all sorts ofhypotheses to investigate thisamazing universe.

But what about the ONEwho created the universe?This is a different situation.

God is not one ob-ject among many to

be studied and inves-tigated. The tools of sci-

ence and technology donot penetrate to the divine.Left to ourselves, as a falli-

ble and limited species,there is no way for usto approach and knowGod.

But the Bible storystarts from the otherside. It was God whoapproached humans andthe old book is a seriesof encounters with thedivine. The central themeis summed up inJohnl:18. "No one hasever seen God. It is the

father's only Son who isclose to the father's heart whohas made him known."

• Is entrusted with the re-sponsibility to inspire andlead others;

• Fosters in the leader andwithin others a spirit ofthankfulness;

• Is derived out of a lead-er's personal relationshipwith Jesus;

• Is leadership which leadswith love and care.- basic, but so true!To return to the comment

by Paul Holmes.... Qualityleadership also has a lot to dowith both discerning the"journey" (for us - of thechurch) and describing the"scene" at the end of it.

To do that creates hope -our people need hope, notonly for life's journey but forthe fact that there is a "desti-nation"! Hope is essential.

Too many followers ofJesus have been turned offchurch because of inadequateand unwise leadership at cru-cial points in their lives.

On the other hand, I amalso aware that people of thecongregations need to con-sider more carefully their re-sponsibility in:• Seeking help and proper

processes when calling/appointing leadershippersonnel(Acts 13:1-2 identifies theprocess as includingprayer and fasting.

• Upholding the pastor(s)

and leadership team inmeaningful prayer. It isinteresting to note in theNew Testament lettershow often the ApostlePaul asked people to prayfor him and his colleaguesin the working out of theirministries. This prayersupport is very important.

• Affirming and encourag-ing your leaders when-ever that is appropriate.They are human! and ap-preciate support.

• Building relationshipswith them. This is bothfor friendship and for thetimes when issues arise sothey can be more amica-bly discussed and resolved- early rather than later.

• Determine not to be partof a rumour machineagainst leadership butseek open and mutual dis-cussion to resolve issues.The latter is a demonstra-tion of spiritual maturityand of a healthy church.What a dramatic change

some of our churches wouldsee if these ideals were fol-lowed by all concerned.

All of us have leadershipresponsibilities at one timeoranother-athome, atwork,at Church. This being thecase, let us consider the im-portance of the statement andseek to live it out - "To leadyou have to love as well."

The utterly mysteriousGod becomes knowable inthe person of Jesus. Thismeans that theology, theword about God, is alwaysdifferent from all other disci-plines. As I. T. Ramsaywrote: "Other disciplines willbe judged primarily on thequality of their articulation;theology will be judged pri-marily on its ability to pointto mystery."

This pointing often comeswith great power, not throughcerebral theology but throughthe creative arts such as mu-sic, painting, dance, drama,and so on. These arts speakdirectly to the heart, not sup-plying us with informationbut pointing beyond them-selves to the mysterious Godwho changes our lives.

These themes of God re-vealed and yet still mysteri-ous echo through the Bible."The wind blows where itchooses... So it is with every-one who is born of the Spirit."John 3:8

We have our guidelinesabout becoming and being aChristian. But there is oftensomething unpredictableabouthow God deals with us.

Jesus told how the king-dom of God grows quietly inways we do not understand.

Mk 4: 26Paul wrote about God

who is able to do far morethan we can ask or imagine.Eph.3:20

This is hard for us organ-ized people to accept. Wewould prefer God to conformto our expectations and un-derstanding. We would likeGod to be a bit more predict-able. As Harry Williamswrote:

"The ultimate Mysterymust be reduced to neat littledoctrinal brown paper par-cels so that it becomes ac-ceptable because no longerthreatening."

How then can we ap-proach and know this ONEwho is so mysterious? TheGerman writer, J Zink sumsit up like this:"God is love and whoeverabides in love, abides in Godand God in them.No thought can grasp God.No ecstasy can reach so high.No profundity can fathomGod's depths.No persistence can outlastGod.But whoever bows in lovewill meet himFor God is love to the small-est thingTo the least of people,To me."

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Phone:0800 4 GOINGEmail:[email protected]


1 July 1999The ClerkJustice and Law Reform Se-lect CommitteeParliament Buildings, Wel-lingtonSHOP TRADING HOURS(ABOLITION OF RESTRIC-TIONS) BILL

The Public QuestionsCommittee of the Baptist Un-ion of New Zealand and NewZealand Baptist MissionarySociety is pleased to make thefollowing submission to theJustice and Law Reform Se-lect Committee concerning theShop Trading Hours (Aboli-tion of Restrictions) Bill.

The Public QuestionsCommittee comprises anumber of Baptist ministersand laypersons authorised bythe Annual Assembly of theBaptist Union to address andseek an informed Christianresponse to public issues witha significant Christian and/orethical content. The Commit-tee seeks to address and re-spond to issues referred to theCommittee by the BaptistUnion Council, to inform Bap-tist churches on issues of pub-lic interest, and to representthe Baptist Union before Par-liament (select committees)orother national bodies on re-quest. While it cannot speakofficially on behalf of the Bap-tist Union without the author-

ity of the representative As-sembly, it has the authority tomake representations, and toissue statements on its ownright.

Summary of this submission:The Public Questions

Committee supports the statusquo of the Shop Trading Re-peals Hours Act 1990 wherebyshops are not permitted to tradeon the three sacred Christianholidays of Good Friday,Easter Sunday, and Christmasas well as for half a day onAnzac Day.

Comment1. It is our concern that the

proposed Bill gives prec-edence to a market or com-mercial view of society overother traditional heritage fac-tors in society. Each devel-oped nation sets aside days ofcelebration, rest, and relaxa-tion for its population, holi-days which are relevant to thecountry's history, beliefs, andcomposition of society. Suchtimes are regarded as both goodand necessary for the well-being of individual membersof society and to the cohesionof society at large - opportuni-ties to reflect on, and partici-pate in, national or regionalaspects which bind people to-gether. All four holidays speci-fied in the Shop Trading Re-

peal Hours Act achieve thispurpose. They occupy an un-questioned place in our NewZealand way of life, and assuch enjoy a moral authority.Such is recognised by the cur-rent Shop Trading RepealHours Act 1990 which pro-hibits shops trading on the fourdays in full or in part. This Actis widely supported across allsectors of society.

The Public QuestionsCommittee observes little sup-port for any change to this Act.It is our contention that theproposed change could createan unwelcome and dangerousprecedent where a smallnumber of commercial inter-est groups had the power tooverturn foundational heritagematters.

2. Public holidays are arecognised part of all devel-oped societies in the world.They are an essential compo-nent of the cycle of work andrest, relaxation, and recreation.Today's busy and demandingwork environment puts pres-sure on the mental health ofthe individual worker and onfamilies where one or bothparents work. The annual cy-cle of public holidays providessome relief from this pressure.The three holidays under re-view give families time off todo things together and/or with

for a 30 hour feast of an experiencein which you Discover in Person (DIP)

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DIPers arrive on Friday evening in time for dinner and an informal evening together.On Saturday, it's all on! Chat with staff and students, participate in lectures and seminars,

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Carey belongs to the Baptist family of churches. While our core business is training pastors, wealso train people for a variety of M&M (ministry and mission) situations. This DIP experience is

particularly designed for those interested in our pastoral leadership training.

There is no cost to DIPers. We will accommodate visitors from outside Auckland and subsidisetheir travel (a little!). Sunday is a free day. Pre-registration is required.

Mail the coupon to Carey Baptist College today -together with a letter of recommendation from your pastor.

Yes, count me in! I want to do the DIP experience onAugust 27-28. Register me please!

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Final date for application 16th August '99

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Mail today to:Anne AdlamAdministratorCarey Baptist CollegePO Box 12149, PenroseAuckland 6

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friends and relatives. They areimportant to the cohesion ofsociety.

Public holidays shouldtherefore be accessible to allNew Zealanders who reside inthe area covered geographi-cally by the holiday. The pro-posedchange,however, woulddeprive a significant numberof our New Zealand popula-tion - particularly shop work-ers and traders - of access tothe three sacred holidays.While it would not be manda-tory for shops to open on thethree days, experience sincethe repeal of Sunday tradingsuggests that many shopswould feel compelled by com-petition to remain open.

3. By seeking the removalof restrictions to the three sa-cred days of Good Friday,Easter Sunday, and Christmas,and not to Anzac Day, the Billappears to discriminate against

the Christian holidays and theirobservance. The Public Ques-tions Committee does not needto remind the Select Commit-tee members that the threeholydays are universally re-garded as foundational cel-ebrations of the Christian faith- commemorating the birth,death, and resurrection of Je-sus Christ. Because of theirsignificance, most countries inthe world provide the Chris-tian community with the free-dom to participate in the cel-ebrations, including countrieswhose primary religion in so-ciety is not Christian. Further-more, countries which are rec-ognized as predominantlyChristian mostly observe thethree holydays as full publicholidays, with no or minimaltrading permitted, as is recog-nized by the Shop TradingRepeal Hours Act in our owncountry. This legislative pro-vision enables all who are

Annual Winter EventThe New Zealand Baptist Historical Society presents...

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Guest Speakers: Margaret McClure & Olwyn Dickson

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RSVP: Douglas Dean (Curator) Phone 09 525 4017 (Wk)09 528 5948 (Hm) by Monday, 16th August 1999

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Christians unrestricted free-dom to attend the foundationalworship services of celebra-tion/commemoration associ-ated with their religion. Withthe majority of New Zealand-ers (63%) declaring them-selves Christian by religion ac-cording to the 1996 census, itis most important that unre-stricted access to observanceof the three holidays continuesto be available in our country.

While the proposed changedoes not prohibit Christianshop workers from attendingreligious services on thesethree sacred holidays, the real-ity is that over time many infact would be restricted fromdoing so. For example, duringthe last Christmas vacation oneof Wellington's leading shopretailers changed its decisionto employ the university stu-dent son of one of the mem-bers of the Public QuestionsCommittee, when he requestedthe right not to work on Sun-days because of religious con-viction. But at present, healong with other Christians canfreely attend Good Friday,Easter Sunday, and Christmasservices without fear of workdiscrimination.

4. As noted above it is ourview that the proposed changehas the potential to cause harmin society. It is also our viewthat the country's economy isunlikely to benefit greatly fromextending shop trading to afurther three days in the year.We see little need for thechange. Shops can alreadytrade on all but three and a halfdays in the year. Even on therestricted days, consumers andtourists can buy goods fromservice stations, book stores,souvenir and food outlets.

ConclusionThe Public Questions

Committee of the Baptist Un-ion of New Zealand opposesthe Shop Trading Hours (Abo-lition of Restrictions) Bill.

We would welcome theopportunity to discuss this pa-per before the Select Commit-tee, if invited to do so, and torespond to questions or com-ments, including possible com-promise options, such as (i)full day restrictions on GoodFriday and Christmas Dayonly; and (ii) half day close forall four holidays specified inthe current Act.

David Wood, Chair, PublicQuestions Committee, 1 MataiStreet, Linden

6

Submission to Parliament:

You're invited to...

CareyBaptist College

Name

Phone

BAPTIST COLLEGE


by Rob Bellingham"Elderly Abandoned"

screamed the headline in theBangkok Post recently. Thearticle noted that in this, theInternational Year of OlderPersons, more and more olderpersons were living out theirfinal years alone and lonely.

In Thailand and manyother developing countrieslife expectancy has increasedmarkedly in the post WW2period. In the transition, thechildren of the current eld-erly still had large familiesand therefore many respon-sibilities and mouths to feed,while their children are opt-ing for fewer children andtherefore fewer to care for

happy old age. Mentally wecan do this by readingwidely, physically by stay-ing in shape, spiritually bynurturing faith and hope, andsocially by investing in rela-tionships.

The theme of this Inter-national Year of Older Per-sons is "Towards a Societyfor all Ages". In New Zea-land the focus is on "Valu-ing Older People" throughpromoting positive atti-tudes to older people andpreparing for an agingpopulation. Expect somepublicity telling us old ageis 'cool ' . The governmenthas also commissioned re-search into how to keep old

people out of rest homes.There are nearly 1 billion older persons in the world

and increasingly they are in Third World countries whichlack social security schemes such as ours, while urbanisa-tion and poverty are eroding traditional forms of care forolder people. If only the East wouldn't copy the West!

A real oldie once said, "It is not by muscle, speed orphysical dexterity that great things are achieved, but byreflection, force of character and judgement; in thesequalities old age is not only not poorer, but is even richer"(Cicero approx 50 BC).

The Spirit of Adventure Trust is contributing to theyear by scheduling 26 days of sailing for grandparents onits tall sailing ship. On a recent circling of Rangitoto,twelve oldies climbed the mast. That's the way to go -growing old with zest and style. With faith and friendsadded, becoming an older person can be something tolook forward to.

The grey beard is a sign that Rob Bellingham willbecome,an "older person," It will be welcome, but notyet though!

by Kathy Moriarty, Auckland Baptist Social ServicesWe are all horrified when we read about the statistics of

child abuse in New Zealand. According to the Children,Young Persons and Their Families Agency (CYPFA), morethan 20 children a day suffered some form of child abuse lastyear.

The figures are sobering, but somehow they always seemto relate people 'out there'. Have you ever considered childabuse could be happening in your community, even in yourchurch? Have you ever thought that you might be able to dosomething to help?

"When a situation is serious and a child discloses to youthey are being sexually abused, without question, you shouldcontact CYPFA," says the senior social worker at BaptistFamily Services, Christine Ogborn. "Or if you notice injurieson a child and the explanation you receive doesn't ring true,acknowledge your gut feeling and notify the authorities."

If the situation is less serious, however, observers maywell be in a position to help, she says.

"For example, if you notice a parent you are in constant

contact with is not coping with their child, you might be ableto get alongside them and get a feeling about how stressedthey are."

She suggests trying to find out the source of the problem,and offering to help in some way.

"It may be that something as simple as offering to lookafter their child during a church service is all that's neededto relieve the parent's stress at that time," Christine says."Putting church supports like this into action could preventa mildly abusive situation from escalating out of control."

As well, she says, churches could advocate the use ofparenting courses available in the community which teachpeople there are other ways of disciplining children. Takingprivileges away from a child can be just as effective as thesmack we might have received from our parents. Banning achild's favourite TV programme or computer game for anevening works just as well, she believes.

"Hitting children or abusing them in any way only buildsanger and hatred," says Christine. "And the result is that weare producing the angry fathers and mothers of tomorrow."

She said child abuse wasa serious issue, and thatchurches did have to take re-sponsibility.

Baptist Family Services(BFS)provides a comprehendsive range of services to fami-lies and children in need.These include residentialfos-ter care, counselling/socialwork support, two home-based crisis intervention pro-grammes and a supervisedaccess programme. If youwould like further informa-tion about how to deal withchild abuse or suspectedchild abuse please phoneBFS on 09 267 0760.

7

them in old age. To compensate, the Thai governmentprovides an allowance of approx NZ$7 per month, justenough for a meagre rice diet but no extras.

Despite the much greater financial provisions, manyin New Zealand find themselves alone and lonely in theirlatter years. I commented last year on the World Happi-ness Survey which gave Bangladesh top ranking becauseit was a society which made relationships a priority. Frombirth to death we need friends and companions to give lifemeaning.

The old social security department (now Work &Income NZ) was a misnomer. It made money the answerto survival after retirement. It takes more than that! Oneof the saddest sights of my life so far was seeing bus loadsof retirees converge on Atlantic City to play the gamblingmachines. Though well-fed they did not look happy. Onthe other hand I meet many people on the AucklandVeterans tennis circuit who have become my role models.In their 70s or even 80s they are still healthy and active.

To a large extent we all create or own future and itis never too early to lay the foundation for a healthy and


"To create is a satisfyingend in itself," says painterJackie Francis, who belongsto Hamilton Central BaptistChurch. "But the best thingis to have people appreciatewhat you've created, or evento empathise fully. It's notjust an ego thing. More thanthat, it seems to complete thecreation when other peopleare drawn in to it. And if, ontop of all that, my art canminister .... then that is theultimate."

Jackie Francis feels thevisual arts as a medium havescarcely been explored inchurch strategies and pro-grammes, but she sees "tre-mendous potential" oncepeople have been educatedas to its possibilities."

"Music and (in the lasttwenty years or so) dramahave been used extensivelyand to good effect, but artvery little. I feel the art po-tential in communicating

Christian truths is almost asgreat as the drama potential.Perhaps the difference is thatpeople have to work harderat it, and maybe Christiansare not willing to do that.The message is not immedi-ately accessible, and contem-plation is required."

A trained primaryteacher, who is currentlyteaching special needs teen-agers part time, Jackie de-scribes herself as a 'contem-porary mixed media artist,'and hopes one day to try pho-tography and sculpture aswell.

She has been interestedin art since childhood, tookthe subject for School Cer-tificate and U.E., and ma-jored in it for three years atTeachers College. She hasalso "dabbled" in craft typeactivities such as poker work,and about five years agojoined an art class at theWaikato Society of Arts.

"This was a good move

for me," she says. "It was amixed media class and I wasable to experiment and ex-plore many different mediawithout the pressure of pro-ducing 'real art.' The tutorand fellow students were verysupportive and I still try tokeep in contact even thoughI am too busy to attend theclass at present."

Just what are these 'con-temporary mixed media' thatJackie likes to work in?

"I like to use 'found ob-jects' in my work," she says."I am a hoarder of useful bitsand pieces that might comein handy. It is a challenge tofind a value in what the worldhas discarded."

Does she see her artlinked to her Christian faith?

"At the moment I am in-terested in what I call theVizageor 'visualmessage,'"she says. "Often the messagecan be quite obtuse, but hope-fully it sets people thinkingand broadens their perspec-

tives on life andfaith."She says some of her fel-

low church members won-der what she's on about, someappreciate her message andsome take a totally differentmessage from the work thanshe intended.

"It doesn't bother me howpeople reactreally," she says."I paint because I want to,it's my passion. Some peo-ple enjoy the colours, othersthe subject matter, the tech-nique, the message - eventhe price!"

With teaching four daysa week, Jackie cannot devoteas much time to her art as shewould like. However shemakes the most of Fridaysand the weekends and setsherself deadlines "otherwisenothing gets done."

"Thehardestpartis whena work is really going well,"she says, "and I have to stopto deal with other issues."

She says her husbandKen, a poet and creative

8

writer, is supportiveand theyoften work together, withJackie supplying the art work,and Ken the prose or poetryto complement it.

The life of an artist is notwithout its stresses, however.

"You get an idea, youthink about it, you plan it,you make it happen and youare pleased with the result -but you fret about whetheryou will ever have anothergood idea!" Jackie says.

Occasionally she is ableto sell her work.

"An artist can always relyon her mum to buy one of herpaintings - and mine has!"Jackie says. She also had twocommissions for a work col-league, and this year sold oneof her paintings at the Para-chute festival.

Jackie and Ken Francis havelived in Hamilton since 1984.They have three children -Tom (20) Mark (17) andRobbie (10).


Kay Denham, a memberof Mt Albert Baptist Church,was known by many peoplein this country for her workwith the Child EvangelismFellowship. But she isbranching into somethingnew— a teaching and bridge-building ministry throughcrafts.

"I'd been thinking abouta change for several years,"says Kay, "while not quiteknowing what it was. At thesame time my interest incrafts was growing."

Three years ago shebought a glue gun, beganmaking things with silk flow-ers, and one thing led to an-other. While it began as ahobby, Kay sold some of herwork and her enthusiasmgrew.

Over the years Kay hasdone tapestry, embroidery,

sewing, knitting and variousart courses at different times,including folk art.

She has found that de-spite the busy life styles ofmodern women who oftenhave careers and families tojuggle, crafts have an enor-mous appeal today.

"In the busyness of lifepeople are moving back to aninterest in simple things,"Kay says. "Many in the craftsubculture see it as a hobby,but it can be a source of in-come too."

Kay Denham believescrafts can also be a vehiclefor sharing the gospel.

"One way is throughbuilding relationships," saysKay, who has come to knowmany of the people on thecraft circuit and likes to re-turn to the same shows to meetthe same group of people.

She demonstrates craftsat outreach meetings and cof-fee mornings, has been ap-proached to talk to people inrest homes, and runs craftparties to which Christianscan invite their neighbours.But she also sees crafts as anextension of the Christianteaching ministry she hasbeen engaged in for 30 years.

"I can see so many paral-lels with our making thingsand with God making some-thing of our lives," she says."We all need that encourage-ment."

A verse which inspiresher new ministry,"KayCraft," is Psalm 90:17:

"May the favour of theLord our God rest upon us;establish the work of ourhands for us—yes, establishthe work of our hands." —Psalm 90:17

With Jesus at Jade Stadium

The True Life Adventures of One Mad Housewife

Cullen Capers

by Liz Cullen, BlenheimLate last year my girls,

Jessica and Laura, firmlystated, "We want to clownwith you, Mummy."

I tried to convince themthatmum didn'tteach clown-ing to four- and six-year-olds,but to no avail. This began'Cullen Capers,' a continu-ing learning curve for us all.

The clowns, Bree-oh,Diamo and Rosie-Sparkles,have so far performed three

including the freckly youngchap at the service stationwith a ring through his eye-brow. Like he has a clue. Ormaybe he sees the glisteningsweat on my forehead andthinks to himself, "Gee, she'sgot her hands full". I'veeven had it said, when I'veonly been out with two of mylittle ones. In that case, the

times together. Our favouredform of clown ministry is ashort, non-verbal clown act.We aim for a clear, humor-ously-presented message andnot all the laughs are planned!The fourth member of ourteam is husband and fatherMark. His many roles includeprayer supporter, stage man-ager and general critic.

The four of us are cur-rently working on a pieceusing 1 Peter 5:7 (Good

reverse side of the sign couldread, "This is nothing, I'vegot another one too".

Perhaps I could add a fewlines at the bottom of the signexplaining that I am still saneso there's no need to look atme like that, and in case youare wondering, they are allmine, and I do know whatcauses this now!

News.) At least we all agreeon the title, 'The Worry Box,'but the rest of the team aretrying to alter my script.However, as the oldest clownI'll have the final say.

Our stage skills are notperfect and neither is ourmake-up (everyone does herown face) but this hasn't putus off. We plan to clown to-gether as our daughters growup, in this, our family's funministry.

The Flute and the Double Bass

By Arie Bot, WhangareiThere was once an or-

chestra, led by a conductorwho showed leadership to thebig and sometimes stridentinstruments, and was an en-couragement to the smalland the timid. He was pleasedwith the distinctive soundsof each instrument when theyperformed in harmony.

One day during a rehearsalsomething happened. Theflute, performing as a soloist,playing music composed es-pecially for the woodwind in-struments was making a mis-take, noticed by everybody.

The conductor, interrupted thepractice with one movementof his baton, and asked theflute "What is happening?"She was too shocked and em-barrassed to say anything.

There was a lot of rus-tling going on among the in-struments wondering whatwas happening. In the mean-time, the violin, who wasclose to her, calmed her downand suggested she have aword with the conductor toexplain what had happened.

That is what she did.The conductor listened

carefully and said "It is okay.

I forgive you. Go back toyour place and play your part.Be more careful next time.

Not long after this, thedouble bass mumbled withhis sombre voice, a few cyni-cal remarks over the flute,sowing seeds of uncertaintyand suspicion. In no timemost of the instruments wereup in arms, losing interest inplaying altogether.

The conductor, however,realised that the gossip fromthe double bass brought moreharm and disharmony to theorchestra than the mistakefrom the flute ever did.

by Tony McCahon,Christchurch

It's important to me that Irisk discovering Jesus in allparts of my life, that his burn-ing love penetrate all myclosed doors. Yet I don't in-teract with God in someplaces, fearing he would notbe interested or that I wouldbe embarrassed if he werepresent. One such untouchedplace is rugby. But what ifJesus went with me to a Su-per 12 match?

I ran excitedly down thesteps and we sat in our allot-ted seats above the players'entrance in the number onestand.

"Jesus, please don't tellme who wins!"

"Oh, I haven't reallythought about that, Tony."

Ah, limited omniscience.I can relax!

I loved being in bigcrowds, enjoying the rawenergy present.

I liked to soak in the pre-match atmosphere and hype.

The band continued toblare and I looked around atthe sea of people in red andblack.

Suddenly I wondered ifJesus might be offended bythe worshipful nature of thisgame, New Zealand's mostpopular icon.

"Is this all a bit over thetop,Jesus?"

"Anything can becomeidolatry, Tony, but it is im-portant to enjoy life. All goodtihngs should be enjoyed."

The crowd roared theirapproval as the contestant'skick narrowly missed themillion dollar target. I turnedto Jesus, but he had slippedaway to share a few wordswith someone a couple ofrows up.

Jesus returned. "Isn'tthisexciting Tony? I'm glad youasked me here tonight."

Children strained againstthe rails over the players'entrance, pleading with theirheroes to sign their autographbooks. Jesus smiled as twoof the Crusaders willinglyobliged. He interacted freelywith these children, laugh-ing with them and askingmany questions.

Suddenly the dancinggirls ran out onto the ovaland began their performance.I was curious about Jesus'

reaction. Was he going to doa 'Christian blush,' holdinghis hands tightly over hisface, or looking embarrass-ingly in every other directionpretending not to be inter-ested, while whistling'Amazing Grace'? No—he'sactually looking at them!

"Aren't the dancers beau-tiful and skilful Tony?"

"Not too loud Jesus! Imean, oh yes, of course theyare! Did you know BillyGraham came here in the1950s?" I stammered, weaklytrying to change the subject.

Jesus smiled wryly.The Crusaders horsemen

galloped around the stadiumwith the crowd roaring ap-proval.

"Jesus, who do you wantto win?"

"The Crusaders, ofcourse!" he winked.

It occurred to me that afew years ago I would haveassumed Jesus would barrackonly for the underdog. Butthat was an image of a ratherbland, passionless God. Ofcourse Jesus is on the side ofanyone who really needs him,or who is on the outer, butthat doesn't preclude himfrom choosing to rejoice overa team he chooses to favour.

"Who did you think Iwould want to win Tony?"

"Oh, I suppose the losingside."

"Only if that was the Cru-saders," Jesus exclaimed.

Vengalis reached a cli-max and the Crusaders ex-ploded on to the oval.

The crowd roared. Hugebutterflies flapped about inmy stomach as the matchbegan.

I must control myself, Ithought. Jesus might thinkI'm enjoying this too much. Isuppose I can relax a little.We haven't given away anyearly points yet.

I looked at Jesus. He wascertainly looking relaxed.But with a sudden impishsmile he threw out his leftarm like an on-fire evange-list. Instantly everyone instand three fell back, and aMexican wave began.

"I couldn't resist that!"Jesus twinkled.

When the wave reachedus, Jesus threw up his armsand leaped to his feet, shout-ing enthusiastically.

Caught off guard I mum-bled something to him aboutthe Great Schism of 1054between the Western Churchand the Eastern Church.

"Stop trying to protect meTony. Don't try to make mein your image. Dignity is notalways next to godliness.Would you like a cup of cof-fee?"

"Oh, yes, thanks."Jesus stopped to have a

few words with several peo-ple on his way out. Werethey his friends? Or were theycomplete strangers who hadnow become his friends?

Jesus returned with alukewarm cup of coffee.

I pondered why I was notas totally absorbed in therugby as usual.

I felt contented and val-ued, even while Jesus chat-ted with others.

Half time arrived quickly.During the break Jesus staredwith childlike delight at theexploding colourful glory ofthe fireworks.

The second half started. Iwas tempted briefly to askJesus to straighten AndrewMehrtens' penalty kick. ButI resisted. It went over any-how.

The game was soon after.Although I felt happy thatthe Crusaders had won, thegame did not seem as impor-tant to me as it usually did.

Jesus seemed keen to seethe players return underneathus to the dressing rooms. Hesmiled at Norm Berryman'shuge grin, and as AndrewMehrtens patiently signedmore autographs for the kids.

As we left in my car Jesussaid, "Thanks for inviting meto the rugby tonight. I reallyenjoyed it."

"That's okay. So did I.""Tony, would you drop

me off in Manchester Street?I have to be with some lonelywomen there."

I frantically tried to thinkof some important last thingto ask, savouring the occa-sion.

"Jesus, what did you writewith your finger in the groundthat time?"

Jesus laughed as hestepped out of my car.

"Remember Tony, I amwith you always!"

I think I believe that alittle more now.

9

Ministering Through Crafts

by Victoria Purdie, HowickI think I'll get a sign

made up that I can weararound my neck when I goshopping with my three lit-tle ones. It might read some-thing like, "I know I've gotmy hands full, tell me some-thing else."

I hear it everywhere, allthe time, and from everyone,

10 NZ Baptist August 1999

A New Dayby Ray Brown, Ruakaka

The dawn was fast approachingThe sky was clear and blue,The birds and bees were waiting,Planning what they ought to do.

The ferns were gently swayingIn the early morning breeze,A rustling and a creakingcame from branches on the trees.

The roosters started crowing,heralding the dawn,Life must go on as usual,Just another morn.

God's creation is a wonderand blessings to us all.We must thank our God and Saviourwho planned and made it all.

Lovest Thou Me?by Karley Thorn, Remuera

When you're on a downer,Fed up, disheartened, disillusioned and fullof self pity,When you're told that you're dreadfully lazy,And you're feeling downright hazy,"Lovest Thou Me?"

When you're told something that just can'tbe true,Do you have to have the last word,No matter what the hue?When you're treated very badly, and you'refeeling downright angry,"Lovest Thou Me?"

When your love is sorely tested,When you feel others are better bested,When others doubt you, do you doubt your-self? Or..."Lovest Thou Me?"

When I Look At Youby Catherine French, Papatoetoe

Under the skin where the blood flowsHidden from the eyeUnder the heart where the sorrow liesPumping the body flows,Under the skin.Nobody knows under the skin.Who can tellWhere the heart lies,Which direction does it flow,Bitterness, sorrow, hurt and anger,Love, beauty and warmth,Under the skin where the heart lies.The outsideA camouflage coverAll smile and grit,But under the skin the heart flows,God up aboveAnd yet so near,Under the skin where the heart lies.Only "I am" knowsWhere the heart flowsUnder the skin.

Our Childrenby W.G. Hughes, Nelson

We have children in our careWho the future's trials must bear.We must teach them in their youthHow to understand God's truth.We must open up God's wordThat his voice be clearly heard.

We must warn them of the wayThat is wide for those who stray.Wide the gate that lures them onTo the road that they should shun.Help for them should be our aimTo protect from Satan's claim.

Narrow is the gate to takeIf earth's ills they would forsake.Straight the path that leads to life,From the reach of worldly strife.Jesus says, "I am the Way,I will guide you every day."

Let us help each child to findWhat it means to know Christ's mind;How the fullness of his graceWill give strength each test to face;That abundant life will springFrom their love of Christ their King.

The Gift of Handsby Brian Keane, Howick

Hands to shake when friends we meet,Hands enable us to eat.Hands to wave a friend goodbye,And dry our tears when we cry.Hands together when we pray,So many uses every day.Hands clasped nightly in a prayer,To Father God who's always there.Hands to clap when we are glad,Hands to wring when we are sad.Hands to help a friend in need,A crippled friend to help him feed.Christ's hands bled upon the crossSeeming such a shameful loss,Hands of Jesus crucified,To redeem us Jesus died.Hands must praise our Saviour King,Thanks and honour hands must bring.Hands must take his holy Word,That it might be widely heard;Hands may offer gifts of love,To our Father up above.Hands to staunch a neighbour's cry,Christ's love follows till we die.Hands which now from toil may rest,Hands which are forever blest.We were Christ's hands here below;Holy, pure, God's love to show.

Uncagedby Ken Francis, Hamilton

At first the journey was dark,my senses denied.In the paralysed and frightened plungeI held my breath and strained against myhammering heart,resistant and fighting.

But somewhere past Cirius,past the PNR,the internal fighting stilled.Thus triggered the darkness widened andoranged,and there was company ahead.

An Ancient Chevron willed me onwith promise of anchorage.I catapultedtowards the prospect of eternal rest,its source still indistinct.

The broadening horizon teased my suffo-cated senseswith hues and hints that made me gasp.My soul wrenched free from the sulking barsthat held it yet and I was soaring,surging on with bursting joy, freed, awake asnever before.Arrowing home.

One Day Closerby Robbie Titchener, Newlands

As you wake up this morning,Do you make the choice?Are you going to live for GodOr are you going to do what you want?As you live each dayRemember you're another day closer toheavenOr to hell.One less day to make the decisionOne less day before it's too late.This can be the best day you've ever livedOr it could be the worst.Whatever happens,Whatever you do todayGod is calling you.You're another day closer to eternity.Will you spend it with GodOr will you be cast out of his presence?Today is the day to make the decision.Will you, this day, change your direction?As you go to sleepAre you one day closer to heavenOr are you a day closer to hell?

The Swordby J. Martin Wood, Mt Roskill

What is Ultimate Reality?Is there an essence to all of life?Why do we exist, who cares anyway?Who am I, who are you, who are we?Is there more than meets the eye?

Ultimate Reality is a weapon.Life is shapedWith the intricate thrashes of a weapon.The weapon has being.The weapon is being.The weapon is a sword.

The sword is unseen, only felt.Before the world was the sword is.Able to destroy, able to create,The sword is a mind of its own.Like lightning from the darkest skyThe sword rends the heavens.It opens the gateway to eternity.It imbeds itself within us.It carries us there.

The sword thrusts deepAnd weighs the heart of a man.The edge you're living onBegins to sever your soul.The scales tip the balanceAs they fall from your eyes,As the sword revealsThe chosen one...

His eyes burn with the fireThat sees the heart of hearts of a man!Your wicked desiresMelt like wax at his gaze.Your spirit revealedWhen your flesh is torn away.As from his mouthThe sword divides a man.

In your sword-riven beingYou are freed from all anguish.All is right, all is life.The sword is a life-giverI am reborn.

The sword driven into my heart of stoneHas melted the rockLike fire on ice.Because the sword existsSo do I.For all eternitySo shall I.For the sword is in meAnd I in the sword.For the sword is the Word of God.

August 1999 NZ Baptist 11

This Beautyby Logan Bathurst, Miramar

I see this beauty,brought into existence by words,words full of power and grace,the same words that guide me as they havemany before.I see this beauty,the wondrous blue sky, bright white cloudsstretching forever as your power does,the running river flowing with such coolwaterstretching forth as too your grace.In this beauty too, there is so much more thanis seen,each blade of grass carefully crafted,each leaf on a tree carefully mouldedby the only one with such powerwho is still faithful to the smallest detail.the same who crafted me,moulded me to do his work.

Memoryby Margaret Naismith, Christchurch

A child aloneIn summerUnknowing, expectant.Suddenly awedBy the silenceThe mystery of tall treesOld country placesThe breathing earth.There was no oneTo share the momentNor words to formulateThe magic of that placeOnly a glimpseOf something otherLike the face of GodReflected in the water

Three Score and Tenby Keith Relf, Pauanui

Threescore and ten and maybe moreAnd if by strength it is four scoreOur time on earth is like a breezeThat passes by and no one sees

When measured with the life God givesOur fleeting years we barely missWhile eons stretch beyond our kenEternal joys both now and then.

However, while we share this sphereAnd labour long with joy and tearWith friends and family near and farWe build a mansion on a star

Among the angelic host to dwellIn "heavenly mansions" - will be wellRedeemed from earth united beTogether for eternity

Handsby Helen Bathurst, Miramar

Your hands are the hands of a workman,scarred, stained, roughened, strong.Your hands are the hands of a craftsman,gentle, capable, creative, skilled.

These are the hands with which you bless us.These are the hands with which you cherishyour children.These are the hands with which you guide us.These are your hands, living Lord.

Magnoliaby June O'Donnell, Dunedin

Rising from frosted, blue-starred grass,Peeling off your furry mittens,Pink hands cuppedTo hold the sun,Are you proof of resurrection?Impossible perfection?

From the Kitchen Sinkby Rona Edwards, Oamaru

Dishes cannot be washedefficiently in cold water.The hotter the better for allfamily utensils,fondly regarded, or taken for granted,yet each essential in its own way.

Lord, when I feel your chastening—yes, deep in your hot water!may I learn the grace to acceptthat, if I am to be a vesseltruly available, fit for your service,I will need constant cleansing.

God's Giftby Janet Fleming, Kaeo

How can a man think he can outgive hisMaker?By sharing of what he is only a taker?My giving by God is one grain on earth'sbeaches,Compared to the seashores the tide dailyreaches.It's only one dewdrop that falls in the moun-tainsOf waters that fill all the oceans and fountains;One small blossom's fragrance that lasts afew hoursCompared to the perfume of all earth's flow-ers.The things that I give him, the minutes, thehoursAre little beside all the good things he show-ers.They're nothing compared to the gift thatGod gave usWhen Jesus gave all, that from sin he mightsave us.

A New Zealand Psalmby Joan Kennedy, Tauranga

Lord, we live in a beautiful land—blessedbeyond measure by all you bestow:Forest and mountain, clear air and cleanwater, good soil and good harvest, enoughfor us all.Thank you for pumpkin, pavlova and puha,for paua and pipi, for palm and for flax;For kauri and kowhai, rimu and rata, titokiand tawa, puriri and pine;For kiwi and kaka, magpie and mynah, forfish and for rivers within easy reach.Thank you for Jesus, thank you for friend-ship; thank you for family, food and goodhealth;Thank you for doctors and grocers and teach-ers, ordin'ry folk that we meet every day.

Forgive us, O Lord, when we fail to showgratitude; forgive us, O Lord, when we fail togive thanks.Forgive us, O Lord, when we take things forgranted, and dare to complain of our placeand our lot.We are cradled in beauty, nurtured in free-dom, heirs of salvation, beloved of God.Safe in his bosom, upheld by his faithfulness,wanting for nothing—blessed indeed.

Praying Mantisby Valerie Stark

Praying mantis you were, but are no moreA sparrow had a lovely feed on my patiofloor.By himself he did devour your tiny body,I'm left wondering if perhaps it's his hobby.

Q&Aby Don Hamer, Whangarei

Questions:Broken like bread, he is dead...Blood spilt like wine, it is time... 'Crying women, empty tomb...Who is the man in the room?Scars on his hands and head...Why did he rise from the dead?

Answers:The temple veil is no moreJesus the sacrificial doorCame to save both you and meAnd from sins to set us free,A gift of grace without costNow we're saved who once were lost.


"What Does Creativity Have To Do With The Church?"I worship the God of creation.He made heaven and earth. Hecreated me with an individualpersonality and opportunity todevelop that potential. He cre-ated a way for me to be for-given for my sin and opportu-nity to share that forgiveness.He creates avenues of servicefor me and opportunity to serveothers.He created gifts through whichhis church can express its crea-tivity and has distributed theseamong us—gifts like music,floral art, hospitality, listen-ing, prayer, painting, dance,preaching, helping. WithoutGod, the creator, there wouldbe no world, no church, nobeginning, no present and nofuture.—Miss Jan Bowman, AucklandBaptist Tabernacle

The church should be themost creative bunch of peo-ple on this earth, because weserve the creative Creator.The tragedy is, we often boreChristians and fail to capturethe imaginations of pre-church people when we com-municate about God.God wired up some creativepeople in many of the arts,but I am not sure we haveembraced it as sacred or evenspiritual. Many of the crea-tive people I know were en-couraged by the church asyoung people, but now strug-gle as adults to fit into whatthey see as "uncreative waysof doing church."How can we encourage themin their giftings?—Mr Mike Dodge, St AlbansBaptist Church

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We humans have creative abil-ity because we are made in theimage of our Creator. It seemsto me, then, that Holy Spirit-inspired creativity, in our wor-ship services, our ministries,our evangelism, in the decor ofthe places where we gather,and in our problem solving, isworking with, rather thanagainst, the Creator.Someone has said most west-ern churches are static or de-clining numerically. Main rea-son? Lack of creativity. Sowhile our basic gospel beliefsremain unchanged, the way wepackage them may often needto change, if we want to dem-onstrate to seekers the rel-evance of Christianity to theirdaily lives.

—Rev Ann Marshall, Mt AlbertBaptist Church

You are the onewho makes such a showaround about dusk every night.Showing off your paintings.Skiting with your genius.You run riot with your colour and your style.Your technique and your flair.God,you've got to stop that Art Galleryon the overhead projectorevery evening.It gives people the wrong idea.It makes them think we are supposed to beColourful.Creative.Artistic.Passionate.Beauty filled people.Instead of theBoring.Drab.Dull.Miserable.Petty.Monochromes.That we really are.—Rev Scott Malcolm, Ponsonby Baptist Church

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"Churches should support the creative people within the community."


This is the conclusion of atwo-part story which beganin last month's issue. It is byMrs Pironi Marak, wife ofElendra Marak, who waspastor of the Central Asso-ciation of the Tripura Bap-tist Christian Union.

In 1972 Elen was ap-pointed as Pastor, caring formany churches in the SadarNorth Association includingthe Agartala church. It was atime when decisions had tobe made about which lan-guage to use in worship. St.Paul's school was now phas-ing out Bengali and the newintakes of children were train-ing in English. The congre-gation were multilingual.Over the years since thenthese two languages havebeen used side by side in theAgartala church but separatecongregations, according tolanguage, have also flour-ished, particularly in the vil-lages as the churches usingKokborok language grew innumber and strength.

Double shockAt the end of 1973 I

traveled to Deura in the northfor the annual meetings ofthe Tripura Baptist Womens'Society. Suddenly in themidst of these meetings Mr.Hminga, accompanied byLalneichuanga the Missiondriver, appeared with thenews that Atul, our first-bornson, was ill. He had alreadypassed Class X exams andwas ready for his Higher Sec-ondary examinations. BeforeI left he had been complain-ing of headaches but hadimproved and gone out toplay football with his mates.

What had I done leaving

my son who was unwell? Andnow this was happening. Ibecame aware that it was al-ready too late. There washardly time to grieve beforewe buried Atul as soon as Ihad returned. I was numb,and began to blame myself.What if I hadn't gone away?

Dr. Sanson was a greatcomfort because he explainedthat there was nothing evenhe could do. It all happenedso suddenly.

"If you had been hereyour presence could not havechanged things," he said.

Life went on, but it wasnot the same without Atul.And then Anu, our 21 yearold daughter who had passedher B.A. and had obtained agood job in the Gramin Banksuddenly became very ill withhepatitis. She was admittedto the local G.B. Hospitalwhere Dr. Dilip Dutta oper-ated on her. I do not know tothis day what the operationwas for or why it was neces-sary. But Anu died on May23, 1984.

A firm place to standAlthough I have recov-

ered from the grief of thisdouble loss I cannot talkabout this without tears. Whydoes God allow this sort ofthing to happen? Our twoolder children were bothdead. Why didn't God listento our prayers?

At this time I began toread the book of Job andfound comfort in his answerto his wife. Job had lost notonly his flocks and his serv-ants but also all his children.Now, as he sat in the ashescovered in sores, his wife saidto him, "Are you still hold-

ing on to your integrity?Curse God and die."

Job answered, "You aretalking like a foolish woman!Shall we accept good fromGod and not trouble?"

Should I only want goodfrom God? I found a measureof peace in this answer andbegan to search further in theBible for comfort and inspi-ration.

David's Psalm 40 was aparticular comfort."I waited patiently for theLord;He turned to me and heardmy cry,He lifted me out of the horri-ble pitout of the mud and mireand set my feet upon a rockand gave me a firm place tostand.He put a new song in mymouthA hymn of praise to our God."

I found that when my legswere so feeble that I couldnot stand he lifted me up andplaced me on a rock - a firmplace of faith in him.

Working for the Garo peopleElen and I threw our-

selves into the work of thechurch. At this time thechurches and Associationswere beginning to separatealong language lines. Ourown Garo people, who werescattered throughout thestate and weak in their faith,needed help. We went towork for them. They numberonly about 5000, very poor,and separated geographi-cally from one another. TheGaros have migrated overthe years from areas to thenorth and west which arenow in Bangladesh. Elen

was one of three pastors, anddespite the fact that we arenow retired he is still activein pastoral work.

Family joyWe are blessed in our

daughter Koruna and herhusband Puran. Korunaworks in the State Bank andPuran is the bursar at St.Paul's School. Carey, ouryoungest who is still unmar-ried, is in the police force andlives and works in NorthTripura. They are all so sup-portive of us. We have alovely home in the villageand our children see that wewant for nothing. Theybought us rice-growingpaddy land and we rent it outto labourers who share thecrop which is more than weneed.

Our particular joy is inPratik and Philemon, our twograndsons who are currentlystudying at St Paul's Schoolin Class 6 and Class 2 re-spectively.

We will continue to workfor God just as long as wehave the strength. He hasguided us through the painand suffering of loss and wehave felt his presence in ourlives. Our children are a de-light and joy to us and give ustotal support. We want to glo-rify and honour God for allhis goodness. I have provedthe following verses to betrue."When you pass through thewaters I will be with you,and when you pass throughthe riversthey will not sweep over you,"Do not be afraid for I amwith you, " says the Lord.Isaiah 43:2-3, 5

Graham Reddell, the im-mediate past president of theBaptist Union, held up a balland chain to illustrate histalk at a fundraising dinnerfor Tranzsend/NZBMS atCarey Baptist College onJune 24.

"When we came to thisyear's budget we had to putin an amount of $50,000 re-

quired to balance it, withno certainty of where

it would comefrom," he said."The miss ionarysociety is like abusiness with hugepotential but inad-equate capital. Now

we have a crisis—a deficit which is weighing us down like a ball and chain."He said that he and his wife Norah had always been committed to the work of NZBMS

in prayer and giving."During my period as President of the Baptist Union and Missionary Society and

participation in the NZBMS Council I became even more passionate about our work," hesaid, "and concerned about one area—that of its financial sustainability."

Faced with the society's current financial crisis, Graham said he felt led to read again thestory of Gideon in Judges 6 and 7,

"In it I saw a principle," he continued. "To break a (financial) bondage, if 300 people andGod could give $1000 each, we would not only clear the $50,000 problem but could makea resource available to advance our mission."

He related how he had always wanted to salt away funds for a "rainy day," but nowrealised that the "rainy day" was the work of the NZBMS.

"So Norah and I decided to give $1000 with the desire that at least 49 others would dothe same," he said, and quoted Lord Coggan who once exhorted Christians not to take carebut to take risks.

He also cited Luke 6:38: "Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down,shaken together and running over...."

"We've proved the truth of that," concluded Graham Reddell, "and probably youhave too."


Baptist World Aid(BWAid) continues to sup-port those suffering fromthe war in the Balkans. Al-ready BWAid has sent$50,000 to Albania to feedand clothe refugees;$15,000 to Macedonia toassist in food parcel distri-bution and $30,000 to Hun-gary to assist in paying forrelief shipments to Alba-nia and Serbia and provideholidays for war worn chil-dren.

Baptist World Aid andthe European Baptist Fed-eration (EBF) sent fundsand gifts of money; andgoods and volunteers havecome from many individu-als, churches and Baptistgroups around the world,which have helped thou-sands of people.

In May, through theBaptist Centre in Tirana,Albania, more than 8,500refugees were fed daily. Inconjunction with the Sal-vation Army, 125,000meals were served to the2,500 refugees in the Mul-let camp. 8797 food boxes(each feeding six people forone week) were distributed,839 baby boxes, 1685boxes of diapers, 2109

boxes of women's hygiene,1096 boxes of soap, 326sacks of powdered milk,4386 mattresses and 4131blankets! In addition 18large transport trucks of re-lief aid have been un-loaded, between $20 -60,000 worth of goods pur-chased each week, and fivedifferent warehouses havebeen supervised.

This has been an im-mense task for this smallgroup of Christian work-ers. All were given outthrough church networksand a home distributionprogramme.

Jonathan Steeper, a Ca-nadian Baptist missionaryin Albania spearheaded thiswork, and his team has in-cluded many Baptists froma variety of agencies andother committed Chris-tians. Steeper reports thatthe Baptist Centre has had10 baptismal services withdifferent churches in thepast eight weeks.

"Yes, Kosovars are giv-ing their hearts to Christ,"he writes. "They are opento the Gospel. Yes, theyare coming to church. Yes,God is doing wonderfulwork in the hearts of this

Rob & Annette Bissett Return HomeWith the ongoing changes in relationship between

NZBMS and the BUPNG, a need to realign financialresources and the Council's concern for the future of theBissett family, it has been decided to terminate the workRob and Annette Bissett have been doing in Papua NewGuinea.

It is agreed that this was a decision of NZBMS Council

and not willingly received by the Bissetts in the initial stages.Council is grateful for the work that Rob and Annette

have done in Lae and in wider sphere with the BUPNGexecutive and is certain that there are many in PNG who haveappreciated the love, support and encouragement they havereceived from them.

Council wishes them well in their future employment.

Muslim people group. Yes,there are hundreds of heartwrenching stories. Yes,each face, each person isloved by Christ and hope-fully shown that love byus!"

Five-year-old Ana said,"In Novi Sad we have nomore bridges across the

river Danube.BWAid is now trying

to coordinate a long-termprogramme for the care ofrefugees, Kosovar andSerb, for displaced people,and to assist in the rebuild-ing of communities.

A special round tableconsultation was sched-

uled during the BWAmeetings in Dresden, Ger-many - July 11 - 17.BWAid Director, PaulMontacute is hoping it willbe possible for Baptistsfrom the Balkans, Baptistagencies and others withwhom BWAid works, todevelop a collaborative

strategy for the weeks andmonths ahead.

New Zealand Baptists haveso far given just under$1700 towards the BWAappeal to help in Kosovoand Albania. Designateddonations can still be sentc/o NZBMS/Tranzsend.

Albany, Alexandra, Avondale, Balclutha, Balmoral, Beachlands, Bell Block, Belmont, Blenheim, Cambridge,

Cityside, Eastside, Feilding, Georgetown, Geraldine Community Fellowship, Glenfield, Gleniti, Halswell,

Hamilton Central, Hamilton South, Havelock North, Henderson, Hillcrest, Hillsborough, Hokowhitu, Howick,

Kaikohe, Kamo, Katikati Community Church, Kawakawa Fellowship, Kumeu, Leamington, Lincoln, Long Bay,

Malvern, Mangere, Mangere Bridge, Mangere East Fellowship, Manukau Central, Marsden, Masterton,

Matamata, Matua Community Church, Mt Albert, Napier, Nawton, New Lynn, New Plymouth Central, New

Plymouth West, North Avon, Opotiki, Owairaka, Oxford Terrace, Paihia, Palmerston North Central, Papamoa,

Papanui, Papatoetoe, Pauanui, Picton Community Church, Pt Chevalier, RandwickPark Fellowship, Ranui,

Remuera, Rimutaka, Rotorua, South Dunedin, Stoke, Stratford, Sunnynook, Tauranga, Tauranga Worship

Centre, Tawa-Linden, Te Hapara, Te Kuiti, Temuka, Thames, Titahi Bay, Tokoroa, Waihi, Waikanae, Waimauku,

Waitara Fellowship, Waiuku, Welcome Bay. Wellington Central, Wellington South, Whakatane, Whangamata,

Whanqaparaoa, Whitby Lakeside, Whitianqa, Wilson Street, Zion Chinese.

PROMISE 1999 MEN'SCONFERENCES

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Will YOU be one of thoseMEN?

DUNEDIN 6th/7th AugustVenue: Dunedin City Elim

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KEEPERS


CENTRALDISTRICTS

WELLINGTONTOP OF THE

SOUTH

CANTERBURY &WESTLAND

ASHBURTONPastor Ian Crawford10.30 am

Church lunch was held to wel-come the Rakaia Church plantfolk. Opportunity twice to joinwith other churches in town foran evening service. "Jesus"video shown at an evening serv-ice with a view to people usingit as outreach tool to friends/neighbours. Looking forwardto weekend with MarjoryGibson at end of July.

OTAGO &SOUTHLAND

GOREVacant 10.30 am

Pastor Colin's resignation inmid-December ended an era inthe life of our church. Duringour time without a Pastor anumber of our members havebeen discovering and usingtheir preaching talents. Pasto-ral Search Team is activelyseeking the one of God's choicetofill the pastoral vacancy. OurChurch centre has been refur-bished, including carpets anddrapes. Youth work continuesto be encouraging. SeniorYouth especially shows growthin numbers and in spiritual stat-ure of those involved.

SOUTH DUNEDINPastor Peter Appleton10.30 am

Have had a number of specialservices. Staff and children fromRainbow Day Care Centre con-ducted one and Christian Fel-lowshipforthe Disabled another- a rich blessing and humblingexperience. Continuation ofnew folk attending services areal encouragement for churchgrowth. All groups church func-tioning well Two new groups -Wednesday morning prayergroup and fortnightly lunch timemeeting of women meeting intown. Wonderful mid winterfam-ily evening held. 80 folk at-tended. Involvement of Peter &Robyn a blessing.

CHURCHES IN ACTION REPORTS(Note: Every third month will have a special feature on a region,)

CHURCHES

BELL BLOCKPastor Keith Calder

We have recently been cel-ebrating God's goodness to us.Firstly with the arrival of ournew Senior Pastor and his fam-ily, and with the opening anddedication of our new buildingon the weekend of April 10-11.With the new building now op-erational our children's pro-gramme, life com, is able touse the old auditorium and weare seeing more children fromthe community coming along.Our Youth Group continues togrow with many non-churchedyoung people attending.

HASTINGSMany inspirational and encour-aging messages our PastorGordon Mill continues to deliverto us. Mother's Day was happilycelebrated, also the missionaryfocused annual appeal weeks.The team from "Doulos" wasmuch enjoyed at a morning serv-ice. Cell groups continue well,also young peoples work. "TheSycamore Tree" is the name forour younger peoples work build-ing. Mens Breakfasts continueat the manse regularly, alsoLadie's Breakfasts at the church.Girls' Brigade operating happilyunder faithful leadership.

LEVINRev Fred Brunell - Designate

Pleased that Fred & KathieBrunell of Dunedin East willassume the pastorate later inthe year. Anne Cave appointedas our fifth (since 1978) Kindy& Care Supervisor, whileLeonie Gardiner appointedAdult Day Care's third Supervi-sor. ADC celebrated its 10th

birthday in June with mayoralattendance. Marty & SueWeeks farewelled to be Mt.Roskill's Assistant Youth Pas-tor. The churches again com-bined for annual pentecostservice. Some young peopleat Parachute and YFC's CTC.Self Denial raised $1,237.

NAPIERPastor Graeme Birch, YouthPastor Barry Edwards10 am, 7 pm

In April Kaz Leadbetter at-tended Willowcreek Children'sMinistries Course in Chicagoreturning inspired and full ofideas. M.E.N.'s Encourage-ment Network started with anoutreach dinner. Women wereblessed at camp where MarthaFarmer brought gentle, usefulteaching. Winkey Pratneyspoke at 35th Reunion of YFCin Hawkes Bay. There wasthanksgiving, reminiscing, lotsof singing! Plus a challengeregarding the youth of our com-munity. Fundraising underwayforayouthvan. BMF-ersjoinedwith Hastings to hear John &Sue Osborne.

NEW PLYMOUTH WESTPastors Andrew & XanthiaBollen

Preparations continue for agroup of six to head for Fiji as aDO Team with Tranzend inAugust. We farewelled ourGerman exchange student whohas lived with one of our fami-lies for the last year. All ourfamily groups combined for amost successful bush danceheld in our church.

PALMERSTON NORTHForthree months we were privi-leged to have an interim minis-

try with Bill & CatherineMcGregor from Auckland. Wenow have a six month interimministry with Jim & GwendaSkett, also from Auckland, shar-ing with us. We are grateful forthe availability of these peoplewilling to join us. We havereturned to one morning serv-ice at present, while secondmorning service is currently re-evaluating its format. Approxi-mately 250 young people at-tended Easter Camp which wasa great success.

WANGANUI EASTRev Evan Baxter

WEBCare After School beganon 19 April this year. Firstly aTrust Board was establishedwith Mission and Values State-ments and policies formulated.After all the hard work it wasgood to be up and running. Weprovide a paid service to carefor 5-13 year olds from 3pmuntil parents finish work. Theprogramme is run by two paidstaff who supervise homeworkand provide activities of inter-

MANAPastor Brian Walker10 am

Focus on community needs hascontinued. At Easter deliveredmore "Jesus" videos and hotcross buns to homes near ourchurch, joined other churchesin a street march and service onGood Friday. Followed videodrop with a "Cafe Concert" fea-turing wonderful singers fromAuckland, Bill & Yvonne Bartlett,and two Alpha courses - morn-ing and evening. "Jesus" vid-eos delivered to 90 homes nearthe church. Celebrated Mana's20th birthday with special serv-ice, using the past to launch usinto the future.

MASTERTONPastor Basil Patten, Youth Pas-tor Mel Old10 am 7 pm

Two weddings involving churchfamily, Mark Everingham toLinda Rossiter and Youth Pas-tor Mel Old to Stephen Thowley.Large number of our youth at-tended EasterCamp and cameback enthusiastic for Christ.Since the fire which destroyedour hall, we have through God'sprovision and willing helperspurchased the house next door,enlarged and sealed thecarpark, and almost completeda kitchen in existing hall. Willuse this for further outreachinto community. MurrayJackson recovering well fromheart surgery.

OTAKI10.30 am

Kath & David Wells and othersably leading services. With de-clining membership and 'pres-surised' leadership, considera-tion of alternatives for futurework being investigated. Goodactivities still continue: pre-school "First Steps" thriving,Discoverers' Club, Godzone -children's groups, great homegroups, "Read Your Bible ForAll It's Worth" led byDavid,second Alpha pro-gramme and third planned.Whole congregation partici-pated in re-enactment of EasterSunday; Easter art display inthe church - open to public verymeaningful,viewed by many.

TAWA-LINDENRev Alan Missen, Daryl Judd10.30 am, 7 pm

Self Denial offering exceededbudget by 40%. Roy Woodsspent an effective week withus, speaking at home groupsand local schools as well asour church services. Commis-sioned Duncan Sinclair andAinsley Palairet for service inSpain. Members of originalcast of musical "SaulTalk" cel-ebrated their 25th anniversary.Young people have joined invarious combined activities.Our Pastor is preaching a help-ful and relevant series on"When Life is Tough". Homegroups are following up withfurther studies.

WAIKANAEPastor Ross Bridson10 am

Our mission statement -Waikanae Baptist G.R.O.W.SPeople in Christ. G=growth,Relat ionships, O=outreach,W=worship, S=service; inChrist and His Church. Weareinvolved in an inter-church ini-tiative to place "Jesus, Gift tothe Nation" videos in localhomes by January 2000. Spe-cial "Blue Moon" servicesproved popular, with ChrisGrantham and Luke Pilkingtonhaving led these. Network andAlpha courses start soon.Members decided to invite astudent pastor to work with usduring summer.

BLENHEIMPastor Ernest Stevenson,Youth Worker Aaron Salisbury10 am, 7 pm

God is awesome. With YouthPastor's departure imminent,God sent Aaron Salisbury fromSouth Africa. With versatilegifts, Aaron works with youth,music and has begun The Edgeon Sunday evenings. His wifearrived in July. A gifted team.Ascot Hall Dinner was fun oc-casion - ladies wore somebeautiful and outrageous hats,men some exquisite ties. Guestspeakers: David Kimpton(SGA), Jeff Woollett (YWAM),Faye Blakemore (Baptist CareS.I.), John King (WBT) withGeof Kimber, Tienie Bekker(pulpit exchange). Such bless-ings!

STOKERev Wayne Fraser, Pastor TayUn Hui

After School Programme forchildren on Fridays have endedwith a success this term. Par-ents were also invited to takepart in "Christianity Explained"series while the programmewas going on. Term endedwith a church family worshipwith children and parents in-volved in a play of "David andGoliath". Variety of spiritualfeasts have been served to thebelievers this quarter with aworkshop on "Understand HowOthers Misunderstand You",also a seminar on "Living andLoving @ Risk".

MALVERNServices held at Darfield andGlenroy with involvement bynumber of people. Pastor's

PARKLAND COMMUNITYCHURCHSenior Pastor Rev RogerSpicer10.30 am, 7 pm

Church settled into new build-ing with Childrens Church nextdoor fenced and landscaped.AGM in May elected JoyceBailey and Joan Caughley asco-leaders of Childrens Church.Previous C.C. Pastor, SherylRule, will continue to assist withteaching. Small groups grow-ing, covering Cell Groups, La-

PAPANUIRev Fraser Campbell, PastorJean Bruce10.00 am

Various speakers brought athought-provoking series of ser-mons on the book of Hebrews.Welcomed home for a visit mis-sionaries Craig & RachelPoultney and family, and Tony& Pauline Hocking. Two Thaiwomen Pooh & Klang also vis-ited for five weeks. DynamiteBay children enjoyed visit to"Doulos". Recently startedSunday evening events "Talk-ing Points" featuring topics ofcontemporary interest to bothChristians and non-christians.James Thorne one of two NZdelegates to Youth Conferencein USA.

OXFORD TERRACERev Scot Cadman

Second Alpha course com-menced. Board meetings re-cently taken a new format withintroduction of a monthly focuson aspects of church life andresponsibility. Throughout Junewe had a number of missionaryspeakers at Sunday services.Speakers were Alan & JanSmith, previously in PNG butwaiting to go to Bangladesh,and David & Virginia Askin,BANZaid PNG. David visitingBangladesh and Hong Konglater in year. Morning serviceand luncheon arranged by theMissionary Committee and en-joyed by all.

OAMARUFellowship has appointed aPastoral Assistant, JanetCalder, who was commissionedrecently. This is a step forwardfor all of us and we are expect-ing more growth in the life ofthe church. Monthly eveningWorship and Healing Servicehas started, open to all whowish to meet with the Lord.Recently June Howie and MarySnelling took a Holy Spirit Semi-nar. This was very successfuland well attended by manyChristians from our area.

NORTH AVONRevs Lindsay Lash and MikeColeman

The Delta fellowship continueto flourish with a new Kids Clubbeing held concurrently to ca-ter for an increasing number ofchildren attending Delta. Visit-ing speakers Alan & Jan Smithgave us an entertaining accountof life in Papua New Guinea.Welcomed three new membersin June. Delta Inn continues toprovide lunch each Friday. Twohome groups well supportedand provide Bible study andsupport for their members.

sermons an inspiration. Homegroups well attended. Youthwork and 10-13 years olds haveoutings. Camps, fellowship andfun very much part of churchlife. Alpha courses held withparticipation from otherchurches. "Jam Sessions" heldSunday evening once a month.Singing, learning new songs,prayer and fellowship shared.Painting and new drapessmarten up auditorium. Visi-tors Alan Smith and Joy McCraeoverseas workers have beengreat.

dies, Mens prayer, and CraftGroup and Boys' Brigade con-tinue to reach into community.In June 40 men attended aMens Retreat with Rev MauriceAtkinson as guest speaker.Ladies Retreat planned for La-bour weekend.

RANGIORASenior Pastor Ivan Button, As-sistant Graham Reid10 am, 7 pm

Final red tape in the sale of thechurch is almost cut through.Shortly we expect to vacatechurch and resume services inHigh School assembly hall.Ivan & Lesley Button warmlywelcomed home after theiroverseas trip. Our threeYWAMers, Karen, Grant andEmma are home from Africaand seeking God's will for theirfuture service. Youth groupsand Dynamite Bay Club mem-bers taken active part in recentservices. Many copies of "Je-sus" video distributed aroundtown.

TIMARUParty of eight members with vari-ous skills has gone to Japanrecently to help Irelle White cel-ebrate 25 years on the missionfield. Will work at headquartersof WEC church at Gokasho-Choupgrading facilities. Are travel-ling at their own expense afterfundraising for materials needed.Coming here from USA is a teamof five church members with as-sorted skills, also travelling attheir own expense. They will bebased at Wilson Street and visitinterested groups.

Please mail or fax 80-word reports to The Editor, P O Box 65-275, Auckland 1330 (Fax 09-479-7819) to arriveno later than 5pm on the 12th of the month preceding publication. Late reports will be held over to the nextavailable issue.

Sept 1999Oct 1999Nov1999Dec 1999Feb 2000Mar 2000Apr 2000May 1999Jun 1999

Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty/EastlandSouth Island Special FeatureCentral Districts, Wellington, South IslandAuckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty/EastlandAuckland Special FeatureCentral Districts, Wellington, South IslandAuckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty/EastlandWaikato, Bay Of Plenty Special FeatureCentral Districts, Wellington, South Island

BirthsAustin, to Helen and Graeme(Te Awamutu) a son, MatthewDexter, to Ruth and Craig(Franklin) a son, SamuelHaldane, to Victoria and Wade(Northcote) a son, JeremyJamesHancox, to Rose and Shayne(Rangiora) a son, Joshua KyleHockly. to Kim-Louise andMike (Northcote) a daughter,Victoria AnnLewis, to Jane and Murray(Northcote) a son, BenjaminFindlayMarshall, to Jan and Steve,(Rangiora) a son, Eli JackNott, to Louise and Peter (NewPlymouth West) a daughter,Hannah RosePatching, to Sarah andVaughan (Hamilton South) adaughterRattray, to Sarah and Stefan(Rangiora) ason, Harry GeorgeScott, to Chris and Greg(Papanui) a son, Reuben DavidSmith, to Angela and Duncan(Hamilton South) a daughter,Caitlin-JoySutherland, to Felicity andRoss (Waikanae) a son,BenjaminSutherland, to Pam and Alex(Hamilton South) a son, JamesXia, to Jenny and Simon (Auck-land Central Chinese) a son,Zhang

EngagementsAnderson-Lester, David toSarah (Hamilton South)Jeffery-Davies. Duncan toRachel (Manuewa)Tamblyn-Squire, Jeff to Liz (MtAlbert)

MarriagesHopkinson-Schroder, Ira toKaty (Fairfield)Lubbers-Donaldson, Tim toBeth (Rangiora)Tucker-Jones, John to Lor-raine (Mt Albert)

WeddingAnniversariesBartram, Herb and Molly(Franklin) - 50 yearsEden, Ken and Edna (Hamil-ton South) - 50 yearsGarwood, Ian and Susan(Rimutaka) - 25 yearsSutton, Dudley and Euphemia- 70 years

SpecialBirthdaysAboud, Paul (Northcote) - 70yearsBlair, Eric (Hamilton South) -80 yearsCarey, Lorna (Fairfield) - 76yearsElliot, Alex (Napier) - 88 yearsGerken. Len (Napier) - 86yearsGriffiths, Roy (Ashburton) -90 yearsHallamore, Joe (Manurewa) -86 yearsHicks, George (Eastside) - 80

yearsHyndman, Mabel (Manurewa)- 1 0 0 yearsKnox, Stella (Ashburton) - 81yearsMillichamp, Ted (Ashburton)- 92 yearsMullon, Grace (New PlymouthCentral) - 90 yearsMurch, Nan (Eastside) - 89yearsNorrish, Ken (Manurewa) - 8 3yearsOgilvie, Neeta (Fairfield) - 92yearsParley, Jenny (Northcote) - 92yearsPearce, Norman (Napier) - 77yearsRoadley, Joyce (Fairfield)Scampton, Greg (Northcote)- 85 yearsSmith, Warren (Eastside) - 72yearsWard, Ineawa (Fairfield) - 75yearsWillmott, Shirley (Fairfield) -70 yearsWilson, Kyra (New PlymouthCentral) - 92 years

DeathsAnderson, Eric (Mt. Albert)Aronsen, Dorothy (Timaru)Binnie, Merle (Mt Albert) -aged 90 yearsBlair, Elaine (Hamilton South)- loved wife of Eric and motherof Shirley ColeBredin, Tom (Gore) - lovedhusband of Kitty. One weekbefore his 89th birthday. Re-spected member for over 50years.Chivers, Ivan (Rangiora) -loved husband of BethDonnell, Oliver (Northwest) -loved husband of ValerieGarland, Fred (North Avon) -loved husband of MayGibson, Betty (Sunshine/EastDunedin) - aged 92 years.Loved mother of Noel Gibson,Margaret Holt and BarbaraHendryGrigg, Des (Waikanae)Grylls, Patricia (HamiltonSouth) - loved wife of RogerKeelty, Lena (Christchurch for-merly Stoke) - aged 92 yearsMcKessar, Joan (ColomboStreet)Redmond, John (Northcote) -loved husband of AldytheSalisbury, Rebecca(Manurewa) - aged 16 years.Loved daughter of Tony & Joanand sister of Emma

BaptismsEastside: Sarah BeebeFranklin: Michael MachinMt. Albert: Karen OgdenNorthcote: Jason Zheng,Daisy Min XiePapanui: Marie Evans, MarleyHeslop, Eddin Lubbers, RussellWelham, Heidi EdgelerRangiora: Joliene Moore,Christiana Thompson, MichelleWescombeSouth Dunedin: ShirleyBoyes, Phil DenbyTawa-Linden: MichelleCallander, Rebecca WinkelTimaru: Marjorie EdyveanWhakatane: Leisa Kendall

FAMILY


Cecil B. Boggis 1904-1999Rev Cecil Boggis died on 21June after 69 years of ministry.In 1927, at 23, Cecil enteredBaptist College, which wasthen situated at the BaptistTabernacle. A year later heand eight fellow students be-gan their studies at the col-lege's new premises on MtHobson.After graduating in 1930 andmarrying Irene Fewell in 1931,he served in pastorates at Is-land Bay, Hastings, Pt Cheva-lier, Palmerston North,Invercargill, Blockhouse Bay,Masterton and Glen Eden.Sometimes he moved fromlarger churches to small,church planting situations. He conducted several missions,spoke at Bible Class camps, and contributed to the biblicalsyllabus. He ministered at "Keswick" type conventions on atleast ten occasions, both in New Zealand and in Australia. In1947 it was Cecil Boggis, at the annual Assembly, who moveda motion "to investigate the best possible methods of dis-charging our obligation to the Maori people..." In 1953 heserved as President of the Baptist Union and MissionarySociety.Cecil Boggis taught church history at the Bible College (thencalled BTI) from 1955 to 1960, and again from 1966 to 1972.He never gave up his call to be a minister of the gospel. In 1970he and Irene "retired" to Milford, where he shared the preach-ing with Rev Marcus Bowden on alternate Sundays. With hiswife's failing health they moved in 1984 to the Howick BaptistHome, where Irene died soon afterwards. In his remainingyears, as far as his health allowed, Cecil Boggis led a Biblestudy ministry in the Home. His devotionals were published afew years ago in a book called 'New Every Morning,' which isstill in print.The life of Cecil Boggis goes on, for as the Hebrew writerstates, "And by faith he still speaks even though he is dead."I thank God for every memory of him, as do many whose liveshave been influenced by his ministry.—Arthur C. Howan

by Liz Cullen, BlenheimI could see from her

grip on the schoolbagthat Becky was nervous.Of course, my youngestdaughter wouldn't haveadmitted it for theworld. Becky is ourtough one, and under-standably so consider-ing the last few years ofher life. So Jack and Ihad to stay out of view,as she took the steps upto her classroom.Rebecca would not havebeen pleased if she knewwe were watching hergo. Jack wasn't usuallywith me on Mondays,but this was differentand today I needed him.I was almost pleased hehad such a bad cold andhad stayed home. Try-ing hard not to appeartoo upset, I held mybreath as Becky openedthe door and vanishedfrom sight.

"Well Jack,' I said,grinning widely while

wiping away a few tears."She's done it. I'm sureshe'll have a wonderfulday. Now, how about acuppa?"

Jack just smiled, aswe headed off down theroad to home.

The day passed byremarkably quickly,punctuated with a streamof prayers for my littlegirl's day. And, like atrue mother, I raced Jackout of the house, far tooearly for the finish of theschool day.

The wait at the gatesseemed endless.

Then, after the floodof children, came Becky,all grins. She breezed to-wards us, and after a cur-sory "Hi Mum,"Rebecca dropped to herknees.

"Hello Jacky, how'smy darling? Have youhad a wonderful day?"she gushed.

"We saw, go inschool," Jack stated, let-

ting the cat well and trulyout of the bag.

"Mum, you didn'tbring him out this morn-ing, did you?" a patentlyannoyed Rebecca ques-tioned me.

Lamely I replied,"We had to see you startyour first day, sweet-heart."

"Oh Mum, it was myfirst day as a teacher, nota pupil! How will youcope when Jacky leavesdaycare for school?" Shelaughed.

"I'll cope and praylots. Anyway, that's notfor a few years," I sternlyreplied. But my gringave me away as Beckypicked up her son andwe enjoyed a family hug.

You see, Jacky is mygrandson, Rebecca'sadorable two-year-old.And today had been theculmination of one of ourbiggest challenges yet.

It had started for methe day Rebecca had

come home during theterm break from teach-ers college. She had satat the kitchen table andcalmly announced thatshe was pregnant. Thefather of the baby wasnow out of the picture,she said, and she wasn'tgoing back to college.

After the initialshock had passed I be-gan to pray like neverbefore. I guess I've triedto take everything to Godsince. Anyway, as youcan see, my daughter didgo on with her training,part time. She qualifieda few months back andtoday she started work,complete with a new bag.Inside the bag is writtenour family motto, ac-quired a few years ago.The words say it all,"Prayer, Sweat andTears, and the GRACEOF GOD. X"

Oh, and the X on theend, well, that's Jack'skiss for his mummy.

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OFFICE SPACE - EdenTerrace. Cluster of attrac-tive offices with shared useof Board/Training room.Shared receptionist andphone answering if required.Please ph or fax Anthea atph 09 377 9141 or fax 09379 6516, Auckland BaptistSocial Services Trust forfurther details.

Cost S15 for the first 20 words;S5 for each additional 10 words.Classified Advertisements wiltonly be accepted if payment isenclosed.

The Cell ChurchLarry Stockstill. (Regal Books, 1998, 136pp)

The well-known nursery rhyme of our childhooddays asks, "Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how doesyour garden grow? With silver bells and cockleshells and pretty maids all in a row."

In the fertile soil of New Zealand it is not toodifficult to get a garden to grow. On the whole ourweather is favourable, water is not a problem, and withgarden shops by the score there are plenty of seeds,bedding plants, shrubs and bushes to choose from.

But this is not a gardening column. The reasonformy preamble is that while gardens are not difficultto grow, churches often are! In my work with Scrip-ture Union I visit many churches in the course of ayear. Most are not growing, and some even havedifficulty staying afloat.

We could paraphrase the opening nursery rhymewith, "Jesus, Jesus, Lord of glory, how do your churchesgrow? With Bibles galore and preachers who bore andworshippers all in a row!" (Only joking.)

The early church in Jerusalem seemed to have itall together. Luke details those things that weregoing on in the church and states that the Lord addedto it daily those who were being saved. Why is thisnot the case with most churches in New Zealandtoday? The reasons no doubt are many.

Over the years many methods for church growthhave been suggested. Books abound that tell thestories of churches that have grown and how they didit. But in most cases when others try these methods itdoesn't work for them in quite the same way, if at all.

One thing I have noticed is that God uses people.He raises up leaders and gifts them with thoseabilities that are needed in a given situation. Almostwithout exception large and growing churches canbe identified by the names of their leaders.

One such leader is Larry Stockstill. He haswritten a book about the church he pastors in Baker,Louisiana. He has been on the staff there since 1977and has been senior pastor since 1983. The churchnow has six thousand members.

Two of the things that impressed me about LarryStockstill are that he was willing to implement Bibleprinciples as well as learn from the experiences ofothers. The church he pastors is a cell church and hisbook explains the difference between a cell churchand a church that has small groups.

Two recent meetings that I attended in the churchwhere I am a member illustrated afresh the fact thatwe spend a lot of time in church life maintainingbuildings, programmes and finance but spend littletime actually preparing ourselves for growth.

Gardeners and farmers have little hope of a goodharvest if they don't put the time in to preparation,sowing and cultivation. Reaping requires havingsomething to reap. Without hard work and applica-tion the only things likely to be reaped are weeds.

In his book, The Cell Church, Larry Stockstill outlineshow a church can be prepared for growth through cellgroups that exist to grow and divide. Four basic principlesapply: purpose, partnership, prayer and penetration.

A programme of training and preparation is inplace that ensures that as groups become ready todivide, leaders are available to take the new groupforward. Leaders are trained in preaching, pastoring,preparing and planting. Overall care and supervi-sion is maintained through several levels of over-sight and pastoral care along the lines put in place byMoses when he became overburdened with theleadership of Israel in the wilderness.

The principle of twelve ensures that all thoseinvolved teach others what they have been taught. Inthis way teaching does not stagnate and leadershiptraining continues as an ongoing process.

Church growth specialist Peter Wagner writes, "If you want to learn how to

develop a cell church, Larry is the one to ask andimitate. Three cheers for Larry putting his dynamicideas into a book. If you are a church leader you willnot want to miss it."

And not just church leaders, I would add!—Reviewed by John Ward

Creatively RetreatingInto Scripture

There was a gasp as the potter, who had set up histable in a corner of the room, deliberately hurled thepot to the ground. Small pieces spread everywhere,creating jagged, ugly patterns on the clean floor.Horror showed on each face as the impact of thesound sank in.

What was he doing?Out of the semi-darkness a dancer appeared and

in mime indicated that the pieces should be liftedand given back to the potter. She showed that herpiece represented areas of pain suffered throughstressful times—shattered parts of her life. As shegave her piece back to the potter, he said, "Trust me.I love you."

The other fourteen people lifted up pieces of thebroken pot and indicated the part of their brokennessthey were giving to him. To each he said, "Trust me.I love you."

As he received the bits back the potter addedthem to the pot he was forming, until each had itsnew place. The new pot was made up of all thebrokenness which had been gathered, acknowledgedand released by each person, and it was given a placeof honour over the weekend.

This introduced last year's "Creatively RetreatInto Scripture" weekend at the Adcroft RetreatCentre, twenty minutes from Christchurch.

On September 16-17, 1999, opportunities willagain be given for people to explore different waysof engaging in Scripture through a variety of media:clay, music, dance, painting, collage, etc. Somegroup work will also be presented.

At Adcroft hospitality is graciously providedby Kay and Malcolm Palmer who share theirown sitting room as well as making other roomsavailable. Retreatants can stroll through the gar-den or through quiet paddocks as they seek in-spiration."Creatively Retreat Into Scripture" is for up totwenty people. It costs $30 to live in or $20 to liveout. The leaders, who have been trained in spiritualdirection, are Trish O'Donnell, Robyn King andJoan Davidson. For registration forms call Joan on(03) 366-4268

Short StoryOBITUARY


<youth_on_line> Keeping Carey at a Distanceby//maureen.treston/

When Less Is MoreThere is a story in the Bible about a lady who searches high and low to find one

lost coin. Despite the fact that my cash flow is mostly Eftpos and money machines,I doubt that I would even have the time or commitment to hunt high and low for justone lost coin. I may not notice a coin is missing until I hear it rattle up the tube andjam at the opening of the vacuum cleaner. Then I would have the dilemma of tryingto unblock the vacuum cleaner with one hand without the fluff sticking to my half-eaten piece of toast in the other.

But I suppose it does depend on the value of the coin, how much effort I will goto, to find it. Five cent pieces can roll under the couch unnoticed but the two dollarcoins make your wallet bulky.

How is it that the worth of time and money go hand in hand?.If God created the world today, would he still do it in six days? If not, would he

get time in lieu or overtime? And would he still get a day off to rest?How come we can buy time-saving appliances for our homes but still be in a rush

when we use them?Why is it easier to book a plane ticket to a tropical destination, than to hang over

the fence and chat to a neighbour?If in money terms quantity is more precious, why didn't the lady just be content

with her other coins and give this one up as a lost cause? Write it off, so to speak,and leave it for the auditor to sort out?

Time Magazine is hunting For the Person of the Millenium. Most of us will be tooyoung to be in the competition and will have to wait for the next millenium to seeif we have made our mark on this world.

As For me, people who eat toast with vacuum fluff probably don't qualify. But inthe big bank of humankind, I bet that the lady is still hunting for her lost coin. It won'tbecome obselete and be replaced with a new plastic note. It won't be ignored andleft for the auditor to sort out. It won't be deducted off tax and student loan or behidden away in a bank account. And it won't stay stuck in the vacuum cleaner orleft under the couch and forgotten.

The coin the lady is looking for God deals with.His coins are priceless!

by Roger Driver-BurgessI am blessed in many

ways. I hope to bless othersin many ways too. One of thespecial blessings I own ishaving a brother-in-law whois good at passing off littlejobs to, like writing a fewwords for the Carey columnin the Baptist. And I'm onholiday too...

OK. So just how do yougo about "Keeping Carey ata distance?"

It's easy really. Just don'tgo there!

Carey Baptist College canstay safely off the edge of theknown world. North of theBombays, isn't it? But if youjust have to take a closer look,the next best way to keepCarey at a distance is by do-ing a DipMiss (Diploma inMission) by distance, parttime.

By 'distance', it meansyou don't actually have to goto Carey at all, and 'part time'means that you can keep do-ing what you were doing any-way, wherever you happento be - apart from squeezingin a bit of study of course...extra murally.

That sums it up really.

'Extramural.' Certainly, it's'extra' to everything else.Extra work, extra assign-ments, extra stress, extra or-dinary.

But what's the point ofstudying through Carey any-way, extra or not? It just ex-ists to replenish the stock ofpeople who are crazy enoughto want to pastor a Baptistchurch in New Zealand,doesn't it? (Just a dig at thebrother-in-law who recentlyaccepted a call to joint pastorhis home church...)

Certainly I thought so, notso long ago, until God startedbeating me around the headabout mission. I recognisedthat for me to be involved inmission, I needed to get somemission education. Being onthe inside of the Baptist de-nomination pointed me to-wards Carey for qualifica-tions, I guess, but Carey didoffer some decent-soundingeducation in mission.

That was a problem re-ally. Looking through thespecs of all the papers theyoffer in the Diploma of Mis-sion, I wanted to do them all.I've had to settle for a selec-tion of papers, and spread

them over a few years. It cer-tainly has given me optionsfor getting the education Ineed while having minimumimpact (timewise) on my full-time activities—being a fa-ther of two young girls andholding down a full-time jobin my spare time.

But keeping Carey at adistance has been difficultforme. I'm into the academicthing. In fact I am now in-tending to go full time nextyear to shorten the extramurality. It means movingthe family to Auckland forthe academic year, and doingthe full-time on-site thing,which means that Carey willno longer be at a physicaldistance. There is also littlehope for keeping Carey at anemotional distance. I fancymyself at volleyball - whichapparently is an essential partof campus life.

OK, I guess I have failed.This can no longer be a trea-tise on keeping Carey at adistance. Oh well. Nextreso-lution.

Please God, don't sendme to a tropical island as amissionary. Especially notHawaii...

New Lecturer for CareyBy Paul Windsor

It's a great trade! We givethem a rugby player calledLeslie and they give us aNew Testament lecturercalled Wieland. Yes, the newstaff member appointed toCarey Baptist College is aScot. His name is GeorgeWieland and he currentlypastors the Abbey hill Bap-tist Church in Edinburgh.

George will be bringingsome valuable life experi-ence to his new role. Hisparents pastored AOGchurches in the UK. After aperiod teaching history andmusic at high school, Georgemoved into training for pas-toral ministry. Then hepastored, very effectively,Baptist churches in York-shire, Edinburgh and Brazil(with the Baptist Mission-ary Society [UK]). Football,music and the family fill hisnon-work time but in reverseorder. He is married to Joand they have three delight-ful children, Lindsey (14),Joanne (10) and Jonathan(10).

George has accumulateda few degrees in his time: aBA in Theology fromSpurgeons College, a BA inHistory from Birminghamand a Postgraduate Certifi-cate in Education fromLeeds. He plans to submithis PhD (under Prof. HowardMarshall at Aberdeen) laterthis year. He was a recipientof the prized British Acad-emy Research Award whichenabled him to do this study.

Jo is lined up to teach a pa-per at Carey in 2000 as well,utilizing her MA in Practi-cal Theology.

It has been a long andthorough process. Havingvisited the Wieland familyback in May, I am as confi-dent as I could be thatGeorge is the right personfor us. He is a proven leader,a fresh thinker, and an ef-fective teacher. He hasowned the very best in Brit-ish evangelicalism with itslove for the local church, itsorientation to mission, andits commitment to Scrip-ture. At a smaller college

like Carey, his track recordof being strong administra-tively and relationally willbe valued.

The Wieland family planto arrive in mid-Decemberand are likely to settle in theEastern suburbs of Auck-land. Feel free to drop thema note of welcome. Mail [email protected]. (Note:That is the number " 1 " notthe letter "1" after the name).

George is down to teachIntroduction to The NewTestament on Monday eve-nings in Semester One nextyear. Be in, if only for theaccent (ha!)

Pray effectively - use the phone...

0508 PRAYERNZBMS/tranzsend prayer hotline 0508 772937


Creative WorshipFirst up this month is the

new video from KevinProsch:Live and On the Road in Eu-

Delirious and Burlap ToCashmere. The album isbased on the themes of hope,healing and restoration. Anice touch is that it finisheswith four instrumental tracksthat really enable you to sitback and meditate on God.

(Bredon Hill). Though thealbum carries his name,Geoff really didn't havemuch to do with it, exceptwrite the songs. It's basi-cally a Geoff Bullock collec-

rope (seventh time.) This is avideo documentary ofKevin's approach to praiseand worship, and an insightinto the people he is trying toreach. The video showcasesthe main thing I like aboutKevin - his creative and ex-perimental approach to P&W.While he may not be the mostpalatable vocalist, his ideasand willingness to experimentmake his music enjoyable.This approach was also evi-dent on his last CD, RecklessMercy (Vertical).

Pushing the boundarieseven more are Sonic Flood(Gotee) with their self-titledalbum. The album comprisesof mostly covers of P&Wnumbers with a couple oforiginal tracks thrown in forgood measure. Sonic Flooduse their own style of pop/rock to produce an upbeatworship album that is notunlike what Delirious havebeen doing for the last fewyears.

tion, given the Black Gospeltreatment. An interestingconcept that actually works!

For those of you not want-ing to be on the cutting edgeof P&W, there's CelticSource (Alliance), a collec-tion of new and existingsongs with a soft, Celtic feel.This is a good, inspiring al-

Also pushing the creativeboundaries in P&W isStreams (Word), an albumthat looks and sounds NewAge, but is far from it. Ittakes off from where Exodus(Rocketown) began, usingpopular CCM artists such asSixpence None The Richer,

Also re-mixing existingP&W songs is the albumResource 2000 (Alliance).Produced by Mark Pennellsand Zarc Porter this collec-tion of pop/dance P&W num-bers was produced to createa youth-friendly worship re-source. A strength of thisalbum is that it comes with afree backing track CD tomake the music accessible toany church with aCD player!

Also getting a make-overis Geoff Bullock with his lat-est offering, Seeds Of Hope

bum to listen to if you wantto just sit back and let themusic wash over you.

For those who like tight,professional and well-pro-duced live worship there isthe new release from Hillsong,By Your Side. This is a typicaloffering from our Australianfriends that is bound to be-come another favorite.—Reviewed by Jonathan

SpecialReaders OfferFrank Peretti's new book The Visitation

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back the Bible-a-Month Club!"It's a great scheme!""Enjoy the satisfaction of really making a difference in people's lives.""Bring the Bible to people all over the world who have never had a Bible before."

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Seven years on, I am lov-ing the privilege and challengeof ministry at the Tab. Peopleseem to appreciate the creativ-ity God has given me, and thepassion, enthusiasm, encour-agement, realism and chal-lenge that goes with it. I feel soprivileged to be doing what Iam doing. Seeing God at workand doing the things he givesto me is the source of my joyand my profound sense offulfillment. Worship andprayer seem to well out of me,but don't get me wrong—I'mvery real, very ordinary. Hatch-ing sermons is hard, hard work.I get depressed, feel inadequateand insecure, and need encour-agement like anyone else.

Initially, if God had let mechoose, I'd have married andhad at least six children. Buthe called me instead into min-istry as a single, to equip thesaints to become all they shouldbe, and to reach unbelievers.

I love it! I still feel guiltybeing paid for what I do, be-cause I would gladly do it fornothing! Idon'tneedextrahob-bies because my creativity isable to be fully expressedthrough my work. Some peo-ple do embroidery but I dowords, andpeople, andmy bestadventures come from follow-ing the promptings of God.

Isaiah 48:17 sums up myministry:"I am the Lord yourGod who teaches you what isbest for you, who directs youin the way that you should go."

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continued frombackpage


by Marjory GibsonWhen I was four years

old, Rev Bycroft, minister atNE Valley Baptist where weworshipped, said to my par-ents, "We'll make a ministerof her!"

It was an astonishing thingfor anyone to say of a littlegirl in the 1940s.

I was bom in 1942 andraised in Dunedin with myolder sister Allison and twoyounger brothers, Graeme andBruce.

As I look back, I realiseformational prayers have runlike a thread through my life.The first I discovered when Iwas about ten, in a SundaySchool magazine. Thatprayer, written by Patricia StJohn, and later the hymn "MyGoal is God Himself had aradical impact on me, and Idetermined I would belong toGod, whatever the cost.

Since earliest childhoodI'd always felt secure in termsof my relationship with God,but one Sunday night when Iwas 12, God put his finger onme during an evangelisticservice, challenging me tomake a personal commitmentto him.

Four years of commercialtraining at King Edward Tech-nical College were followed

by two years at teacher's col-lege. After three years in theclassroom, I specialised inspeech therapy, and workedhappily in a Hamilton clinicfor two years.

At certain points of mylife I've had what can only bedescribed as clear directivecalls from God, and while inHamilton, in the early 1960s,the Lord told me to go toBible College.

I'm such a positive re-sponded

"Oh no," I told him, "Youcan't possibly mean that!"

However, the nudge wasinsistent, so off I went andhave been thankful ever sincefor that experience and thetraining received.

After graduating I re-turned to Dunedin to be closerto my mother who was now awidow. I worked as speechtherapist for the Taieri Plain,and began to teach Bible Classat North East Valley Baptist.

Working with the youngpeople as part of a teachingteam was a wonderful experi-ence. In hindsight I functionedas a youth pastor, althoughthey didn't have that labelback then.

Then came nomination tothe diaconate at NEV Baptist.

I was not elected the first

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time this happened, and some-one said, "Marjory pleasedon't take this personally, butit's just because you're awoman!"

By the following year peo-ple recognised that I actuallywas a deacon, and in makingme one they were simply ac-knowledging a situation thatalready existed. Thank you,North East Valley!

I loved being a deaconand loved thinking creativelywith others about the kinds ofthings that needed to be hap-pening in church life. At thesame time I also helped planand run Easter camps in theOtago area, and when BYMwas established, Jim Skett andI were the first presidents.

Something I came to real-ise about myself at that stagewas that although I enjoyedmy job as a speech therapistand did it well, I knew it wasnot my whole life. My reallife was all the stuff I didaround the edges.

1972 saw me strugglingwith the fact of who I was. IfI'd been a man I would havebeen a minister, and I couldn'tunderstand why, if I wantedto be a minister (and not aminister's wife) that God hadnot made me a bloke!

I wrote in my prayer jour-nal that the only thing I couldimagine myself doing wasworking on a pastoral team.But team ministries didn'texist back then, so I concludedI didn't know how to readguidance, and decided to geton with life.

I've never been too confi-dent about my own abilities,but have been blessed withpeople through the years whohave recognised ability in meand encouraged me to dosomethinglwouldneverhaveventured into, off my ownbat.

Having got to the stageprofessionally where I neededsome stretch, I was encour-aged to apply for the role ofcoordinator of the Otago Pre-school Project, part of theDunedin MultidisciplinaryChild Development ResearchProject. That was a fascinat-ing, stimulating, stretchingtime, and just as it was con-cluding I had another momentof crystal clear direction fromGod.

I'd seen the job of DistrictSpeech Therapist inWanganui advertised in theEducation Gazette and casu-ally thought, who'd want togo to Wanganui?

Two months later the jobwas readvertised. I was sur-prised they hadn't got any-one, as District Speech Thera-pist jobs are highly soughtafter. Later, while talking witha colleague about what to dowhen my time on the Projectended, she asked if I hadthought of applying for theWanganui job.

At that point God spokedirectly into my spirit and toldme to go.

Geoff Pound was my min-ister at the time, and when Iraced around to talk to himabout it, he said, "Go for it,Marjory. God needs Chris-tians in speech therapy asmuch as he needs them any-where else!"

When I broke the news tomy mother she gave me herblessing and said God hadbeen preparing her heart forthis.

So in May 1980I startedworking in Wanganui. I toldthe Lord I didn't want to getoverly involved in church lifethere, because I really wantedto learn how to communicateabout him to unbelievers. Thiswas an area I felt inadequatein—to my great embarrass-ment, as it seemed ridiculousto be so inarticulate about themost important relationshipin my life.

Central Baptist Churchhappened to be close to whereI lived, so I went along. Myfirst Sunday it was announcedthat the minister, Rev BrucePatrick, would be leading aseries of witnessing skillclasses on Sunday morningsbefore worship.

I laughed and said to God,"You don't waste any time,do you!"

In those classes I learnedcommunication skills that Isoon found God using in themost natural way, and beforelong I was being encouragedto teach them to others! Thisministry of equipping ordi-nary people to do evangelismjust grew, and has been one ofthe greatest joys of my life.

Wanganui Central Baptistwas an utterly liberating ex-perience for me. The peopletook me to their hearts andloved me, and by Septemberof that year I'd been elected adeacon.

Then halfway through1981 they were looking for apastoral assistant—male andmarried of course. You canprobably guess what hap-pened. God made it quite clearthat they were to call me.

People were startled that Iwould give up such a well-paying job to work for achurch. My senior inspectorraced round to see me. Pound-ing on a desk, he shouted:

"Woman you're out ofyour mind! And that church isout of its mind to ask you todo something like that. Youcould have a brilliant careerin the education department!''

And I sat there thinking,who wants a brilliant careerin the education department?

So I became a pastoralassistant. The church in itswisdom left the job descrip-tion open, saying they wantedme to become free to becomeeverything God had for me inthis.

and in 1992 it was run fromPapakura.

By this time I was keen tobe back on a pastoral team, atleast part-time, because I sobelieve that what you teachhas to spring out of what youare actually doing. I had beenout of the ministry for sixyears, and needed to grappleagain with the challengingissues of a changing society.

My prayer partners aroundNew Zealand began to prayfor a place for me on a pasto-ral team.

In November 1991I wentto an evening service at theAuckland Tabernacle. Theyhad been without a ministerfor two years, and attendancewas low. I wanted so much tosee the Tab bursting with lifeagain, but knew I wouldn't bethe right sort of person to workthere.

Six months later I had aday in Christchurch thatproved to be very significant.First I dreamed that I waswalking in and out of shops inCentral Auckland and callingit my parish. Then I lunchedwith a friend to whom I said:

"What can you imagineme doing when my time withMTS comes to an end?"

Her reply: "Have you everthought about going to theTabernacle?"

My jaw dropped."What on earth made you

say that?" I asked."It was just a clear thought

in my head," she replied, "soI said it."

Around this time the Tabrang Bruce Patrick, who hadbeen full-time director ofHome Mission for severalyears, and initiated discussionswith him. It was agreed thatthey needed a pastoral teamrather than a sole minister.

In 1992 the church calledBruce and Jinny Patrick andme at the same time, and westarted in 1993.I ran the MTSpart time for two more years,then sensed that its seasonhad come to an end. So wecelebrated it and stopped.

continued on page 19

PO Box 8936, Auckland.1st Floor. 130 New North Road. Mt Eden. Auckland.

Fax 09-379 6516. Email: [email protected]

The job fitted like a glove,was so happy that I felt guiltyat being getting paid. Imaginebeing paid just to love peo-

ple! Imagine being paid topray!

At that stage preachingwas not part of my call, whichwas a relief. I had given onesermon at Bible College andit was so dreadful, so lackingin life, that I concluded I hadno gift for preaching andwould never do it.

However, a speaking min-istry began to develop inwhich I flourished, and I foundmyself being invited to leadseminars and retreats inWanganui and other places.As I became secure with that,I found sermons hatching in-side and demanding to bepreached. Wonderfully thechurch said yes, and so awhole new stage of my devel-opment was reached.

Then came anotherchange of direction. I'd beenon the Home Mission Boardand knew the Church GrowthSchool (a practical course forchurch planters) was not run-ning because it was without adean. I couldn't understand(when it was so strategic) whyone of the best men in thecountry hadn't gone and runit. I wished desperately that Ihad enough brain to do it, butknew it was out of the ques-tion.

When God told me to goand do it, I bawled. I shoutedat him. But the call was clear.

People at Wanganuiworked through that call withme and when they knew Godwas in it they released mewith their love and blessing.

So I came to Aucklandand ran the school there forthree years. God gave me anamazing degree of acceptancein churches around the coun-try, and using the gift of en-couragement he had given me,I was able to help people be-come secure about the factthat God would use themwherever they were. In 1990I took the school to Welling-ton, in 1991 to Christchurch,

A TASTE OF NEW ZEALAND - HOME TEAM SPECIAL FEATURE

vol 115 no8 september 1999

NZ Baptist September 1999

Attentionall artists

andwannabes...Want to use your gifts to

address the significance

of Christmas?

[email protected]

is a Christmas art

exhibition, held on

November 21, 22

and hosted by

Graceway Baptist Church

in Ellerslie.

It is a mission event that

uses the arts to proclaim

the Christmas message,

encourages artists by

providing exhibition

opportunities and raises

dialogue on the meaning

of Christmas.

Last year over 550

people viewed art

themed on the spirituality

of Christmas. The

exhibition was run in

partnership with commu-

nity Christmas celebra-

tions and was funded by

Creative New Zealand

and Auckland City

Council. 35 artists

displayed work in

sculpture, stained glass,

photography, painting

and collage.

Work is sought forChristmas 1999.

Enquiries to

Steve or Lynne

09 622 2437

[email protected]

a baptist church for the ellerslie community

Record number at BWA meeting in Dresden

CHRISTIANBOOKS



Videos


Phone 0-9-626 2256Fax 0-9-626 3467

http://www.

biblesoc.

org.

nz

by Wendy Ryan and JulieBelding

Five New Zealanders—Ian Brown, Graeme Murray,Brian and Lorna Jenkins andJulie Belding—were among550 Baptists from 51 differentcountries who attended theannual General Council meet-ing of the Baptist World Alli-ance in Dresden, Germany, lastmonth. This was a record at-tendance for the Council meet-ing, which is held each year ona different continent.

The assembly welcomedfour Baptist bodies, with a to-tal of 369 churches and 46,000members, as new members ofthe BWA: the Khmer BaptistConvention of Cambodia; theBengal Baptist Union and theEvangelical Baptist Conven-tion of Manipur, both in India;and the Union of BaptistChurches of the DemocraticRepublic of Congo.

With these new members,the BWA now representsmore than 195 Baptist organi-zations world wide, with 43million baptised believers.

The Baptists in Dresdencongratulated leaders of theG8 nations, the world'swealthiest, for approving a$100US billion debtforgive-ness package for some of thedebtor nations of the world.

This partly answered the con-cern for debt relief adoptedin a resolution at the 1998Council meeting in Durbanthat had called for a "debt-free start," to the next mil-lennium for some of theworld poorest countries.

In Dresden, the Councilagain asked the Baptist com-munity of faith to support theJubilee 2000 campaign andencouraged creditor institu-tions and governments tospeedily implement the deci-sions made at the G8 nations'June 19 meeting in Cologne.Baptist leaders also called onthe leaders of the debtor na-tions to use any help receivedfrom debt relief for "tangiblebenefits for their citizens."

As part of the interna-tional ministry of BaptistWorld Aid, members voted a

funding goal for 1999-2000of more than two and a halfmillion for aid, developmentand fellowship assistance.

In other business theCouncil nominated BillyJang Hwan Kim, to be thenext president of the BaptistWorld Alliance. Pastor BillyKim, an international evan-gelist and broadcaster, leadsthe 7,000-member CentralBaptist Church in Suwon,South Korea. The Councilalso re-elected for a new five-year term Denton Lotz asBWA General Secretary.The next BWA General Coun-cil meeting will be held July3-9, 2000, in Cuba, markingthe first BWA gathering to bescheduled there. Hong Kongwill host the 14th BaptistWorld Youth Conferencefrom July 16-20, 2003.

Graceway to Repeat Christmas Art ShowOn November 21 and 22

the Graceway Baptist Churchin Ellerslie plans to hold itssecond free Christmas art ex-hibition, with sponsorshipfrom local businesses. Lastyear's show attracted morethan 550 viewers, and SteveTaylor, the pastor at Ellerslie,says most of these peoplewouldhavebeen unchurched.

"They were viewing art thatasked them to think about themeaning of Christmas,"he says.

Steve recalls the buzz lastyear from seeing school chil-dren drag their parents through

the door to show them the artwork they had done, and therave reviews from city coun-cillors, local theatrical groupsand Creative New Zealandreps. Not to mention the joy ofseeing artists nervously exhib-iting their first ever art work.

The November dateswere chosen because on thisweekend the Ellerslie Busi-ness Association runs a streetparty and Santa Parade.

"As a church we want toprovide a Christian perspec-tiveonChristmas," Steve says."An art exhibition on this day

shows our community spiritand allows the many peopleout watching the parade toview the art and think furtheraboutthe Christmas message."

Any artist can participate,and last year they had a mix ofamateur and professional,school children and retirees.The Taylors plan to contributesome of their own work to thisyear'sshow,astheydidinl998.If any artists would like tohave their work displayed,they are invited to contactSteve or Lynne Taylor (09-622-2437) by mid-October.

There is a time...to celebrate the year

to close an era for exiting studentsto thank spouses and children

to appreciate the staffto listen to stories

to commission studentsto be inspired by Lois Dickinson(International Chairperson, World Vision)

That time is this time: THE sENDingYou are welcome to join with us!

Saturday October 16, 7.00 - 8.30pmCarey Baptist College, 473 Great South Road, Penrose

Pastor TurnsHospitalChaplain

Graham Juden, formerlypastor of Hawera BaptistChurch, has been inducted asthe full time ecumenicalchaplain for Good HealthWanganui (Wanganui andJubilee hospitals.)

At a service held at theWanganui Hospital Chapel(which included Karangamihi by local Maori) Grahamwas "handed over" to the hos-pital by Diane Gane on behalfof Hawera Baptist Church andby Rev Margaret Springett ofthe Hawera Hospital chap-laincy team. Murray Cottle,regional superintendent forthe Central region, carried outthe Act of Induction and spokeof the need for loving oneanother as Christ has lovedus. Lois McKee, executiveofficer of the InterchurchCouncil for Hospital Chap-laincy Aotearoa, convened theservice.

Centenarian Keeps SmilingWhen the new millen-

nium rolls around, Mrs MabelHyndman of Manurewa willsee her third century.

Mrs Hyndman was bornMabel Dennison, inPonsonby, on July 19,1899,two years before Queen Vic-toria died. During the lasthundred years she's seen sixmonarchs on the throne andcountless prime ministerscome and go.

A foundation member ofManurewa Baptist Church,Mrs Hyndman been a resi-dent of Manurewa for 74years, and has lived atMcEwan House inManurewa since 1994, andsays that the Bible is the bestpractical guide to life. Shehas never smoked or toucheda drop of alcohol.

"I don't think I'd like it

anyway," she says.Mrs Hyndman offers this

advice to young people: "Beguided by the principles ofChristianity, get an educa-tion, and try to find a jobdoing something you like."(With acknowledgements tothe Manukau Courier)

World Vision researcherendorses Jubilee 2000

by Bartha Hill"Debt has an incredible

impact on developing coun-tries," says World Visioneducation writer Susan War-ren, a member of Royal OakBaptist Church, who has justreturned from a World Vi-sion International Confer-ence on Advocacy in Recife,Brazil.

She said the AfricanWorld Vision managers allput debt at the top of the listof problems their countriesfaced, since debt servicingprofoundly impacted whatgovernments could afford tospend on social services anddevelopment.

About 40 delegates fromall over the world met inRecife for the five day con-ference to coordinate the or-ganisation's advocacy effortsin global economics, peacebuilding and child rights.

A member of World Vi-sion New Zealand's Advo-cacy committee, Susan's spe-cial interest at the confer-ence was global economics.

"Since the seventies andeighties, when world oilprices rose, many Westerncountries with a lot of moneyto invest lent to poor nations,but gave them no guidelineson how to use the moneywisely and some waswasted," she said.

In particular African gov-ernments, desperate formoney, encouraged theirfarmers to switch from their

DAVE ANDREWS IS COMING!Writer. Prophet, Champion of the Marginalised.

Hear him in Auckland at...

Carey Baptist Forum 11 November, 8pm

Baptist Care Dinner 12 November, 7.30pm

Cityside Seminar 13 November, 9am to noon

Mt Albert Baptist 14 November, 10.10am

Including NZ launch of his new book

"CHRISTIANARCHY"Contact: Rob Bellingham, (09) 8151062.

<[email protected]>

usual food crops to export-able cash crops such as sugar,coffee, tea and tobacco.

"But it was not long be-fore the price of these basiccommodities droppedthrough the floor," Susansaid. "They were then worseoff than ever, for they had nomoney to pay their debts andno longer produced food fortheir people."

The debt burgeons as in-terest remains unpaid.Moreover it has been shownthat a huge disparity betweenrich and poor further inhibitsdevelopment.

"We can help," saysSusan, "through our devel-opment programmes and bylobbying, using what influ-ence we have to persuade ourgovernment, World TradeOrganisation, World Bank,IMF and other financial bod-ies to consider the plight ofthe poor, forgive debt andcreate export opportunitieswhich will earn them moneyfor the services they so des-perately need."

2

Graceway

September 1999 NZ Baptist

Pigeon Mountain Hosts New American SingersOn Wednesday August 4,

thirty-six Christian vocalistsfrom the USA sang to a de-lighted audience in thePakuranga College Hall.Their visit was sponsored bythe Pigeon Mountain BaptistChurch, Rev Alan Taylorhaving made the local ar-rangements.

Ranging in age from 13 to28, the New American Sing-ers were in New Zealand forjust a few days, performingduring the day in colleges inthe Auckland area and givingone public concert in theevening. New Zealand wastheir last stop before returninghome, and they had alreadyperformed in Sydney, Singa-pore and Hong Kong duringthe previous three weeks.

The choir, which wassponsored by the California

Southern Baptist Conven-tion, included six membersfrom other states—Texas,Kentucky and Nevada. It hadbeen in existence since 1984and had gone on tour everysummer, with members pay-ing their own way.

The group travelled eco-nomically, however, by stay-ing in billeted accommoda-

tion. They were also gener-ally given meals by thechurches who hosted them.

Anna, a 20-year-old stu-dent in her second year atcollege, had been in the choirfor five years and was enthu-siastic about its vision andpurpose.

"We want to tell the worldabout Jesus Christ," she said.

A "Chinglish" Experience in Palmerston Northby Noel Harris

A fun family evening washeld at the Central Church inPalmerston North recentlywhen members of the churchfamily - Kiwi and Chinese -combined in what was billedas a "Chinglish" Extrava-ganza. The evening was toraise money towards the an-nual Chinese FriendshipGroup camp to be held at ElRancho in November.

For the evening thechurch gymnasium was con-verted into a cafe whereguests could buy both Kiwiand Chinese food for tea.Following this the crowdadjourned to the auditoriumfor a conceit of both Kiwiand Chinese items. Whilethis was being held, the gymwas converted into an auc-tion room where a spiritedand sometimes hilarious auc-tion was held after the con-cert and a variety of goodsand services went under thehammer. Services includedbabysitting, help with finan-cial problems or taxation,

consultations for acupunc-ture or herbal medicine,waterblasting, and help withcomputers.

More than $3000 wasraised from the evening, andseveral hundred people offrom both ethnic groups andall ages had a great time to-gether.

The group of up to 150adults and children is a minis-try of Central which helpsimmigrants from both Main-land China and Taiwan settle

into life in New Zealand. Afortnightly Sunday afternoonfellowship tea and meetingprovide a variety of usefultalks, demonstrations, and anintroduction to the Christianfaith. This is supplementedby aprogramme of Bible stud-ies, cooking and languageclasses and other socialevents. Through this ministrymany Chinese people andfamilies have been helped,and more than fifteen werebaptised over the last year.

Building Community:The Spreydon Leadership Conference, 1-4 Julyby Catherine Moore

It was a cold, frostymorning in Christchurch asSpreydon Baptist Churchfilled with more than athousand people from allround New Zealand, andvisitors from Australia, thePacific Islands, England,Germany and Korea. In thisfour-day leadership confer-ence they came to learnabout building multi-fac-eted, redemptive commu-nities of faith.

"What if our churcheswere visionary, redemptivecommunities... where hope-less people found hope, thelonely found friendship, thebroken found healing andthe unbelieving foundfaith?" asked senior pastorMurry Robertson in his wel-come. "I find it a humblingexperience to be part of a

community like this... Wewant to share many of theinsights we have gainedover the years."

Each morning began withworship, followed by a semi-nar. Murray Robertson talkedof visionary communities, ofbeing called to serve, of whatmattered most, and wouldany of us finish well?

After a break partici-pants attended workshops.Forty-two diverse work-shops gave insights into thecommunity ministriesSpreydon Baptist was in-volved in. These rangedfrom Kidz Alive, the Sun-day morning children's pro-gramme, to Kingdom Re-sources, a bank which gavethe financially needy a handup, to Leading Worship, toDivorce Recovery, a minis-try reaching both the

churched and theunchurched.

Another workshop washeld after lunch, and in theevening it was back toSpreydon for another semi-nar.

The most well-attendedworkshop was "The Churchbeyond 2000," indicatingthe concern for the future ofthe church. It looked atpostmodernism, the atti-tudes, beliefs and chal-lenges the church will befaced with in the next mil-lennium.

As people mingled, chat-ted and discussed over morn-ing teas and lunches, itseemed a new communitywas being built—one whichencouraged us to dream andto build on ideas which wouldlead the church into the fu-ture.

In late July Miramar Bap-tist Church put on 'True toYour Word," a celebration ofworship and creative expres-sion of praise using dance, sing-ing, drama, music, and more.

All of the material usedwas home grown—written,composed, scripted andchoreographed by peoplefrom the church. Severalpeople contributed originalsongs which covered a va-riety of styles includingblues, Celtic, rock, and qui-eter worship numbers.Dancing teams added visualinterpretation to some of thesongs. The celebration in-

cluded a four-part dramaabout making decisions thatwere true to God's word inpeople's lives, and the im-pact such decisions had onothers.

More than fifty peopletook part in the celebrationin one way or another, rang-ing from preschool to sixty-plus. The production teamare now working to producea CD of songs that wererecorded at the event. It ishoped to release this laterin the year, along with abook of poetry written bypeople from the Miramarchurch.

Henderson Baptist off to Laos

Janet Winch is not shy ofa challenge.

The Auckland aidworker, who is a member ofHenderson Baptist Church,left New Zealand in July totake on her next assignmentfor World Vision—boost-ing food production in oneof the poorest countries inAsia.

The Kiwi agriculturalistfeels a definite calling to atwo-year assignment aimedat establishing food securityin the Muang Phalan regionof Laos.

"Currently food secu-rity here is based on ad-equate rice production, butthe area is far from achiev-ing this," she says. "Thebest way to establish a good

food supply is to encour-age farmers to grow othercrops like cassava, maize,taro, sweet corn and sweetpotatoes."

Janet said New Zealand-ers had a lot to offer in termsof agriculture, as they had agood grounding in the ba-sics.

An experienced aidworker who has alsoserved in Ethiopia, Thai-land and the Solomons,Janet was looking forwardto this next chapter of herwork.

"I have a sense of call-ing to this work," she said."I think I'd rather be doingthis than anything else. Ialso feel quite settled inLaos."

Baptists Enthusiastic aboutPK Conferenceby Ray Curle

Baptists took many of the500 seats at the first PromiseKeepers Men's Conferenceto be held in Dunedin, on 7-8 August. Teams from allover Otago and Southlandpacked the Dunedin CityElim auditorium for the"Choose This Day" confer-ence. They included repsfrom Caversham, DunedinCity, East Dunedin, Eastside,Green Island, InvercargillCentral, Queenstown, SouthDunedin, and Te Anau Bap-tist Churches.

Pastor Kevin Marshall ofRedwood Baptist travelleddown from Christchurch tohelp organise the event. Ahighlight of the conference,he said, was after the first

session at which evangelistBill Subritzky spoke, whenso many responded to thealtar call that they ran out ofspace at the front. A secondhighlight was just before thelunch break when teenagesons returned from the YouthBreakout and the fathers(plus uncles and granddads)came forward to embracethem.

"It was a truly power-ful moment as they prayedand wept together," hesaid.The remaining two Prom-ise Keepers conferenceswill be held in Auckland (8-9 October) and in Welling-ton (29-30 October). Forfurther details contact0800-776-647.


3

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two


Reflections from GermanyIt was a beautiful day in Buchenwald.The mid-July sun was still high in the sky when our

bus arrived at this tranquil place with its tidy lawns. I wasone of an international group of Baptists who visited theformer concentration camp recently during a tour of EastGermany.

It was not, as our German guide explained, that theywere proud of Buchenwald. But it was part of their historyand they knew that those who ignored history were doomedto repeat it. So while most of this camp was demolishedafter the war, a small part of it was preserved for posterity.

We trooped silently through the crematory, one of thefew intact buildings, where some of the worst acts hadoccurred. The crematory had also housed a clinic wheremany prisoners were sent ostensibly for medical check-ups. They never returned. While music blared to muffleany awkward sounds, a professional-looking man in awhite coat weighed each person, and told him to standagainst a wall so his height could be measured. Then at asilent signal from the "doctor" to someone in the nextroom, the prisoner was shot at close range through a holein the wall behind him. The executioner could not see theperson he was killing. Perhaps that made it easier.

Some other prisoners were simply hanged fromhooks in the basement (the hooks are still there) and theyoungest prisoner to be executed in this way was seven.

Huge questions haunted us following our visit toBuchenwald.

Gross evil has always been a problem to those whoare optimistic about human nature. It wrecks the theoriesof those who prefer to believe in the essential goodness,or at least the evolving humanitarianism, of our species.

For hundreds of years we have prided ourselves on ouradvances. The Enlightenment and industrial revolution per-suaded us that this world could be infinitely improved byrational endeavour. For decades we've been conqueringdiseases and inventing amazing new methods of transporta-tion and communication. Even this century, despite twoglobal wars and countless smaller ones, we've dared to hopethat with more education human behaviour might improve.After all, wasn't evil largely a matter of ignorance?

Buchenwald (not to mention Kosovo) reveals thenaivety of such thinking.

The Buchenwald guards were people like you and me.Although most were young (the average age was eight-een) and did not have children, they enjoyed culturalpleasures in their leisure time. (Indeed, the Commandanthad a small zoo built next to the camp for the diversion ofthe guards when off duty. Part of it is still there.)

How, we might ask, could Buchenwald have hap-pened in this cultured country which sparked the'Refor-mation and produced some of the world's most brilliantmusic and poetry?

I don't have the answer, but this much is obviousfrom twentieth century history: when the living Godceases to be honoured by a nation's leaders, the intrinsicvalue of human life fades also.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.—Julie Belding

The New Zealand Baptist is the newspaper of theBaptist Churches of New Zealand.Published by the Communications Division of the Baptist Union andMissionary Society of New Zealand, 8 Puhinui Road, Manukau City.






Copy Deadline: 12th of the month prior to month of issue.Publication Date: First Sunday of each month except January.Distributed through local Baptist Churches in New Zealand, anddependent on their contributions.Subscriptions and postage for othersNew Zealand: $20.00 (incGST); Overseas surface: $25.00; Overseasairmail: Australia & Sth Pacific: $29.00; Asia & Nth America: $35.50;Europe, Sth America, Africa, Middle East: $38.00


If you have something to say about a current issue write to the Editor, The NZcondensed. The Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline any

Sophie'sChoice

Julie Belding's commentsin the July editorial are mis-leading for young wives. Thereare a good number of womenwho believe God meant it whenhe said women were to be sub-ject to their husbands. Not onlyis it clearly stated several times[Eph 5:22, Col 3:18, 1 Pet 3:1]but the whole tenor of Scriputreand the picture of Christ asbridegroom and the church asbride or Israel as wife reflectsthe notion that the wife obey-ing is a picture of Israel and/orthe church in their relation toGod.

Nowhere does it say the wifeis inferior to the husband. She isequal to him in every respect.Jesus obeyed the Father and inno way was he inferior but equalwith God. It is an order that Godhas designed, and mankind func-tions best under God's orderwhether we are Christian or not.

If Sophie follows God's or-der in letting her husband makea decision in a situation in whichit is difficult for them to agree,then God will honour her andtheir marriage.

—M. Carey-Smith,Stratford

Ephesians 5:21 does not re-fer to a married couple.Ephesians 5:22-24 does. Menand women are not equal inGod's sight. (Romans 12:3-6,1Cor 12:11, 1Cor 12:28-30, Eph4:7)

Julie you switched cleverlyfrom what Sophie said to whatJulie thinks.

The wording is not old-fash-ioned. The church does not lagbehind the world. The world islagging behind the church.

Where is your authority forclaiming that marriage shouldbe about mutual submission?Where is your evidence to sup-port your statement that she andEdward have intrinsic equality?

Obviously you have a vestedinterest in changing the systemwhich is based on plumbing.The fact that secular feministsgave away the religious systemshould surely make us suspi-cious of their opinions if notcondemnatory.

The unequal status has nosting. It has all advantage.

Yours sincerely and Godbless you.

—Mr L.F. Chart.Tauranga

John Leman claims thatSophie's vow to obey Edward(without Edward obeyingSophie) implies they are equalbut not the same. Isn't thatblindly playing with words?Most concede men and womenaren't the same. But a husbandand wife are hardly equal whenonly one promises to obey theother - if "obey" carries any-thing like its common mean-ing.

One doesn't have to studyGreek to sense that the Greekverb translated "submit" inEphesians 5.21-22 (and 5.24)can't carry the sense of "obey."In v.21 we can't all "obey"each other: different Christianstell us to do opposite things!It's inappropriate to translatethe Greek verb with any Eng-lish word that suggests obedi-ence. We could appropriatelytake the verb as meaning some-thing like "profoundly respect"or "defer to." Whatever wesettle for in v.21, the meaninghas to be the same in v.22 sincein the Greek the one verbserves both verses.

John Leman calls Ephesians5.21-33 a "notorious passage."I don't think any problem lies inwhat the passage says. Ourprob-lem is that instead of taking whatthe passage says, we settle on

90% of hiqhschoolers in NZwill never attend church!

This is a sad statistic that we in Youth For Christ are

totally committed to changing. Our Vision is that

every young person in NZ has the opportunity to

become a follower of Jesus Christ. We specifically

target non church youth.

Youth For Christ Wellington is a large, diverse work

with over 100 volunteers and a staff of 15. We are

looking for expressions of interest from people to

take on the role of Director. This is a faith support

position but the Board will give appropriate

assistance to the sucessful applicant.

For information contact: The Chairperson, PO Box

30876 Lower Hutt. Ph 04 2329701. Email

d.gardiner©yfc.org.nz

Applications close 30 September.

what we imagine it says or wethink it should say.

—Brian K. Meadows,Mt Roskill

Ball andChain

There is an easier way to cutloose from the financial ball andchain restricting Tranzsend/NZBMS than the one suggestedby Graham Reddell last month.

My question is, "Why leaveit to 300 to resolve the problemwhen according to the 1998yearbook there were 22,797members in our Baptistchurches?"

Paihia has just 21 of thoseresident members, and theyraised $1138.15 towards thisyear's Self Denial appeal. IF(and it's a big one) all of usworked together, then propor-tionately this would realise$1,234,404.90. This representsalmost four times the budgetedfigure forSelf Denial. Come on,New Zealand Baptists. Let's getit together.

—Don Redfearn,Paihia

CharlesStanley

How one longs and praysthat every Christian would givethanks to God for the wonderfulopportunities New Zealandersnow have of tuning into the TVgospel programmes. It's hardlylikely that all will agree 100 percent with each of these speak-ers, but don't throw the baby outwith the bath water! We in ourhome have a number of videotapes by some of these speak-ers, and several are by Charles

Just awful...Just for once, will you please

just print this letter. I just wantmy view to have, just some pub-licity in just your newspaper.Dear editor, just for this once...

I just jest!But am I alone in finding the

word "just" being said almostevery fourth word in publicprayers these days? In churchby seasoned pastors, or in homegroups, it seems the "just"prayers have no end.

Talk to the same people inevery day conversation and thej-word is never spoken. So whybring it into our prayers adnauseam? It sounds like we arecowering before God Almighty.He does not expect that ap-proach! We can come boldlyinto his presence through Christ.

So let's do it, and let's notcreep cringingly before Godpraying for "just this" and "justthat." Our God is a God of theinfinite, of the abundance, ofmore than we can ever know orimagine.

Please do God a favour andlet not the limiting, obsequious,grovelling, "just" be heard inour prayers any more!

—R.A. Macdonald,Titahi Bay

[You're not alone. If offend-ers were fined ten cents for everysuperfluous "just" they utterednext Sunday, we could wipe outthe NZBMS debt in a day. —Ed.]

GLEN EDEN

Baptist PO Box 65275, Auckland 1330. Letters of more than 200 words will beletter without explanation. Your full name and address must be supplied.

Stanley. They could turn half-hearted Christians to a deepyearning for the Holy Spirit totransform and empower God'speople. Charles Stanley believesand preaches for a complete re-newing of the mind, from achanged heart, through thesacifice of Jesus Christ alone.Only thus could we hope to at-tain full salvation as preachedby Charles Stanley.

—O. Trotter,Flaxmere

November 20 & 211999All who have been associated with the church

are warmly invited to request details from:

Dennis Thornbury: 09 818 6233Fax: 09 818 4804

Email: [email protected]

4


Jesus Christ Forever! Yes!... That's the exuberant

theme of the 18th BaptistWorld Congress to be held inMelbourne, in January 2000.

The theme is an impor-tant statement in a world ofrapid and momentouschange. Baptists around theworld share in that change.

Once every five yearsthousands of Baptist Chris-tians from around the worldgather in Assembly at a Bap-tist World Congress. EachCongress celebrates the unityand ministry which Baptistcongregations have in ourLord Jesus Christ. A Con-gress is a colourful and ex-hilarating event!

It is also a time of story-telling of what God is doingin the world. The storiesvary greatly from countryto country. Some storieswill be exciting and of greatencouragement as reports ofnew people being reachedfor Christ are shared. Butsome stories will also tellof persecution or sufferingbeing experienced by oursisters and brothers inChrist. Regardless of theemotion of the stories theywill also challenge and re-mind us of the magnificenthope God's people have allround the globe - hopesummed up in the Congress

• To build new and excit-ing relationships, net-works, and co-operationbetween Baptist commu-nities across the world.To recognise thai NewZealand Baptists have alot to both offer and learnin the wider work of Godinternationally.

• To support our friends inthe New Zealand dramagroup Source Theatre,who will present dramaseach evening to help indeveloping the Congresstheme.

The Content of the Con-gress

As well as inspiring ple-nary gatherings, there willbe:

Focus Groups - which

will take place each after-noon. These include sub-jects such as Women in lead-ership, Christian Ethics, Hu-man Rights and Justice is-sues, Worship and Spiritual-ity, Theological Education,Youth leadership, Missionand Evangelism, World Aid,Church and Society and anumber of others. Thesegroups will provide for ex-cellent input and group inter-action.

Asian Baptist Youth Con-gress - will also be held inconjunction with the maincongress and will offer a widerange of activities.

Music! Music! Music! -Baptist Congresses areknown for their excellencein many things but it is soinspirational to worship to-

gether with such a broadspectrum of Baptist Chris-tians.

Lively Discussion -whether in the main sessionswith quality led Bible stud-ies, or in small group or cof-fee shops, there will be ex-cellent opportunities for con-tinuing discussions on almostany subject under the sun!

It would be great if wehad a large group of NewZealand Baptists attendingthe Congress. It would be aunique opportunity to:• Meet and enjoy the com-

pany of many other Bap-tist Christians from allover the world.

• Welcome in the new Mil-lennium

• Celebrate the stories andexperiences of others in

the spread of the Gospel.• Worship God in a tapes-

try of styles (and lan-guages) that expresshearts of praise and thank-fulness to God.

• Enjoy the splendour ofMelbourne, and the restof Australia!

Plan to be at the Con-gress, Melbourne, January 5-9, 2000, "Jesus Christ For-ever! Yes!"

Those who want furtherinformation or official Con-gress registration formsshould contact, as soon aspossible:Mrs Lee Bell, C/- BaptistNational Centre, P O Box 97543, SAMC, Phone 09 2787494, Fax 09 278 7499,Email: [email protected]

Come home.All is forgiven

If New Lynn is, or was, your spiritual home, welcome toour special Millennium Assembly where we give thanksto God for the ways in which He has touched the lives ofso many through 76 years of ministry.Come home to a special service followed by a cateredmeal and the chance to re-new old friendships and makenew onesNew Lynn Baptist Church Home Coming Service

Sunday, November 14thFor more information, write to: "Coming Home", NewLynn Baptist Church, 28 Rimu Street, Waitakere City

Hostel Managersfor

Longview Taurima HostelHamilton

Longview Taurima Hostel has since 1993 provided accommodation forUniversity and Polytech students. The hostel requires new managers for a

renewable two year term commencing at the start of 2000. This is aremunerated ministry opportunity which provides significant opportunitiesfor a couple with the appropriate gifts and calling to manage a hostel for 50

students. The hostel seeks to provide a caring and Christian environmentfor students consistent with its motto Encouraging Academic Achievement

and Christian Commitment. Applications close September 30, 1999.

For Information contact:Grant or Judy Bowen

17 Cameron Rd, HamiltonPh/Fax 07 856 3462

Matthew 25:40

Levin Baptist Church

4-6 February 2000You are invited to register

interest, or check details bycontacting:

PO Box 199, Levin,or email:

[email protected]@xtra.co.nz


Ph. TEAR Fund

Freepost 232,P0 Box 8315,Auckland.

5

theme - "Jesus Christ For-ever! Yes!"

New Zealand Baptist In-volvement

It is important that a sig-nificant number of New Zea-land Baptists plan to attendthe World Congress. Such anevent is important to us be-cause it gives the opportu-nity for us:• To be part of a gathering

representative of the 100million Baptist Christiansfrom around the world.To meet significant lead-ers in a wide range ofChristian ministries fromAsia, Africa, SouthAmerica, Eastern Euro-pean and other such na-tions, as well as fromwestern countries.

Please send me more information on:

Community Development. Child Sponsorship.

B1-99

Job Creation.

0800 800 061Child Development, lob Creation, Community Development

TEAR FundChristian Action

Name

Address

162 Stoddard Road,Mt Roskill, Auckland

Phone: (09) 629 111 1Fax: (09) 629 0300

Email: [email protected]: 0800 629 111

DESIGN & PRINT


Grandmothers(by an eight-year-old)

A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own but loves girls and boys of otherpeople.

Grandmothers have nothing to do; they only have to be there.If they take you for a walk they go past lovely leaves and caterpillars and things.

They never say, "Come quickly", or "Hurry up for goodness sake."They are usually fat, but not too fat to tie shoe laces.

They wear glasses and sometimes can take their teeth out.They answer questions like, "Why do cats and dogs fight?" and "Why

isn't God married?" and they never mind reading the same story over andover.

Grandmothers are the only people who have time.They are really young, only they have grown old on the outside.

Everyone should have a grandmother.

Special memories of grandparents flood my thoughts - familygatherings, singing hymns around the piano, tea parties, dolls'houses Grandma used to make, playing croquet on the lawn...I've since learned that my grandmother prayed for each of hergrandchildren daily. My grandparents are no longer alive but

I'm a Nana to a two-year-old and mother of two small children(work that one out!) So I've done some thinking about the role

of grandparents in children's lives.

"They're always glad to see us.""They make our favourite things to eat."

"I like the way they give me lots of cuddles.""I like visiting the mall with my Oma and she has heaps of time to look

at everything.""They look after us when Mum and Dad are not home."

"Nana's there when I need to talk to someone.""They tell us about what our parents were like when they were young.''

"They never forget birthdays.""They make me happy when they talk jokes."

Grandparents make time forkids:

"We do special things with them that their parents are often too busy todo." "I like to have them stay over individually. They don't get that in their

family (five children). We aim to do something special together, maybe go to the$2 Shop or The Warehouse. We chat about anything and everything. They tell me

what's happening in their lives. 'Won today Gran!'""Not having to deal with children everyday they are more able to have a positive bias.

When my Mum stayed she would take half an hour to put Natalya to bed because of theendless stories and yakka so I had to send her off to bed earlier so she would get enough sleepbefore school."

6

I asked some childrenabout their grandparents!

Grandparents love theirgrandchildren to bits:

"We love having our grandchildren visit us. But not having full respon-sibility for their upbringing is a happy relief."

"The children's grandparents are so good to us all. They give the girlsextra love and attention. They often bring little treats for them."

And it works both ways."The Lord gives me so much love through these children.""What a joy to hear them calling us 'Nanny and Bappie', names they

chose for us. It's like sweet music to our ears.""When I walk into a room Leanne comes running up to me so excited

and exclaims to all, 'This is MY Nanny!' and gives me a big hug."


"It's nice when the grand-parents come and give me abit of a break."

"I babysat last week sotheir parents could have aholiday by themselves." "Welove babysitting as we getthe opportunity to spendsome quality time with them-without parents."

"I'mcautious aboutneverputting myself above theirparents. I leave it to them tomake the big decisions."

"Mum lives with us.She's been so supportive - afriend, confidant, babysitterand Nana. When times aretough, she's there."

Grandparents providelink with the past:

"Sometimes they ask meabout when I was young."

"Grandparents often enjoyidentifying family traits in theirgrandchildren. They say thingslike, 'My father was very mu-

sical as a child too.'""Our children value the

stories their grandparents tellthem. They help them knowwhere they fit in the bigscheme of things."

Grandparents share specialoccasions and keep familytraditions alive:

"I'm always invited tobirthdays and special times."

"Mum makes amazing

birthday cakes for the chil-dren, like she did when wewere little."

"We both feel very hum-bled and privileged to begrandparents, thoroughlyenjoying the experience. TheBible says that grandchildrenare a crown to the aged. What

a privilege to wear thatcrown!"

"My grandchildren fill alot of my time and throughthem the Lord gives me somuch love and joy."

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all our families could havesimilar experiences with grandparents and grandparenting?Sadly it often doesn't work that way. Families move arounda lot these days and its difficult having 'hands on'grandparenting when you live far away from each other.Family break-ups cause a different kind of separation. Some-times it just doesn't work out the way you'd like it to.

"I don't feel welcome in my son and daughter-in-law'shome."

"The only contact I have is when they ring me up tobabysit. They're very involved in a different kind of lifefrom ours."

"My husband's parents seem to have 24-hour work. Isuppose that's the cost of running a business. We don't havemuch time with them."

Often the nuclear family can feel quite stressed andisolated without the support of a wider family network.Older folk can feel lonely and forgotten. There are singleswithout a family of their own who long to be involved withchildren.

Our churches are in the unique position of providingextended family networks to supplement our natural fami-lies. As an older single person before I recently married,God's promise in Psalm 68:2 was always precious: "God setsthe lonely in families." As part of his family we can haverelationships with other Christians that can provide thenurture, joy and purpose of an extended family. But itdoesn't just happen without effort on our part.

Our children have 'adopted' grandparents at RamaramaBaptist because their natural grandparents live so far away.John and Loris were Daniel's special visitors at Playcentre'sGrandparents' Day. John takes time to play cars with Daniel.Rita always has a special greeting for Bethany.

Doug is like a grandfather to Oliver for the same reason.Oliver (7 years old) says, "Doug is a special grandad to have.He does interesting things like lighting stage shows andworking with a truck and he doesn't mind taking me along.He helps me when I need him. He doesn't do it because hehas to but because he cares for me and I feel he really lovesme. I know if my grandparents lived close by they would dothe things Doug does but I think I am spoilt that Doug is thereforme. He's a real good grandad!"

Thelma is 'Nana Finlay' to Jessica and is often poppingin to see her, her baby sister and Mum. She's at Playcentreso often that it is assumed by many that she is Michelle'smother. With a new baby and a two year old, Michelledoesn't know how she would have managed without her.

How to build an extendedfamily for your child

Choose someone (or acouple) whose input youwould like to have in yourchild's life. Explain to themwhat you would like to doand ask them to be involved.

Invite your church grand-parents (aunt or uncle) to visitand visit them. Try and visitat least once a month.

Encourage sharing of fa-vourite toys, books, etc.

Exchange photos, or bet-ter still have a photo takentogether and place these pho-tos in prominent places inboth homes.

Include these people infamily prayers and in thechild's prayers.

Invite them to specialoccasions.

When on holiday, send apostcard.

Give presents at birth-days. Home-made presentsare appreciated.

Take an interest in theirinterests.

Encourage them to tellyour child (children) theirstories and to share their skills(needlework, woodwork,gardening, etc)

Worship together. Some-times a child will prefer to sitin church with their churchgrandparent than with theirparents.

Building a relationshipwith an older child and achurch grandparent may be alittle more complex but canbe done, I believe, if the per-son chosen is someone theyoung person respects andthey are actively involved inthe process.

What Would You Like to Say to Grandparents?It's sometime in August

1971. My family hadmoved from Whangarei toInvercargill. My Dad hadgotten a job at the construc-tion of the aluminumsmelter near Bluff. Thingsweren't going well for myparents.

They were in trouble.My younger brother and

I had been sent off to board-ing school in Dunedin to beout of the way, and that'swhere we were when our 10and 11 year old worlds ex-ploded into billions of use-less fragments.

They were getting di-vorced.

"What would I like to sayto Grandparents?"

If you can .just bethere.—Rev Scott Malcolm,Ponsonby Baptist Church

Your grandchildren arethe opportunity you have toright the mistakes you madein bringing up your children!

Invest in their future.Spend quality time together.Share their interests. Encour-age their faith in God. Betheir friend. Be honest. Al-ways listen. Comfort whenthey are hurting. Play, laughand enjoy happy times. Sur-round them with love andsecurity. Talk to them aboutGod and what He has donefor you. Pray for them. Tellthem that you pray for themand their protection from evil.

Enhance their self es-teem, be positive and encour-aging. Respect them as indi-viduals and guide them asnecessary. Love them un-conditionally.—Miss Jan Bowman, Auck-land Baptist Tabernacle

Enjoy your grand-kids whenyou are able. Quality time withyou can be very significant. Someof the most moving tributes I'velistened to at funerals have beenfrom grandchildren.• Let your grand-kids (and their

parents!) know your bounda-ries, in terms of your time andresources. This makes formoreharmonious relationships.

• Pray for your grand-kids. Theyneed it and God hears yourprayers.

• Have other people, besides yourgrand-kids and their parents,who are significant people inyour life. This will enrich youand your grandchildren.

• Let your grand-kids see yourpassion for Jesus, through yourlove for them and others. Thiswill encourage them to lovehim too!

—Rev Ann Marshall, Mt AlbertBaptist Church

You are the best thing thatever happened to your family,church and community. Don'tunderestimate the power ofyour time, smile, prayers orwisdom.

Grandparents are generallythe most supportive people inour churches for youth. Youwant the best for them but youhave been around for longenough to not be idealistic!

Please don't disagree withwhat grandchildren do, say andwear - just get to know themand love them.

We had the pleasure of be-ing adopted by some grand-parents when we moved to anew city and church. We re-ally did benefit from their in-terest and care.

You are never too old tomake a difference.—Pastor Mike Dodge, StAlbans Baptist Church

We're thehard place

people

Want to knowa bit?

About mission,what it takes,how you get

there?

Join us for a no-strings-attached

Friday night/Saturday...

Grandparents take thepressure off parents:

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7

Auckland1/2 October

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by John and Helen McNeil,Spreydon Baptist ChurchJohn's Story

I fell in love with my wifein church this morning. Thatmakes at least twice thisweek. I first fell in love withHelen in 1975, the year I mether. But in the 23 years wehave been married I havefallen in love with her afreshhundreds of times. Today, itwas the way she looked whenshe sang a song. Sometimes,it's the funny thoughts shecomes out with, or the wayshe kisses me hello when Icome home from work.Sometimes, even, it's thetears she cries ... for one ofus, or for a friend having aparticularly tough time.

But most of all, it's at thetimes when I discover some-thing fresh in Helen that isjust beginning to emerge. Agift, a talent, a skill, a growthin character that is beginningto bloom, like a spring flowerthat suddenly pops out, hav-ing just received the rightcombination of soil, sun, tem-perature and nurture tobloom. Just as I love to stopand admire the new flowerswhen they appear, so I loveeven more to delight in thenew things I find in Helen, orthat she finds in herself. Andwith each one that appears, Ifall in love afresh.

Ever since we have beenmarried, I have been tryingto encourage Helen to expe-rience new things, developnew skills, to stretch herselfin new directions. Often, inthe process, she has discov-ered things in herself shenever knew were there, andout of it new interests andeven new ministries havedeveloped. There were somany qualities and talents Icould sense in Helen thatwere just waiting to burst out.And it has been a delightover the years to see themunfolding one by one.

I say my delight, becausein the process I discoveredsomething wonderful hap-pening: that I was benefitingas much as Helen. As she hasbecome a more richly gracedperson, so my life has beenequally enriched. In helpingher to grow, I have been pro-vided with a more interest-ing friend, companion andlover, and each stage ofgrowth gives me fresh causeto fall in love yet again withmy wife. Of course, there is ahuge challenge in this, be-cause it is a double-sidedcoin. It is not fair for me toexpect Helen to grow, with-out being prepared to do thesame myself. I do not findthis easy, but what am I say-ing about our relationship if Iam not prepared to acceptfrom her the same encour-agement I would offer; if Iwant her to change but I amnot prepared to do so?

A word of caution:This is not to be coer-

cive, to try and make Helen

into something she does notwant to be or cannot be. Noris it an attempt to remakeHelen in my image. Thereinwould lie great conflict andheartache. There have beentimes when Helen has re-jected suggestions or thingsI thought it would be goodfor her to try. Then, it isimportant that I hear whatshe is saying, and give herthe freedom not to do some-thing. If in the process I stillbelieve it would be right forher, my part then is simplyto pray and leave it up toGod to move her in that di-rection if it is right. (Nag-ging is counter-productive.)

You sometimes hear thecomplaint, "You are not thewoman I married." Ofcourse she's not. If shewere, some questionsshould definitely be asked.To put it one way, how darewe ask our partner to stag-nate, to not develop, to be-come a living fossil? We allchange. Life forces manyof these changes on us.Some seem for worse, ratherthan better. Because of thehuge influence that partnershave on each other, if mywife's development appearsto be going backwards, thatshe is deteriorating, then Ishould be asking those hardquestions of myself: whatin me is causing this reac-tion? There may be othercauses, of course, but nomatter what, my role shouldbe encourager rather thancritic.

Some men feel threatenedwhen their wife develops newinterests or skills, and try toblock or criticise her. By do-ing so, they probably don'trealise they are actually im-poverishing their own livesas well. If we rejoice withour wives as they try newthings, we will be twice en-

riched. And in the process,we will be unable to helpourselves constantly fallingin love afresh.

Helen's responseAs a teenager, I "fell in

love" lots of times. How fer-vently I prayed over eachone! Mind you, not many ofthem took any notice of me!Some did, but the stars in myeyes, and theirs, soon faded.In 1973 I emigrated to NewZealand and about 18 monthslater met John. We will drawa discreet veil over the fiascoof our first date.

I married a romantic.John's creative talents beinglarge, romantic gestures cancome on the grand scale. Forone anniversary he secretlyorganised an al fresco mealon the daffodil lawn of theBotanic Gardens. As wedined amid the daffodils andalmond blossoms, cabaretartists entertained us withmusic and dance, before Johnrowed me down the Avon tothe movies. But the weeks ofnervous tension as he wor-ried that it might rain didrather take the gilt off thegingerbread. Perhaps youthink me ungrateful. Don'tworry, I cried when he sangme a love song of his owncomposition as a Christmaspresent.

But it wasn't John's ro-mantic nature that drew meto him. Our friendship blos-somed as we co-wrote somearticles on being single - atour age. We were 25 and 30at the time. Then after threeepisodes we disqualified our-selves from writing more!

John became smittenfairly early on, but I failed toregister. He was no more thana good friend. On a practicallevel we fitted together verywell. We enjoyed a similarsense of humour, something

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we would need! We had simi-lar goals in life, to serve Godwherever he would call. Wehad similar values. We shareda love of and talent for mu-sic. We even squeezed thetoothpaste in the same place.At 25 I was able to thinkbeyond the stereotypes of"tall, dark and handsome."I'd make do with two out ofthree. So what were the at-tractions?

John was a man with asense of fun, creativity, mu-sic, hard work, a man whocould listen to and take ad-vice, a man with a heart toserve God, a man of integrityand vision. I knew he wouldmake a good husband. Weagreed that marriage wouldbe a lifelong commitment -but where were the lights,the music in my heart, thestarry eyes? They just weren'tthere. Even worse, there wasanother contender for myhand and in terms of emotionI couldn't differentiate be-tween them. This time whenI prayed I really wantedGod's will. He answered. Onthe following Friday I wasoverwhelmed with as muchmusic and starlight as I couldstand. I now felt "qualified"to tell John that I loved him.We were married six monthslater.

Over and above our mar-

riage vows, we promisedeach other several otherthings:• We would never criticise

each other in public;• never pull each other

down with our words;• we would go to an arbi-

trator if we couldn't re-solve difficulties to bothour satisfactions. For themost part we've been ableto stick to our word.John's willingness to beunder God's authoritywas a major factor in myagreeing to marry him.This, above all things,gave me a sense of emo-tional security. Therehave been occasions

when we've needed helpto resolve some difficulty.It shouldn't have come asa surprise to find we wereboth wrong!While I needed some

feelings for emotional re-as-surance, they were transient.Frankly, I find them tooclosely tied to the fluctua-tions of my hormone levelsto trust. Our feelings can leadus to wonderful expressionsof love from time to time,but life isn't lived on thatlevel. The real basis of ourmarriage is commitment,trust, openness, accountabil-ity and a commitment tohealing our own pastwounds.

National Centre

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Phone 09 278 7494


John and Helen McNeil

8


by John NorthOne of the great expe-

riences for travellers inEurope is to visit the ma-jestic gothic cathedrals.We view them from out-side and are astonished attheir size and beauty. Weenter the great doors andare sometimes over-whelmed by the lofty andgraceful columns, theglory of stained glass andthat atmosphere whichwords cannot describe.

I was fascinated to dis-cover recently that thesebuildings could onlyerected because of whatwe would call a techno-logical break through. AsA.T. Mann wrote: "Theearlier romanesque styleof architecture was beau-tiful in its way but thebuildings were massiveand over-powering. Sud-denly, with the introduc-tion of flying buttressesand stained glass win-dows, the great cathedralsexpressed a crystal likequality of lightness and anaspiration to heaven thatwas missing in all previ-ous architecture."

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able for light to flow intothe cathedral's centralspaces. The earlier churcheshad to have massive walls(and not many windows) inorder to bear the colossalweight of the roof. But thedevelopment of flying but-tresses, these supporting

beams from outside, meantthat light and colour couldstream into the churchthrough large windows.And the supporting but-tresses were not simply use-ful but added their ownbeauty to the total struc-ture.

What a break-through!Keeping this in mind, whynot leap across to Phil. 3where Paul described allthe assets, all the heavyblocks he had piled up tosupport his sense of worthbefore God. He lists theseas his ethnic and cultural

heritage, his moral recti-tude, his total commitmentto his faith. He labouredso hard to build up thismassive structure, but ithad a great defect. In or-der to be strong, it couldnot afford to have any win-dows through which new

light might shine in.Then came the day

when the Light explodedaround and within him andhe had to start all overagain. In order to knowChrist, he was ready to tossout all the old securities asrubbish. Because he knewhimself firmly held,"rooted and grounded inChrist," he could relax, letthe light shine in and beopen to God as never be-fore.

Speaking of cathedrals,does this ring any bells forus? It's so easy to fall intothe trap of needing to provesomething to others, to our-selves and to God.

As sincere Christianswe can become driven peo-ple, carrying immenseloads, erecting an immenseedifice of religion. Untilwe meet grace, not justonce but over and overagain. Grace is not some-thing we organize. Itcomes from God and needsto be received. We don'thave to travel around theworld to discover grace.Anywhere, any time wecan let our self-built edi-fice go as we discover weare firmly held in God'slove.

Then light and colourcan stream into our lives.

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10 NZ Baptist September 1999

Jesus Christ Forever. Yes!

18TH BAPTISTWORLD CONGRESSM E L B O U R N EA U S T R A L I A5-9 JANUARY 2000CONVENED BY THE BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE

It seems to me, as I think about the national ministries of theBaptist Churches of New Zealand, that they are not about us at all!They are about you — you in the local congregations - and whatyou are doing in ministries in and from your churches. Our task isto serve and resource you in that work.

Among the most fulfilling aspects for me as leader of the HomeTeam are the opportunities I have to spend time with churches andpastors — often just to "chew the fat" and to listen to what is beingachieved in their communities. It is so encouraging to me andothers on the team.

Because "it's all about you" we have asked some of ourchurches, where members of the Home Team have had input, totell a little of what has been happening for them.

We are excited to have had a small part in what those churches(and many others as well) have achieved. We see ourselves as partof your ministry team and would like to urge you to use us as yourHome Team to help you and your ministries wherever we can.

Don't forget to give us a call! We have some outstandingresources available for you!

HOME TEAM

It's all about you!forward work

Ian Brown

FLAXMERE WANGANUI CENTRALThe replanting of Flaxmere Baptist Church is a great story of cooperation. The generosity

of Hastings Baptist Church as well as the Pastors Support Subsidy has helped Ed and LindaKarlsen replant Flaxmere Baptist from a small group of 16 people with a church building to aself-sufficient reconstituted church with an average of 50-60 adults in attendance.

The Pastors Support Subsidy is provided by the Baptist Union and is largely funded by theLegion of Donors. The Legion of Donors is an open group of approximately 300 individualsand couples who hear news about two churches three times per year and respond in prayerand financial support for them. (New members are always welcome).

Ed Karlsen completed study at Carey Baptist College in November 1994 and moved toFlaxmere in December of that year. Hastings Baptist Church employed him full-time andinitially his job was divided between both Hastings and Flaxmere.

Flaxmere Baptist Church meets at 10am on Sundays. Services have a charismatic flavour,with opportunities for people to speak. Attenders are diverse both socio-economically andtheologically.

Steady growth has come predominantly through previously churched people finding a newchurch home, as well as through people moving to Flaxmere Baptist from other churches anddenominations. There have also been a small number of people who have recently becomeChristians.

The church boasts "the best op shop in the Hawkes Bay"; a shop committed to providing lowcost, good quality clothing for the community.

Ed is grateful for the support, oversight and monitoring by Hastings Baptist Church and theCentral Districts and Wellington Superintendent; formerly Gordon Mill and more recentlyMurray Cottle. He is also glad of the interaction that Pastors and Spouses Conferences andAssemblies provide, giving him the opportunity to catch up with other ministers and the widerBaptist scene.

Assisted by the support of the Hastings Baptist Church and the Baptist Union's PastorsSupport Subsidy, Flaxmere Baptist Church is now back on its feet again.

OWAKAOwaka is a small South Otago town on the Catlins Coast. The Baptist church there was one

of the first Baptist churches to be established in New Zealand.In December 1992, after being without a pastor for over a year, Owaka Baptist Church began

a new tradition that has served them well for the past seven years ... Ian and LorraineCrawford arrived from Carey Baptist College to undertake their Summer Pastorate.

Summer Pastorates allow Carey pastoral leadership students to put into practice some ofwhat they are learning in their training for ministry. They also give students a taste of whatfuture ministry will be like. And they provide churches that are without a minister a pastor forthe summer.

Over the past seven years the Owaka church has enjoyed the ministry of Ian and LorraineCrawford (now at Ashburton), Campbell and Christine Hill (now at Tauranga Central), Jim andDebbie McIntosh (now at Gisborne Central), Lindsay and Bronwyn Lash (now at North Avon,Christchurch), Colin and Linda Wood (now at Ilam, Christchurch), Dale Pearson (still training atCarey) and Warren Judkins (short term at Avonhead, Christchurch). Elder Gordon Patersoncomments, "The students are encouragers. The encouragement lasts until September, when wecan look forward to the next student".

At Wanganui Central Baptist Church there seems to be action aplenty all week long. Theyhave a kindergarten, a creche, a pre-reading programme for preschoolers, four full-time (andone part-time) distance students in the Carey Baptist College Diploma programme, a Te WhareAmorangi outpost and hold two Sunday services with 250-300 people in attendance.

Senior Pastor Paul Cornish came to Wanganui Central from Invercargill in November 1998.He and the church find responding to God's call both fulfilling and risky as they work with Godin reconciling society to Himself through a variety of means.

Paul is glad of the times Wellington and Central Districts superintendent Murray Cottle popsin for a coffee and a catch up on his way through town.

Dave Cameron coordinates Te Whare Amorangi in Wanganui, training five full-time and fourpart-time students. In 1999, Te Whare Amorangi is working with Carey Baptist College, drawingsubjects from the Diploma of Mission and offering a two-year diploma programme. DerekChristensen from Carey and Rewai Te Kahu from Baptist Maori Ministries have worked together

Owaka Baptist Church has between 10 and 20 people in attendance each Sunday. By employ-ing students over the summer period, they have discovered a sustainable way of complementingthe pastoral care and teaching they are able to provide for themselves during the year.

Each student has brought something special to the church, either for individuals within thechurch or for the church as a whole. The people at Owaka Baptist have been most impressed withthe calibre of the students they have had, believing that if they represent Carey students as awhole, then the Baptist churches of New Zealand will continue to be well served in the future.

The women from Owaka Baptist Church recently enjoyed a one-day Baptist Women'sMinistries seminar at Balclutha Baptist, along with women from Balclutha, Dunedin and Gore.They appreciated the opportunity to meet with other women in local areas, as well as to haveinput from the women who spoke. Liz Fitzmaurice, Ruth Noel, Daphne Marsden and Jenni Craigshared on topics as wide ranging as women's health, self esteem and outreach ideas that haveworked in other churches.

The people at Owaka Baptist love contact with people from other parts of New Zealand andthe world, so if you are fortunate enough to be enjoying a holiday that takes in the lovely CatlinsCoast, be sure to include Sunday 10.30am at Owaka Baptist in your itinerary.

PAPAMOAAt the 1998 North Island Pastors and Spouses Retreat, Papamoa Baptist Church's pastor,

Steve Trim, heard about the "Planning Your Church's Future" process and decided he would liketo undertake it at Papamoa.

As a result, over the period November 1998 — March 1999, Waikato, Bay of Plenty andEastland Superintendent, Paul Grimmer, led the Papamoa Baptist Church through "Planning YourChurch's Future". The whole church could be involved as it looked at the past, its aims for thefuture and ways in which those aims could be achieved. For Papamaoa Baptist it was a funinteractive time that involved up to 45 church attenders.

From the process, Papamoa Baptist Church has formulated nine very specific goals and isdevising a vision statement.

Steve was very grateful to Paul for the input he provided. "I can't speak of him highlyenough", Steve comments, "He's a good facilitator and communicator who made the processvery enjoyable for us all."

Papamoa has also engaged in the "Setting Your Church Free" process, again under theguidance of Paul Grimmer. Steve Trim recommends it as something for all churches to do every

d e s i g n : j o n a t h a n r e a d scenic photograp

with Dave to enable this course training future Maori leadership to be conducted in Wanganui.Dave comments, "Good things are happening, spiritually and intellectually, through being in

both a learning environment and a community of people working and sharing together."People on the course are "finding a place to stand".

Also learning (and playing) together each weekday are 50 kindergarten and 20 crechechildren (200 children per week). The majority of these children have no church affiliation. AFamily Liaison person, Royce Dewe, is employed by the Kindergarten and Creche to help meetthe needs of the children and families, and to organise parenting courses and single parentsupport groups. She also has a pastoral care role with staff.

Royce has appreciated the availability of Baptist Care Limited's North Island CommunityMinistries Consultant, Andrea Page, and the administrative and management support BCLprovides, both in person and through its written resources.

Wanganui Central Baptist Church is in the process of setting up a community services trust

to provide an umbrella organisation for budget advice and counseling. They were againgrateful for Andrea Page's assistance as she provided them with advice and resources and tookthem through a half day Trustee training course.

The Baptist National Centre staff have provided the church with legal advice, informationabout salaries and payments, as well as access to the insurance scheme and ACC levy scheme.Administrator Bryan Feist comments, "We are given the benefits of being in a large group ofchurches".

Wanganui Central's youth intern, Michael Hill, is undertaking the youth pastors' trainingcourse, coordinated by Murray Brown, through Baptist Youth Ministries.

Wanganui Central also provides pastoral and administrative support and encouragement fortheir daughter congregation, Waverley Baptist Church.

Wanganui Central Baptist Church certainly appears to be reaching its goal of being "acommunity of Christian faith in action".

Greymouth Baptist Church's pastor, Chris Chamberlain, seems to operate by the "ask and it will begiven to you" approach. Despite being geographically isolated, Greymouth Baptist has had nine nationalor regional Baptist representatives pay official visits in the past two years.

Chris moved to Greymouth in May 1996 and has since sought to raise the profile of the church'sBaptist heritage. He has been encouraged by the positive response both from, and towards those hehas invited to visit, including Presidents Sam Emery and Graham Reddell. Sam and Alma attended aweekend church camp and spoke on what it means to be Baptist, and Graham spoke at an interdenomi-national World Day of Prayer service.

NZBMS staff, Don McKenzie and Rob Kilpatrick, have also visited, and have encouraged GreymouthBaptist in their desire to develop a mission focus beyond themselves.

Paul Windsor, principal of Carey Baptist College, preached at a Sunday service last year. He proved to bea dynamic upfront speaker. Partly as a result of Paul's visit, Chris decided to undertake some further study bycorrespondence through Carey. He encouraged others to join him, and this year there are two people fromGreymouth Baptist taking "Pastoral Care" and six taking "Bible and Mission" Courses. Both are Diploma ofMission papers, available through distance learning.

Because of the large number of students doing "Bible and Mission", Carey Baptist College agreed tosend part-time lecturer, Steve Taylor, to Greymouth for a weekend in May 1999 to run a one-day seminarpicking up on their questions from the course. Chris commented, "It was a good weekend that stretchedour thinking". One participant said, "I feel for the first time that I can be a committed Christian and still beacademic". Steve also preached at their morning service and observed and helped the organisers debrief"Soul Reason", their monthly seeker targeted service.

Executive Secretary, Ian Brown, visited Greymouth Baptist Church earlier this year. He led aworkshop with the church leaders, enjoyed a relaxed social evening on Saturday, preached at themorning service and also observed and helped debrief "Soul Reason" on Sunday night. Chris is verypositive about Ian's time in Greymouth and spoke highly of him. "Ian is approachable and down toearth. He helped people see that the Baptist family of churches is much more relational than institu-tional".

Canterbury-Westland's Baptist Youth ministries Youth Director, Mike Dodge, led a weekend Consultin 1998 to assist and encourage Greymouth Baptist Church's fledgling youth group and its leaders.

It is wonderful to see a church using the resources of the national and regional ministries of the BaptistChurches so thoroughly. Elder Nola Hatherley comments, "West Coasters feel a bit isolated. It is nice that theBaptist Union has remembered we are here! We have been made to feel that we are really part of the Baptistfamily".

10-15 years, as in his opinion it helps churches identify where reconciliation is needed andworks towards that end.

Steve attended the Caleb Course in 1998 and was grateful for the input he received thereand for the course sponsorship from the Baptist Savings and Development Society.

He also enjoys the chance to catch up with other ministers and the wider Baptist family atAssemblies and Pastors and Spouses Conferences.

Papamoa Baptist Church runs a childcare centre providing care for up to 30 children on adaily basis. Church leadership and Centre staff have been grateful for the significant input theyhave received from Baptist Care's Andrea Page. Andrea has run a professional developmentworkshop for staff, to whom she related well and who responded positively to the workshop.Andrea makes herself readily available, responding quickly to emails and phone calls, andvisiting personally (and promptly) when the need arises.

Papamoa Baptist is a church that wants to reflect appropriately on its past and plancarefully for its future, while working effectively in its current ministry. They are using thenational and regional ministries of the Baptist family of churches to assist them in this task.

nick conway research: l y n n e t a y Io r

THE PEOPLE

GREYMOUTH


Pastors Subsidies - providing partial fundingFor pastors and church, planters in new andstrategic churched.

Vision, direction and pastoral careExecutive Secretary - giving leadership to thedenomination and representing Baptists inthe wider church forum.Regional Superintendents - providingleadership, pastoral care and resources topastors and teachers.Tumuaki - giving oversight to Baptist MaoriMinistries, encouraging local congregationsin ministry to Maori.Chaplains - being Christ in the armed forces,hospitals, prisons and workplaces.

Spiritual direction and counsellingservices - John North provides churchleaders and individuals with opportunitiesfor spiritual growth through one on one andretreat experiences.

Advisory services and protocols onTax and legal issuesSexual abuseConflict resolution (resolve)Stipend structures and allowancesTrusteeship and propertiesEmployment guidelinesThe National Centre services the church dailyas requests come from all around thecountry in the above areas.

Financial servicesSuperannuation Scheme and Insurance Fund- superannuation for church staff, property,liability and workers compensationinsurances.Ministers' Car Fund and Mobilcard - low

for more information

on our advertising rates,

phone Jonathan

on 09 278 7494

Reach out to new people

AUCKLAND - OCTOBER 27, 28

Featuring Nicky Gumbel

The Alpha Conference will fully inform and preparea team of leaders to introduce and implement Alpha in their church.

In the new Alpha Conference programme, delegates may choose fromeleven different seminars including: Alpha in Prisons, Alpha for ESLstudents, Alpha in a Catholic context.

one in every four dollars you give to the Home Team Appeal'makes up one in every four dollars in our budget.

NATIONAL MINISTRIESinterest loans to ministers for car purposesand discounted petrol for church staff.Baptist Savings and Development Society -lends money for church propertydevelopment, which has been deposited byother churches and individuals.

TrainingCarey Baptist College - training for pastoralleadership, mission service, lay leadershipand general theological pursuit.Youth Pastor Training - training andequipping youth pastors.Te Whare Amorangi - "House of Priests"equipping Maori men and women to giveleadership to the churches in Aotearoa.

Information Services and CommunicationExecutive Secretary letters to pastors -encouraging and resourcing church leaders.Information to Secretaries and TreasurersDatabase - resourcing Baptist Union andtranzsend, keeping track of peoples giving,providing information for research andplanning.Annual Report, Year Book and Statistics -informing churches and Assembly delegatesof details of the past year's activities andproviding up to date and accurate statisticsand contact details for churches.NZ Baptist News Magazine - dedicated toresourcing and facilitating churches.

Baptist Care Limited - Social Servicesconsultancy and advice.

Baptist Youth Ministries - Youth Ministriesconsultancy and advice.

Women's ministries - women reaching women.

The staff and students at your college say thank you.

Alpha courses are proving high effective in com-municating the Gospel to todays enquirer's.

Alpha is being offered in more than 650 churches inNew Zealand as well as in Prisons, Universities andSchools.

Find out about Alpha 2000Taking Alpha to the nation - a coordinated initiative for April 2000.

BAPTIST COLLEGE

Early bird discount on registration fees closesSeptember 10th

Conference Registration forms available from:Alpha Conference.

PO Box 26.119, Wellington 6030Phone (04) 477 3997. Fax (04) 477 3927

Email: [email protected] out mine about us on our Webpage - www.alpha.org.nz

September 1999 NZ Baptist 15

Plan To Be There!At the 18th Baptist World Congress,Melbourne, Australia, January 5-9, 2000.Baptists in Australia warmly welcome Baptists fromover 200 countries to Melbourne, one of the world'smost beautiful cities!The BWA invites you to come and:

• Fellowship with Baptists from around the world.

• Welcome the new millennium with hope and faith in Jesus

Christ.

• Celebrate the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ into every

corner of the world.

• Worship in a tapestry of styles that express hearts of praise

and thankfulness to God.

• Hear from exceptional and gifted speakers what God is

saying to His church today.

• Reaffirm with believers everywhere, some of whom face

persecution and harassment, the need for religious liberty.

• Join with Bible-believing Christians to fight racial and ethnic

injustice as an affront to the Gospel.

• Take away a heart full of memories and a soul challenged to

serve God.

• Enjoy the splendour of Australia.

For more information contact:The Baptist National CentrePhone 09 278 7494, Fax 09 278 7499Email: [email protected]

Welcome to theWorldwide BaptistFamily reunion!Once every five years, thousands of

Baptists from around the world gather in

assembly at a Baptist World Congress.

We celebrate the unity we have in our

Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and

witness to His saving grace and life-

changing power. We encourage one

another and plan what we can do

together to extend the kingdom of God

with righteousness, peace and justice to

the ends of the earth. In a world of rapid

and momentous change, it is more

important than ever that we meet under

the theme, "Jesus Christ forever. Yes!"

This is our message to the world. Make

plans now to come to Australia. Join the

family of Baptists in beautiful Australia in

January 2000.

We plan to meet you there!


For our life together wecelebrate! ... for the joy andfor the sorrow, ... yesterday,today, tomorrow, wecelebrate

Celebrate the whole of it!Twenty years ago this Oc-

tober we arrived inBangladesh....young! I was23, Paul 27, and we had beenless than three years married.We arrived eager for the ad-venture, but blithely ignorantofwhatwewereinfor. Did wegive our seniors headaches? Iremember John Garwood es-corting the four new mission-aries down to Barisal, a 6 hourjourney by paddle steamer. Theboatwasso crowded we had tosit on our luggage out on thedeck. The two young womenwith us soon attracted a throngof admirers. When we arrivedin Barisal the power was off.We took six rickshaws downthe pitch black road to the lan-guage school. A couple ofdays later John wrote out a listof Bengali words we mightneed and said goodbye, leav-ing us to learn the hard wayhow to bargain for our dailybread.

Would we do that to newarrivals nowadays?

We survived.Our colleagues have

loved us or tolerated us, irri-tated orinfuriated us, rebukedand challenged us, argued oragreed with us, laughed andcried with us. John, Raewyn,Olly, Dinesh, Mairi, Lorna,Murray, Yvonne, Lesley,Rob, Diane, Margaret, MelvaJohn, Susan, Stephen,Merilyn, Ann, Kevin,Noelene, Ross, Cindy, Brian,Liz, Don, Gloria, Richard,Sally, Brian, Gay, Pat,Graeme, Christine — eachof them has affected us.

I'll never forget the FieldCouncil meetings where thearguments raged: "What'sthe use of having rules if wedon't keep to them?"

"But in this case I thinkwe just have to make an ex-ception!"

Strong-minded people,committed to consensus-based decision making,usually we foughtthrough to agreement.

I'll always cherishthe very special memo-ries of our Christmasestogether, of hilariouscard games, of deep unityin hours or days of prayer.Our children are closerthan cousins to the chil-dren of our colleagues.They remember makingcubbies with the Jensenkids, summer bonfires withthe Pyles; Aunty Sue'sdonuts, Aunty Cindy's storytelling, Uncle John Garwoodmaking chocolate fudge forChristmas.

We celebrate life withBangladeshi friends. Theweddings where we ate soenormously. The ChristmasDay services with poundingdrums and clashing cymbals.The playmates who enrichedour children's lives, givingthem a language, teachingthem games they'd neverhave learned in New Zea-land. The fun of being in-volved in the women'scamps, not as leader but asparticipant. The chats withneighbours when we all strollaround the pond in the eve-nings. The partnership ofworking together: in villagepreaching expeditions; inchecking translations; inplanning programmes.

Sorrow and stress we'velived through these twentyyears. Loneliness of languagelearning, frustration of fail-ure. Disappointment, some-times, with the church wecame to serve. Sickness: threecases of hepati-

dictator ousted, strikes, riots,morestrikes. We'veseentwomajor floods and shared withmillions of others the discom-fort of water in our house.We've seen human suffering:girls we know raped; mal-nourished

tis, oneof typhoid, one nearly fatalappendix operation, one babybadly burned, innumerabletummy bugs and fevers.

We've seen Bangladeshtorn by political strife: onePresident assassinated, one

babies dying;bright children dropping outof school because theycouldn't afford it; peoplecheated of their land; rich peo-ple casually abusing the poor.

We've been burgled andcheated. We've struggledwith minor irritations that

seem major: heat, humidity,poor telephone connections,power cuts, endless red tape.Most painful of all, the an-guish of sending our daugh-ters one by one to boardingschool. We'll never forgetthat hurt, nor ever perhaps bequite free of wonderingwhether we made the rightdecision.

But we've had joys thatoutweigh the pain. Joy in thebeauty of Bangladesh, surelythe greenest country on earth.Joy in watching trees blos-som, leaf and fruit, joy in thevariety of birds. Joy in teach-ing our children to swim in ourbig pond. Joy in giving andreceiving hospitality. Joy inmastering a language, in un-derstanding a different culture.Fascination of being let intothe minds and beliefs of Bang-ladeshis and the excitement oftrying and sometimes succeed-ing in communicating the gos-pel to them. Awe when werecognised God at work. Joyin seeing people baptised, lit-tle churches begun. The sat-isfaction of being able to lookback and say, they still haveso far to go but ten years on,

Christ has made a visibledifference in the lives ofthese people.

We' ve had the conso-lation of knowing that wewere able to help: housesbuilt, tube wells dug, rice

distributed, schools repaired.The privilege of providingfood for malnourished babiesand watching them gainweight; or of arranging medi-cal treatment that saves a lifeor changes it for the better.

Even in the pain of send-ing our kids away we've beenblessed by the friendship and

understanding of other par-ents who have faced the samedilemma and made the samechoice. And what we prizeso much: joy in our family.Despite our separations weare strong in our love andcommitment to each other.We share a zest for travel anda passion for books. We arenot subject to the TV.

www.hcjb.org

Now, this is a well de-signed web page! It'snot toobig and is colourful and easyto use. The thing that reallygrabbed my attention was justhow big HCJB Radio's min-istry actually is.

HCJB began broadcast-ing from Ecuador on Christ-mas Day 1931, the vision oftwo American men. Nowthey are one of the world'slargest shortwave radio sta-tions, transmitting in twelvelanguages and twenty-twodialects to more than 115countries everyday. Part ofthe HCJB vision is to workwith other missionary broad-

casters in the World by 2000goal which is to make gospelbroadcasting available toeveryone in languages theyunderstand by the year 2000!

The ministry now reachesfar beyond mere music tapesand the like. There are threemajor thrusts to the ministry:

broadcasting, health (hospi-tals are set up and managedby HCJB) and training pro-grammes for Christian lead-ers.

Check out the website andbe challenged by what thevision of just two men (plusGod!) can become.

By Sean Marston.As I spend more time talk-

ing to different groups aroundNew Zealand I am findingmany youth groups are keento run a DO Team (short termmission). Young people inparticular are keen to experi-ence mission. Inthenextyearthere will be a teams to Fiji,Papua New Guinea, Macauand Bangladesh. By the endof the year five teams willhave made overseas trips.

Three of these will begoing to Fiji where we havestrong connections with Bap-tist churches in Suva and inoutlying villages. They willbe working with Fijian Indi-ans, running children's pro-

grammes and church serv-ices, giving a local church amuch needed facelift, build-ing and doing maintenanceat the Christian LeadershipCollege, and experiencingChristians and life in anotherculture.

In Papua New Guinea oneteam will do building workwith Habitat for Humanityand then building and main-tenance at the Baptist Col-lege near Mount Hagen; an-other team will spend a weekwith Rosemary Eyres, Stuand Daph MacKenzie, andthe Lae Baptist Church. Thissecond group, made upmostly of young adults, willalso spend a week in a settle-

ment area in Port Moresbywhere the Boroko BaptistChurch has been working forseveral years. Both of theseexperiences will open theireyes and hearts to the needsof city people in the Two-Thirds world.

Al the people in theseteams will be changed be-cause of their experiences.They will view life differ-ently and, hopefully, live lifemore purposefully way be-cause of the sights, sounds,smells, needs, and hopes theyencounter.

Please pray for the DOTeams and me in my role ofmotivating our young peo-ple to overseas mission.

Our roots are deep in Asia.Bangladesh and India havebeen home to us these 20 years.That's about to turn into yes-terday. Today we face a be-reavement as deep as anywe've known. The tomorrowwhen we return to NZ loomsmore frightening than did thethought of Bangladesh twentyyears ago. We're middle agednow. We have to worry aboutfour children, all needing ahome and an education. NewZealand is an alien country.We know the language - dowe?—butthecultureisstrangeto us. Paul wrote recently:

I have come to the conclu-sion that what we have beendoing is the greatest privilegeand the greatest adventure lefton earth! Don't talk to meabout climbing Everest, cross-ing the Antarctic, the Gobi orthe Sahara. What we havebeen doing is The Adventure.It has all the features of thegreat adventures—planning,sponsorship, preparation,stress, hardship, risk takingand straight out fun.

After the adventure, theanticlimax? Not in our case.For our family, an even morechallenging adventure liesahead. We have to work outhow to go on being disciplesof Jesus in New Zealand.


By Don McKenzie.Last February a team of

seven from Spreydon Bap-tist Church spent three weeksin Bangladesh. We visitedall of the Tranzsend /NZBMS people and threefamilies from Spreydon whoare working in that countryand serving the people ofBangladesh.

The principle require-ment for applicants for theteam was a genuine interestin global mission and a de-sire to be involved - either byserving overseas or as a sup-porter from home.

Our objectives were: toobserve different ways ofdoing overseas cross culturalmission in today's world; toencourage people who havethe desire to serve in over-seas mission - either over-seas, or from home base; tomeet our own and Tranzsendworkers, learn of their work,and encourage them throughour visit.

Preparation began ap-proximately eight monthsbefore departure. The teammet monthly for team build-ing, prayer and to becomefamiliarised with the coun-try. Topics included the his-

tory, geography, cul-ture, and religion ofBangladesh andsome language learn-ing.

Each team mem-ber had to communi-cate with one of theTranzsend workers inBangladesh! Thisgave members thechance to form rela-tionships with at leastone Tranzsend workeras well as with our ownthree families before wearrived. We hope theserelationships will con-tinue following theteam's return.

Ideas for how we wouldspend our time were ini-tially provided by me fol-lowing three previous vis-its to Bangladesh. TheTranzsend team thenworked out a programmeincorporating the things wewanted to do to fulfil ourobjectives.

Brian Cochran eventu-ally put together what wasto become quite a detailedand complex travel and ac-commodation programme.It involved the team visit-ing and spending time with

eleven different mis-sionary units.

One day was spent at theChristian Discipleship Cen-tre. We looked at the Centreitself, plus its ministry oftraining and equipping na-tionals for evangelising,church planting, and churchleadership.

We spent three days witha family from Spreydon whoare setting up an engineeringbusiness in Dhaka to facili-tate mission.

We had four days atChandpur visiting Tranzsend

Albany, Alexandra, Ashburton, Avondale, Balclutha, Balmoral, Beachlands, Bell Block, Belmont, Blenheim,Blockhouse Bay, Cambridge, Carterton, Cityside, Colombo Street, Dargaville, Eastside, Fairfield, Feilding,Flaxmere, Georgetown, Geraldine Community Fellowship, Glenfield, Gleniti, Grey Lynn, Halswell, HamiltonCentral, Hamilton South, Havelock North, Henderson, Hillcrest, Hillsborough, Hokowhitu, Howick, Kaikohe,Kamo, Katikati Community Church, Kawakawa Fellowship, Kerikeri, Kumeu, Leamington, Levin, Lincoln, LongBay, Lower Hutt, Mahurangi, Malvern, Mana, Mangawhai, Mangere, Mangere Bridge, Mangere East Fellowship,Manukau Central, Marsden, Masterton, Matamata, Matua Community Church, Mt Albert, Mt Roskill, Napier,Nawton, New Lynn, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth West, North Avon, North East Valley, Northcote,Oamaru, Opotiki, Otorohanga, Owairaka, Owaka, Oxford Terrace, Paeroa, Paihia, Pakuranga, Palmerston NorthCentral, Panmure, Papakura, Papamoa, Papanui, Papatoetoe, Pauanui, Picton Community Church, PtChevalier, Raetihi-Ohakune, Ramarama, Randwick Park Fellowship, Ranui, Remuera, Rimutaka, Rotorua,Roxburgh, South Dunedin, Stoke, Stratford, Sunnynook, Taupo, Tauranga, Tauranga Worship Centre, Tawa-Linden, Te Hapara, Te Kuiti, Temuka, Thames, Tikipunga, Titahi Bay, Tokoroa, Upper Hutt, Waihi, Waikanae,Waimauku, Waitara Fellowship, Waiuku, Wanganui, Welcome Bay, Wellington Central, Wellington South,Whakatane, Whangamata, Whangaparaoa, Whangarei, Whitby Lakeside, Whitianga, Wilson Street, ZionChinese.

missionaries involved in thework of training of localevangelists, the LiteracyCentre and the cottage in-dustry which made jute prod-ucts.

Four further days werespent in Dhaka visitingTranzsend missionaries,and the work of the DhakaUrban Ministry Centre;then four days atNilphamari observingmedical mission in the formof the work of The LeprosyMission's leprosy controlprogramme.

Unfortunatelybecause of hartels(strikes) we were un-able to visit the Chris-tian College of The-ology of Bangladeshor the Centre for theDisabled and Para-lysed. However, wedid spend half a day atthe Telegue MedicalClinic which providesservices for the poor-est of the poor inDhaka.

The team had anexcellent exposure tocross cultural missionin today's world. As

each of eleven mission-ary units were visited, theteam were given an outlineof how the missionary wascalled to Bangladesh, howthey prepared, the stepstaken to actually get there,and a rundown of their work.

Most team membersspent a day and a night withfive different families, giv-ing them the experience of aday in the life of a missionworker and enabling them toobserve seven different waysof doing mission: businessand mission, training anddiscipling, aid and develop-

ment, urban evangelism, lit-eracy, medical mission andtentmaking.

Four members of the teamsaw for the first time oppor-tunities for mission throughthe use of their gifts, trainingand skills. One of them istraining at the MissionaryTraining College inGordonton, another is look-ing at going back to Bangla-desh to do a short term pe-riod of service towards theend of this year, and a thirdmember is at present lookingat preparing for long termservice in Bangladesh.

This was not an official'Do Team' venture. Rather itwas a visit arranged directlybetween Spreydon and theTranzsend staff in Bangla-desh. Nevertheless it hadmany of the hallmarks of the'Do Team' that Sean Marstonputs together.

If your church would liketo organise a 'Do Team' to acountry you have an interestin, get in touch with Sean atthe Baptist National Centre.It really is worth all the ef-fort, both for those who arefortunate enough to go andthe church to which they re-turn.

KEEPER CONFERENCES1999 MEN'S

KEEPERSIn this day of compromisedvalues and moral confusion,our nation desperately needsmen who will take a stand fortruth, personal holiness —and Christ!

Will YOU be one of thoseMEN?

Some venues have limited seating.

Join with men in your church and

REGISTER NOW!

AUCKLAND 8th/9th October

Venue: North Shore Events Centre.

FOR EARLY REGISTRATIONDETAILS CONTACT PK TODAY

0800 PROMISE0800 (77 66 47)

WELLINGTON 29th/30th October

Venue: Lower Hutt Town Hall


by Trevor DonnellIt seems people are go-

ing to get tired of millennialcelebrations very quickly.That's why we have decidedto get in early, before De-cember 31, with our BaptistMillenial events. They arenot "pre-millennial." It's justthat we want to come to-gether and look ahead to thehuge task God has for hispeople in this land, facingthe twenty-first century.How can we more effec-tively be "Together in Min-istry—towards 3000"?

Delegates and visitors tothe Millennial Assembly canbe involved in a festival ofspecial events, open to eve-ryone. These are not just forthe people of Auckland andfor official delegates. Thiswould be a good time to holi-day in Auckland and take insome of these evening spe-cials. (Of course, there aredaytime meetings as well,for pastors, delegates and in-

terested folk.)If you are on holiday in

Auckland at that time youcould see something of thesecond round robin of theLouis Vuitton Cup, part ofthe Americas Cup series—those races will sail from 6-16 November, each day atnoon.

In the evenings there'ssomething for everyone:Wednesday night, Nov 10:

"The last great ChristmasExtravaganza of the Mil-lennium," at the Taber-nacle.

Thursday night, Nov 11:"Together in Ministry—Towards 3000" — amulticultural celebrationlooking to future chal-lenges, at the VictoryCentre.

Friday night, Nov 12:"Kickit," a youth event atWindsor Park.Baptist Care Dinner atMount AlbertCoffee and Cholesterol

Women's Night at West-ern Springs

Saturday night, Nov 13:Tranzsending 2000.NZBMS night at VictoryCentre.

Sunday night, Nov 14:Millennial Rally at theNorth Shore Events Cen-treEach night, from 9 till

midnight, the Carey Cafe willbe providing refreshments,talkback, late night movies,a place to meet.

On Sunday morning at 6o'clock you can join one ofthe Mountain Top Sunriseprayer meetings to pray forour nation. That morning maybe the Sunday before the elec-tion of our government. (Yes,sunrise is at 6:05 that morn-ing!)

Information sheets withthe full details, plus registra-tion forms, are in your churchnow. If you would like to jointhese celebrations, enquirefrom your church leaders.

The Stars Lined Up!by Rob Bellingham

"The stars lined up" saidPaul Holmes in the CrossFire interview on the eve ofthe launch of his book abouthimself. That was his hesi-tant but best explanation ofwhy he had abandoned HineElder, his partner of manyyears and father of his chil-dren for another relationship.

The phrase reoccurredseveral days later when PaulCayard, veteran of threeAmerica's Cup campaigns,claimed "The stars have linedup on this one." His belief isthat this time, with a newboat, he will not only contestthe final but win it. A few ofus might be praying for thestars to get out of line beforeMarch next year - or to lineup for another black boat!

Just how pervasive is thebelief that the stars affect ourdestiny, help us to accom-plish our dreams, or cause usto act irrationally? Do anyBaptists believe they do?Certainly in times past Chris-tians have predicted doomwhen the stars have been inline or an eclipse has oc-curred. That belief has made

them determinists.In a book Need is my

Neighbour Byron Johnstonclaimed determinism was oneof four basic beliefs aboutthe cause of poverty. Theother options are the pessi-mistic position which assertsthat bad things happen be-cause of the fall, of sin, orpervasive evil in and aroundus. Optimists believe theopposite, that God wills thebest for us and that all prob-lems can be solved with hishelp. Ascetics adjust to theevil in the world by dedicat-ing themselves to service andselflessness for the sake ofothers.

Johnston's thesis is thatwe all make our decisionsfrom one of these four basicconvictions. The bad news isthat the majority of the world'speople are determinists. Thedeterminist belief is thatwhether you are rich or poor,whether good or bad thingshappen, it's out of the controlof the individual. It's decidedby greater forces. Every reli-gious system has its deter-minist explanations. Itis one'skarma, the will of Allah,

God's will, your horoscope,fate or "the stars lined up."

Western individualismhas stressed that we can cre-ate our own destiny andmany have done so. But agreater number, even in thethe midst of progress andchange, have felt powerless.We have a tension: do wedecide ourselves, or do otherforces, including the HolySpirit, decide for us?

We can escape the ten-sion through optimism orasceticism. Modernism wasconfident about the powerof science to shape our livesfor the better. In the post-modern age many will lookto "the stars," and I don'tmean the Hollywood ones.

The resolution may be inJesus - God with us - neitherdominating nor indifferent,but working in us for ourgood.

With the Star of Davidon our side (or we on his) wewon't need the other stars!Rob Bellingham is not astrong believer in the stars.The star of Bethlehem how-ever is still worth celebrat-ing 2000 years on.

New Resolve for Baptist Actionby Julie Belding

"Baptist Action is deter-mined to bring aboutchange," said Peter Brown-ing, the CEO of an agencywhich until August 13 wasknown as Auckland BaptistSocial Services. Now calledBaptist Action, this $12 mil-lion dollar a year organisa-tion wants to bring aboutchange in the attitudes of bothrich and poor, according toMr Browning.

"By the rich, as to theirresponsibility to care for oth-ers, and to provide ways outof poverty for the poor, andto the poor, as to their re-sponsibility to work and tocontribute," he said.

At the launch of BaptistAction at the Tabernacle lastmonth (an event attended bythe Prime Minister, MrsJenny Shipley) Peter Brown-ing commented that theywould be working to see poli-cies put in place that assistedpoorer people into housing,into work or onto adequateincomes.

The change of name re-flected, he said, a determina-tion to be more of a positive

change agent, not only forclients but for society. It alsoreflected their commitment"to meet desperate unmetneed, and to work to see thatall in New Zealand, from thegreatest to the least, have areasonable standard of liv-ing." They did not want toprovide just world-class so-cial services, he said, but "ajust and compassionate soci-ety."

He explained that the re-moval of the term 'socialservices' from the agency'sname was appropriate be-cause they were into recov-ery rather than maintainingpeople in their current state.

Mrs Jenny Shipley said,"I have enormous respect forthe practical work that peo-ple such as Baptist Actionare doing. You truly have thepotential to be catalysts tomake a difference in NewZealand."

She went on to ask, "Whocares for the broken-heartedin our society?"

The answer, she said, wasa mixed bag.

"Many manage somehowby themselves. Many man-

age with the support of thetaxpayer, and some with amix of the taxpayer and bril-liant agencies such as Bap-tist Action. We are and mustremain partners in this con-cern."

Peter Browning men-tioned the many apparentsocial needs in New Zealand,and described the level ofchild abuse as a "nationaldisgrace." He said sufferersof mental illness continuedto have their basic needsunmet, and that a significantproportion of people lackedenough income to live at anacceptable level. However,Baptist Action was currentlyproviding in-depth care toover 800 people each day,whether they were old, poorand marginalised, adults un-der stress, children from abu-sive homes, or people recov-ering from mental illness.

Baptist Action intendedto win the support of the pub-lic, said Peter, to provide in-come for solely needed serv-ices to supplement the newfunds they intended to gen-erate themselves.

"Government interven-

tion is not always the bestresponse to meeting needs,"he commented. "Local ac-tion is likely to meet the needsbetter than a centralised ap-proach. We must relearn thatwe are leaders and not al-ways look to government for

leadership."He emphasised the need

to collaborate more withother organisations, includ-ing other professional Chris-tian and government agen-cies, to work together in newways for the good of clients.

"As Christians we be-lieve each person is of greatworth and loved by God," hesaid. "We hope that the workwe do and they way we do itprovides a glimpse of Godand the supernatural."

We are looking for a full or part time Youth Pastor who canrelate to today's youth and is enthusiastic about develop-ing their potential within the community and the church.

It this sounds like you, please contact

Pastor Andrew Brown

Ph. 09 576 8403 Fax 09 576 7631or write with your CV to PO Box 51 538, Pakuranga, Auckland.

Pakuranga Baptist Church

CHRISTIANSINGLES



PO Box 1087,Nelson









AUCKLAND

quadruple bypass.

WHANGAPARAOARev. David McChesney,Bronwyn Barlass, JudedeWaal9 am, 11 am, 6 pm

Sad to farewell David & Lynafter eleven years ministry withus. Have greatly appreciatedthe generous way they haveshared their special gifts. Weask God's richest blessing onthem as they move toPalmerston North. Adam Harrisbeen commissioned as our sec-ondyouth intern. Exciting evan-gelism happening from a chal-lenging seminar by JulianBatchelor. Positive responseto distribution of "Jesus" vid-eos to families associated withchildren's ministries.

Weekly newsletter been re-vamped, new information bro-chures produced, and monthly"Connect" magazine com-menced. New "mirror" serv-ices Sunday morning andweeknight community fellow-ship for disabled growing. Kidschurch attracts 270. Constitu-tional review progressing well.Five interns moved into newoffice/lounge. Elizabeth Jonesreturned from Tripura. Bigscreen rugby and messageson "The Second Coming" prov-ing popular.

WAIKATO

CHURCHES

AUCKLAND BAPTISTTABERNACLEPastor Bruce Patrick, Associ-ate Pastor Marjory Gibson

"Hyde Park" draws increasingnumbers as talented youngadults present gospel perspec-tives on life themes. Frontedby Gary Wonderful (not his realname) and lovely assistant TerriMoana Iwi (not her real name)it is a creative, clever, enter-taining monthly Sundayevening programme. Useshome-grown video footage fea-turing regular reports from"Whare Corrie" and 'The In-quisitor", resident band led byMikie Savage (not his realname), visiting GenX bands,and interviews with well-knownand unknown personalities. Isthe vision of Graham Burt (hisreal name).

ALBANYAssistant Pastor Raewyn Trail10 am

Kerry & Annie Hilton, who haveserved usfaithfullyforsixyears,have finished their time atAlbany and leave for South Asiain November. Their departurewill leave a huge gap for us all.Recently held a day of prayerand fasting to specifically seekguidance regarding the call ofour next leader. Rhys Morgannow our Student Pastor. Mar-tin Rohr and Dorothy Wyattappointed our first Elders. Ex-citing to see church family be-come more multi-cultural re-cently.

BALMORALPastor Pete Olds

Welcome back Heni Goldsmithfrom Tadjikstan, we give thanksfor her service there. BeulahWood was farewelled again toBangalore. Have begun fort-nightly evening services, aimedat younger people with morediscussion and a "different way"of worshipping. Regular pot-luck lunches are proving suc-cessful with all age groups at-tending. The "bulletin board" ofprayer needs and answeredprayer also enables us to be-come more of a family.AGM isto consider more ways to im-pact on local community.

BELMONTPastor Andrew Gamman10 am

Planning is going well for ourJubilee Celebrations 18 & 19September. The programmeis under the capable eye of ourConvenor, Marge Crocker. Arecent CARE Group Retreat(Intermediates) atWhangaparaoawas led by ErinRiseborough and CarolineGamman. The pastor ispreaching a series on BaptistDistinctives and entertaining uswith stories of Baptists andAnabaptists of old.

EASTVIEW (HOWICK)Rev. John McClean10 am

Quarterly Meeting passed reso-lution "that we, the people ofEastview Baptist Church, com-mit ourselves to sharing eachothers needs to ensure all haveadequate economic resources,meaningful employment and areal sense of belonging to thiscommunity of God's people."We are seeing this in actionweek by week. Over 70 en-joyed mid winter progressivedinner. Two fundraising musi-cal concerts have been held for

HOWICKRev. Arthur Warner, Rev. PhilCoates, Pastor Tom McGregor9 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Church development planstaken a further step as Re-source Consents have beenapproved. A special churchmeeting been presented withfinance plans and progress re-port. Group are proceeding toPapua New Guinea to help withbuilding construction in theHighlands. Mike & Anne Powerleft for England on SIM busi-ness. New Elders KenMclntosh, Barrie Thomas andAndrew Wilson. Mike PowerChurch Treasurer. Welcomeinto membership Dick Marshall,Tobi Martin, Richard & Barbie

HILLSBOROUGHSenior Pastor Rev. LindsayJones, Administrator/MinistryDirector Pastor Warren Howes,Youth Pastor Eddie Vaha'akola8.45 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Young people's service Sun-day evenings has steadily in-creased to about 130. WeeklyIndian service conducted byRavi Musuku (Carey College)occurs on Sundays at the sametime as our first service. BillButler, one of our pastors work-ing among Polynesians in ourarea, has commenced a Fridayeveningservice "Freedom Church" inthe local intermediate school.Lindsay and Lorraine Joneshave brought back wonderfulinsights into the work of ourmissionaries in Asia, Europeand Kenya.

GLEN EDENEnjoying the ministry of our newSenior Pastor, Eric Hodgkinsonand his wife Jenny amongstus. Successful "seeker" serv-ice held on Mother's Day ,welook forward to Father's Dayseeker service with speakerRob Harley. "mainly music"our new community outreachon Wednesday. Great Ladies'Day of fun, fellowship, teach-ing and dinner held in July,guest speaker Mary Turnerfrom Palmerston North. Newcraft group meets fortnightlyand "Be Positive" group keepssome of our elderly folk on theirtoes.

FRANKLINHalfway through "Firm Foun-dations" series Sunday eve-nings over 29 weeks. RockSolid began this year drawingnon-christian young people ona regular basis. Eagerly await-ing God to move in their heartsand become Christians. Youthband "XIT" now up and ready togo. Playing at a church servicesoon. Community ministrymeeting physical needs of peo-ple in crisis. Roy Woods minis-try late July. Visits to schools inFranklin. "Catch The Fire" pro-duction was inspirational.

EPSOMPastors Martin Sutherland, BobLockwood, Sandy Brown

A day was spent in retreat bythe Deacons, culminating in avision for our church's future atthe start of a new century. The"Jesus" video was offered to 20nearby houses resulting in aworthwhile contact with a mi-grant family who need help withtheir English. Young peopleaged 10-14 invited friends from8 other churches to a very suc-cessful glittering evening of funand dance. Sarah and AndrewSutherland's baptisms were thebig highlight of the month.

Habitat for Humanity and ourbuilding fund.

KUMEUPastor Stuart & Chris Hight,Youth Pastor Dave & GinJensen

1999 call to prayer for our fu-ture direction. Dave & Gin aremaking an impact on the youthwith youth baptisms and youthservices. For mission monthour Korean families provideda banquet. Something for allchildren's age groups; men'spizza appreciation, ladiesmonthly ministry (including re-treat), KBC School of the Bi-ble, Pastoral Helping Skillstaken by Chris Hight, and serv-ices and Variety Concert atGables Rest Home.

Shieffer and Lynette Dersley.Elizabeth Jones and Joy Smithspoke to BMF.

LONG BAYRev. Rodney Duncan9 am, 10.20 am

Blue Moon services and Alphatraining including Youth Alpha,small groups using "Jesus"video and New Oasis children'sprogramme central to theoutreach of the church. Nota-ble services with GraemeMurray on Mission into the nextMillennium, the "Doulos" team,Buck Pound on Christian fi-nances plus seminars, KerryHilton of Albany Baptist, pre-paring for Asian mission. NewElders Chris Bone, MaymeBullen and George Palmer,with Linda Piggott appointedhonorary pastoral visitor. PatChandler organised first classmusic concert.

MANUKAU CENTRALInterim Pastor Bob Alcorn10 am

We held a fundraising nightwith the Covenant Players re-cently. Workshops were heldduring the day and a dinner atnight, with some of our peopletaking part in the entertain-ment which was very well puttogether including computergraphics. Several worthycauses were the recipients ofsome funds. The church alsosponsored desks and chairs at$25 each for a new missionaryschool project in China andraised $3,000, which was awonderful effort.

MANUREWAPastor Rex Booth, AssociatePastor (Youth) Michael Walker10 am, 7 pm

Many ministries had eventsrecently-Women's Camp withspeaker Marjory Gibson,Men's Breakfast with speakerfrom "Habitat for Humanity".40-60's and youth both hadMid-winter Christmas Dinners,Children's Ministries led aFamily Service, Girls BrigadeCamp at Muriwai, "Rock-n-Roll" evening held for wholechurch family. Rob Kilpatrickand John McMullan were guestspeakers during Self Denialand Sean Marston spoke atevening service and then tointerested youth about DOTeams. Friendship servicesheld 3rd Wednesday of eachmonth for seniors.

MARSDENRev. Terry Mclvor10.30 am, 7 pm

A men's dinner was well at-tended by 40, with speakerMark Farmer. Subsequent tohis trip there, Eric Best gavean interesting account of theLord's wonderful working in theSolomon Islands. Victoria Kay,teacher trainee, told of her tripto Fiji with Habitat For Human-ity. Our Christian School din-ner comes up next month.Meanwhile we have some newfaces, some winter ills andchills, and long-time memberRay Brown is recovering inGreenlane Hospital from a

MILFORDThe recent Girls' Brigade din-ner was well supported and$450 raised towards its work.National Bible Sunday was cel-ebrated on 18th July. JulieWilson of Tranzend will be ourvisiting speakerfor our NZBMS.On three Sundays PaulDavison has most acceptablyfilled the pulpit giving inspiringand thought-provoking ser-mons on episodes in the life ofDaniel. A warm invitation hasbeen received to the AnnualLuncheon of the TakapunaFellowship by the MethodistWomens Fellowship.

MT. ALBERTPastors Michael Duncan, AnnMarshall, Rob Lynch - YouthPastor

A Midwinter Meal for womenprovided good food, fun andfellowship. A new group, "TheUpper Room", embraces thepower of the Holy Spirit inpraise, worship and giftings.After eleven years leading Dy-namite Bay, Alison Sims wasfarewelled with a potluck lunch.Jo Lynch facilitated a vocalworkshop in July. The musical"Catch The Fire", a revival wor-ship experience, was enjoyedin August. Men had a Sundaybreakfast together. ChurchCamp was enjoyed by all.

MT. ROSKILLRev. Brian Harris (Senior),Marty Weeks (for Youth), PeterHart (Education & PastoralCare), Dorelle Wilson (Pasto-ral Counsellor), Felice Holloway(Social Worker)8.40 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Contemplative services com-menced bi-monthly Fridaynights. Agreed to employ Chil-dren/Family Worker. Speciallunch for newcomers held every3 months to meet leaders ofgroups within church provingpopular and worthwhi le,"mainly music" has over 100children attending. Kindergar-ten always has waiting list ashas ESOL classes. Planningto distribute first run of approx.400 "Jesus" videos around thedistrict. Baptismal service held.Welcomed 13 new members.Good to know Paul & JoyDavison have accepted call toPastor Hastings church.

NEW LYNNPastor Steve O'Connor10 am

New Lynn Baptist, studentsfrom Bible College and a Sa-moan congregation all com-bined to make a colourful andenjoyable service on 8th Au-gust. The church was full, thesinging joyful, and the mes-sage heard. Especially cheer-ful was the sight and sound ofthe Samoan choir dressed inbrilliant white, with sky bluejackets. The service was fol-lowed by a shared lunch.Pleased to welcome three newmembers this month,EmilyWaterhouse, AndrewRobinson and Marian Hosker.

NORTHCOTERev. Peter Eaton (Senior Pas-tor), Rev. Gordon Coombs (As-sociate Pastor), Rev. Ai Meng,Soon, (Associate Pastor-Chi-nese)10.15 am, 7 pm

Wycliffe Bible Translators haveaccepted Gareth & Gill Kimptonand Anne Buchanan as candi-dates. Successful Women'sMinistry evening heard an ad-dress to mothers from DianeLevy on "When to cuddle andwhen to growl".The leader of Future New Zea-land, Anthony Walton, spoketo a Men's Dinner. A new Al-pha course is planned. PastorPeter is taking a series on "TheEnd

Times" on Sunday nights. BMFAnnual Meeting re-electedHugh Coutts as President andJean Mills Vic-President.

OREWAPastor James Stead, YouthPastor Tony Versey9 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Pastors and Leadership Teambeen meeting to discuss plan-ning and strategies for ourchurch as we move into thenew century, following theworkshops we had with TrevorDonnell. James is conductingseries of week night meetingson "Foundations of Faith". AJunior Worship Team called"Take Two" has been formedto participate in series. Churchmissionaries John & PaulineEngland returned to Romaniaafter furlough. Great time ofministry and fun for the men attheir Camp on Kawau.

OTAHUHUPastor Frank Darcy10 am

In June we held our mid-winterChristmas dinner, which was agreat success. Sadly wefarewelled Monica & AlanStride to Australia. Recentlywe were blessed and chal-lenged by Wycliffe's effectiveprayer seminar.

PAKURANGARev. Andrew Brown

Past months been encourag-ing as church been blessed inmany ways. In April combinedservice and luncheon with Chi-nese Baptist and Samoan con-gregation. May was specialwith "Creation" Family Servicewith church and kindergarten.Visiting speakers: ChristianMinistries With Disabled,Nestor & Beth Flores, RevTrevor Donnell, who commis-sioned our Mandarin Fellow-ship Church Planter, JamesBin. International PartnershipMission Team (America) spenta week here, were well re-ceived and encouraged ourfaith. Testimony night and In-ternational Dinner held withthem.

PAPAKURARev. Richard Cutforth10 am, 7 pm

Have been working hard formissionaries - an Indian Din-ner in March for the Osbornes,Cochranes and Bible Society;Missionary Fair in May for theWatsons and others; City Mis-sion month in June to help re-plenish their non-perishablegoods. Now have two familiesin mission training - the Klein-Ovinks and the Dilners, so weare looking to give them sup-port. Weekly Boys Clubstarted, new Home Groupmeets at Manse, Kids Club andOutreach Groups continue.

PT. CHEVALIER10.30 am

Time of considerable activityforthechurch. On 18th July fullchurch farewelled PastorTerrySmith and wife Judith aftermore than twelve years here.During his time here Terry'svision led to building of thenew church. Have left for Dur-ban Central Baptist, whereTerry will work with his brother,the pastor there. Church hascalled Douglas Vause to thepastorate, and he has ac-cepted, commencing October.Have been privileged to haveStudent Pastor Dale Pearsonworking with us.

PONSONBYRev. Scott Malcolm, Rev. BettyDrew-Diprose11 am

"This Is Your Life, PeterShearer", honoured our ex-missionary, retired librarian,

ROYAL OAK BAPTISTDr. John Kirkpatrick, PastorCyril Ward, Youth Work- SeanRichards

Dr. Kirkpatrick attended Lead-ership Training Course at FullerSeminary on "How to ReleaseSpiritual Gifts". Also visited Sin-gapore and Malaysia to con-duct Seminars. Has tended hisresignation from 31s t Decem-ber. Plans to work with King-dom Ministries which hefounded in 1980's. YouthWorker, Andrew Flanagan re-signed and replaced by SeanRichards. Judy Grantham hasleft with husband Ken to live inTaumarunuiafter31 years faith-ful service here.

RANDWICK PARKRev. Paul Cossey10 am

Have been involved in distrib-uting "Jesus" videos to around100. Still following up on someinterest from this. In June aministry team from the "Doulos"visited us. We put down ahangi and they entertained andshared testimonies. The nightwas a real success and anumber of new people havestarted attending church as aresult. New Alpha course tocommence in September. Cur-rently evaluating our effective-ness and praying for God'sguidance to increase impact incommunity.

RAMARAMAPastor Winston Watt

Trip to visit the "Doulos" en-joyed by a number of familiesin the fellowship. Were alsofortunate to have a team from"Doulos" visit and speak aboutthe ministry the folk on the shipare involved in as they travelaround the Pacific. At a recentSunday service four new mem-bers were warmly welcomedinto membership, just one ofthe positive effects from theincrease in people attendingSunday services.

College Board member, familyman, liberal thinker, Christiangentleman. C.O.R.T. housingtrust buying 25 council houses.Gloombuster dance "SaturdayNight Fever" featured Niall'spopular band, "Pigs In Space".Henshaw's organised tasty"Italian Night". Scott's ground-breaking study leave investi-gated our city's culture: cafes,pubs, churches, shoppingmalls, films, books. Visitors:Sue Bradford, unemployedworkers' activist; Nick Tuitasi,police workerwith at-risk youth;Allan Perry, Baptist MentalHealth.

CAMBRIDGERev. Rob Jensen

Before John & Sue Osbornespoke about their call to achange of ministries, their fam-ily and the Jensens treated over60 to a real Bangladesh currymeal. Served us in true style,bowls of water for hand wash-ing, fingers for eating, and laterordered themselves KFC as wehad eaten all the food. John &Sue's talkchallenged us to prayfor them as they begin in Cal-cutta, and to consider if we arewhere God wants us.

FAIRFIELDPastor Chunillal Pema

Welcomed Pastor Chunillal andwife Carolyn and children at awonderful commissioning serv-ice. Dale Gibson homeon leavefrom Vietnam. Wonderful com-bined service took place withourKorean, Chinese, Samoan,Tongan, Cook Island andWorldwide Church of God fel-lowships joining with us to wel-come Chunillal and family. En-joyed ministry of Sam Emeryand Maori Ministry team. Reno-vations and improvements tomanse kept everyone busy.Enjoyed hearing from Carol &David Harries, soon to return toSudan.

HAMILTON SOUTHPastor Timothy Lester, YouthPastor Charlie Shailer9.30 am, 7 pm

A "Look Alike" parade of ourchurch missionaries and a soupand bun lunch were features ofSelf Denial Week. Populargroup 'The Lads" played andsang giving good messages atboth services recently. Stillmore Home and Cell Groupsstarted. Provided over 140"Vote counters" at the WELEnergy Trust elections andnetted $21,000 for BuildingProject. Rex & Jan McMechaneach received a QSM for fos-tering children over many years,and still are.

HILLCRESTRecently we have welcomedDavid & Carol Harries (ActionPartners) and John & SueOsborne (NZBMS) to our pul-pit. We farewelled Mitch &GingAtkins to Thailand for servicewith Campus Life Crusade. Ourchurch contributed $2,610 toPioneers for the purchase of amuch needed motorbike in IrianJaya. Sincere sympathy to Bob& Avis Wall on the passing ofBob's Dad. Our Youth Grouphave opened Cafe Hillcrest asan outreach for 18 years plus.

HUNTLYRev. Raema Low10 am

Pastor has recently done se-ries of topical sermons whichhave been encouraged many.Mock wedding and silent auc-tion held recently. Fun for all.Kitchen and foyer undergonebig changes. All church groupsfunctioning well. Youth joinedwith Trinity for Geoff Kimberconcert. BMF'ers joined withHillcrest to hear John & SusanOsborne. Bus load enjoyed

WINDSOR PARKBrian Winslade, Phillip Donnell,Alan & Heather Ameye-Bevers,Barry Pearman, Jacqui Wanhill,Elke Keeling8.45 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Auditorium renovations beencompleted, seating 650. Vi-sion 2000 Night (AGM) was(appropriately) first event heldthere. Mortgage Trust will en-hance our ability to repay debt


KAWHIA COASTPastor Peter Powell10 am

We have just had WestonCarryer in Kawhia for a week-end of healing meetings in theTown Hall. Some non-believ-ers were present and hadprayer. It was a successfulweekend for beginning newrelationships with folk in thecommunity. The small ruralchurches seminar at PutaruruBaptist has inspired us greatlyin exploring community minis-tries. This was followed by aday of prayer for our town.

BAY OF PLENTY/EASTLAND

FAMILYBirthsAustin, to Tammy and Mike(Rotorua) a son, MatthewBinnie, to Nicola and Stuart(Northcote) a daughter, ReneeNicoleBlack, to Philippa and Aaron(Albany), SaiorseBond, to Ann and Phil(Eastview) - a daughterBrewer, to Tina and Darrel(Windsor Park) a son, LukeCampbell, to Alison and Glen(Orewa) a son, Finley JamesChristensen, to Maggie andSven (Putaruru) a daughter,Antonia Maria

Creek, to Gillian and Glen(Hillsborough) a son, StephenJosephDe Baugh, to Emma and David(Papakura) a son, AndrewDe Thierry, to Huia and William(Franklin) a daughter,Rebekah-RoseDi Trapani, to Christine andRobert (Tawa-Linden) a daugh-ter, Kate EllenDuff, to Amanda and Don(Albany) a daughter, CharlotteAmandaHaldane, to Victoria and Wade(Northcote) a son, JeremyJamesHamilton, to Chrissie and Ross(Morrinsvil le) a daughter,SophieHaythornwaite, to Lisa andGrant (Windsor Park) a son,LukeJosephs, to Carley and Shane(Hillsborough) a son, CalebKinghorn, to Leonie and Nick(Kumeu) a son, JoshuaKlein-Ovink, to Maryann andAdrian (Papakura) a son, JesseKyle, to Shelley and Leon(Wanganui Central) a daugh-ter, Eden GraceLecky, to Leanne and Brendon(Albany) a daughter, JemmaBrieanne

Lennox, to Lynette and Stuart(Te Awamutu) a son, JamesStuartLines, to Sharon and Chris(Windsor Park) ason, CameronMani, to Robyn and Avinash(Glen Eden) a son, JoelMorris, to Jackie and Grant(Whangaparaoa) a son,Michael David GavinMurrihy, to Leslie and John(Taumarunui) a daughter,SerenaPhair, to Bernadette and Leslie(Otahuhu) a son, JordanPhillips, to Wendy and Neal(Putaruru) a daughter, AmberRoseRees, to Angela and Scot(Hillsborough) a daughter,AmberReid, to Linda and Martin(Whangaparaoa) a sonReid, to Megan and Doug(Windsor Park) a daughterMikaylaRobertson, to Josie and Todd(Colombo St) a daughter, Brit-tany Rae GraceSnook, to Lisa and Aaron(Franklin) a son, JacksonStrick, to Ewa and Neville(Hamilton South) a daughter,JessicaSyms, to Debbie and Mike (Mt.Roskill) a son, Casey

Tomlin, to Jane and Ross(Windsor Park) a son, BenjaminUrbahn, to Maureen andAntony (Glen Eden) a son, BenAntonyVan Vliet, to Joanne and Albert(Papakura) a daughter,Jordana IreneVaughan-Vos, to Janet andRob (Wanganui Central) a son,Luke MatthewVause, to Yvonne and Doug(Windsor Park) a daughter,HanaWaitai, to Korina and Hemi(Wanganui Central) a daugh-ter, KororiaWenn, to Rebecca and Jason(Otorohanga) a son, PatrickJamesWilliams, to Dianne and Kevin(Windsor Park) a daughter,RebeccaWilton, to Sharlene and Hud-son (Whangaparaoa) a daugh-ter, Mackenzie EllaWood, to Raylene and Nic(Taumarunui) a daughter,MeganYarndley, to Jenny and Craig(Te Awamutu) a son, RichardJamesYates, to Melissa and Craig(Albany) a daughter, MadisonJane

EngagementsAllen-Walker, Hayden toTanya (Tawa-Linden)Bays-van Rysell, Richard toIrena (Windsor Park)Burnnam-Cheyne, Lee toSally (Pakuranga)Corbett-Drent, Carlton to Rini(Mt. Albert)Farr-Rutherford, Arthur toBeatrix (Pakuranga)Horne-King, Warwick to Leigh(Glen Eden)McKenzie-Smits, Dave toRobyn (Windsor Park)Meeske-Ogilvie, John to Lisa(Windsor Park)Miller-Shortcliffe, Kerry to Gill(Windsor Park)Munn-Gillard, Reuben to Anna(Northcote)Parker-Hatchard, Jon toJanine (Rotorua)Parker-Lotu, Ronald (Hillcrest)to Losauny (Fiji)Picard-Fraser, Andrew toMargaret (Manurewa)Roest-Clark, Nils to Beka(Avonhead)

Van Der Harst-Stratton,Robert to Lana(Whangaparaoa)

WeddingsButler-Bridgeman, Wi to Gail(Hastings)Falk-Hawkins, Bruce toBarbara (Wanganui Central)Hilliam-Burge, Stephen toTeresa (Avonhead)Nielsen-Bennett, Damon toDeidre (Hamilton South) - inGisborneParore-Middleton, Ray toChristine (Taumarunui)Van den Hout-Healy, Erik toAmy (Hastings)

WeddingAnniversariesDixon, Laurence and Rosalie(Avonhead) - 25 years

Donovan, Lindsay and Karen(Putaruru) - 30 yearsGrigg, John and Linda (GlenEden) - 30 yearsLambourne, Euan and Janet(Windsor Park) - 40 yearsStanton, Charles and Gwen(Tauranga Central) - 64 yearsWebb, Rod and Janny(Avonhead) - 25 years

SpecialBirthdaysAdams, Les (Milford) - 75yearsClark, Evelyn (Hillsborough) -90 yearsConway, Ella (Balmoral) - 94yearsDuncumb, Jean (WindsorPark) - 80 yearsGriffin, Len (Thames) - 94yearsHooper, Joyce (Royal Oak) -90 yearsHubrich, Doreen (Pakuranga)- 86 yearsMason, Loraine (Milford) - 83yearsReid, Tom (Kumeu) - 85 yearsRobinson, Phyllis (Milford) -82 yearsSchofield, Joyce (Rotorua) -94 yearsScrimgeour, Sarah (RoyalOak) - 80 yearsSmalley, Margaret (Howick) -90 yearsSmith, Pearl (Milford) - 75yearsStevens, Rona (Howick) - 95yearsTurkington, Ray (Milford) -83 yearsWard, Audrey (Putaruru) - 80yearsWatson-Green, Myrtle(Rotorua) - 95 yearsWheeler, Mary (Pakuranga) -85 yearsWiseman, Beth (Belmont) - 8 0years

DeathsAshton, Don (Pakuranga)Boggis, Cecil (Howick)Bosson, Nellie (Howick)Connell, Vic (Whangaparaoa)- loved husband of VeraDavies, Elizabeth (Mt. Albert)Day, Albert (Bert) (Orewa) -loved father of Lynn BevanDoak, Eddie (Pakuranga)Gaze, Alison (Wanganui Cen-tral) - aged 88 yearsJohnston, Elizabeth(Hillsborough)Joyce, Louisa (Wanganui East)- in her 90th yearLingman, Barry (Putaruru) -loved husband of Tui andDaddy of ShevronMcCracken, Bob(Hillsborough)Munro, Alex (Long Bay) - lovedhusband of HelenNewall, Irene (Long Bay)Olding, Mona (Hillsborough)Scott, Dora Kinsella (Timaru)- in her 81s t yearSly, Mary (Pakuranga)Smith, James Warren(Eastside) - beloved husbandfor 40 years of Lorna and fatherof four fine Christian workers.Trevarton, Joe (Windsor Park)Wills, June Mary (WanganuiCentral) - loved wife of Bob

BaptismsAlbany: Grant Morley, HeidiPooley-McKinnonAvonhead: Bronwyn Payton,Mailee Stanbury Barbara &Justine Smith

Cambridge: Brendan PorterCroslandHillcrest: Ross Hector, NeilMilmine, Roger OedHillsborough: Michael Allen,Anna Bettridge, Emma-KateGreer, Phillipa Johnson, TimLogan, Dave Matthews, LoganReddell, Dave SorensenHowick: Don, Justine & Don(Jnr) Coetzee, RichardHornblow, Rhett Snell,Kawerau: Emmanuel Martin,Rowena Sutton, Calvin White,Diane TruemanKumeu: Rosalie Craw, CarolDobbe, Graeme Kern, ChristieYoungLong Bay: Gemma Attwood,Caryl Berge, Tara Black, Shane& SharminiNorthcote: Phil & Debbie PlacePakuranga: Samuel & AngelKwokTaumarunui: Wayne & FranRitchieTimaru: Karlina Easton (atCaroline Bay)Windsor Park: Sharon Utting,Mike Redford, Brian Redford,Rachel McClue, HadynMarriott, Sunny Hwang, AmberHart, James Brookbanks,Jenna Bates, Lisa Anstiss,Marie Baston, Debbie Clark,Eleanor Briggs, Julie Bose,Gillian Field, Tina Brewer,Darryl Brewer, Andrew Kerr,Glenys Kerr, Linda McKinlay,Brian Koppell, David Wood,Alison Redwood, Gary Foat,Alison Foat, Marcus Hasler,Tom Dawson, Petro Dawson

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Obituary: Les RushbrookThe life of Les Rushbrook wasrecently celebrated atfuneral andthanksgiving services at Block-house Bay Baptist Church.Mr Rushbrook was best knownfor his involvement in the BibleCollege of New Zealand whichhe entered as an 18 year oldstudent (then BTI) in 1934 withthe intention of becoming a mis-sionary to China. Instead hewas persuaded to become As-sistant Secretary to J. OswaldSanders, then the College Su-perintendent.What resulted was a Bible Col-

lege association of more than 40years in which time MrRushbrook carried out the wid-est variety of roles of any BCNZstaff member. He was Secre-tary-Treasurer, taught Greek andChurch History, represented theCollege around the country, twiceserved as Acting Principal, wasSecretary of the affiliated Insti-tute Printing and Publishing So-ciety, compiled graduates' news,managed the BTI Bookroom,was joint Editor of the monthlyReaper magazine and servedas Registrar until two years be-

fore his 1981 retirement.All of this on top of various otherministries. During WorldWar Twoservice he was Secretary of theYMCA in the Middle East, andwent on to chair the NgaruwahiaEasterCamps. HE also supportedmanymission agencies, especiallythe Overseas Missionary Fellow-ship (OMF).In his home church, BlockhouseBay Baptist, he was a loved andrespected servant. There werefew positions he hadn't held andright to the time of his suddendeath at age 83, he was still

leading one of the church fellow-ship groups, visiting, overseeingmission fund payments andwarmly greeting members at thechurch doors.Perhaps the final word shouldbelong to Mr Rushbrook. In pub-lic forums, whether speaking orwriting, he would give honour tothe Lord. On his 60 years ofservice he wrote of his fellowstaff - "Our lives, mine and that ofmy dearwife Dorothy, have beenimmeasurably enriched andblessed through all of these. ToGod be the glory!"

visit to "Doulos". Team from"Doulos" had very powerfulmessages at our mission week-end. Mel Bowen from the BibleSociety challenged us fromPsalm 8.

MORRINSVILLEPastor Evan Squires10.30 am

Energetic Board and Trustmember Steve Caley and Ethelfarewelled to Whangamata.Brenda & West Scott, SPOT-LIGHT leaders farewelled toWaihi. Meyers famly moving toGordonton, Pat's ministrygreatly appreciated. New facesin the congregation with newdairy season. Squires homefrom family visit in England andtime in Pensacola, USA. Newmanse dedicated and workbeginning on section. Youthnumbers increasing, DeVethsthanked for input as Kevin &Sue Cook take over the inter-mediates. Dawn Sommershome on furlough.

OTOROHANGAAnother Grandparents Day re-cently was a great day for fel-lowship. This year the Grand-parents entertained the childrenwith stories about special itemsfrom when they were younger.John & Helen McMullan andfamily were farewelled as theygo on the mission field. We arecontinuing to have lots of guestspeakers.

PUTARURUPastor George & PaulineLangford10.30 am

Privileged to have Craig Hillshare his Video Seminar on"Family Foundations". One daySeminar for Pastors and Lead-ers "Leading a Growing Churchin a Small Rural Town" held.Approximately 80 attended,representat ive of manychurches in the Waikato/Bay ofPlenty districts. Activitiesamongst younger folk encour-aging. Senior Group showsgrowth in numbers, and spir-itual maturity in those involved.Peter Paki appointed to assistin ministry at Emmanuel Cen-tre. Our Pastor inducted asPresident of Waikato Associa-tion.

TAUMARUNUIPastor Bob Sinclair10 am

National Baptist Mens Hui heldhere in May at WhareroaMarae, with men from all overNZ attending. Out of this hasgrown another home group,making a total of 8. Successfulweek in the Opportunity Shopwith funds raised for missionsexceeding last year. Wonder-ful children's holiday pro-gramme held in conjunctionwith other churches, childrenas well as adults had a greattime. Former Westpack Man-ager Terry Trail and wifeRaewyn spoke on their workwith Pioneers Mission Group.

TE AWAMUTURev. Bruce Bradburn10.30 am

Had a successful week of meet-ings with Roy Woods (ex Papua

TOKOROA10 am, 7 pm

Combined house groups mis-sionary evening led by JohnMcMullan (Tranzend). FaithBible College took weekendservices and worked with youth.One member, Joshua Conolly,worked with Pastor and ledyouth services. Pastor Stephenattended Caleb LeadershipCourse, and spoke at PutaruruBaptist while George Langfordspoke here. Hosted Bible So-ciety quiz, Barak Zamar andGeoff Kimber. Junior YouthGroup: "Kidz Klub" up and run-ning. Bad taste party and con-cert enjoyed by all.

THAMESPastoral team ministry com-mences on 18th Septemberwithinduction of Gordon Mill asSenior Pastor, Roger Driver-Burgess Assistant Pastor. Withgratitude we welcome Gordon& Lynette joining Roger &Carolyn in ministry. In interim,challenging messages frompreachers/speakers at Sundayservices. Community Ministriesaid destitute, needy familieswith food, budgeting and spe-cial counselling. Successfulventures - a father/daughter"Dinner on the Titanic", redeco-rated Toy Library held openday, a retreat day experienced.Church library reopened.

New Guinea missionary). In-cluded a mens dinner, womensdinner, leaders meeting andlarge number of school assem-blies. Outreach activities in-clude Music & Movement(M&M's), Craft and Frenz, andthe Senior Citizens morning teaare continuing to be well at-tended. Just completed a weekof home meetings, dinners etc.with four person American Part-nership Mission team.

GISBORNECombined Easter Services withTe Hapara and praised God fora risen Saviour. In April wefarewelled Miss Vi Cook whohas gone to live in Taurangaafter being in Gisborne 82 years- since she was 10! At themorning service our Ministerpaid her a fine tribute for herloyalty and faithfulness to ourLord Jesus and His church.Luncheon followed and a fur-ther tribute, also a TV set waspresented. We pray God'sblessing for our dear friend.

KAWERAURev. David Reid10 am, 7 pm

Four baptisms so far this yearand a few more coming up.Have four home groups and aMen's Fellowship and Alphacourse running. "Answers inGenesis" people spoke to com-bined churches group in ourchurch - a very interestingevening. Dio Bussle spoke at apacked church (ours again) foranother combined service inJuly, and other guest speakersare anticipated for further com-bined services later in the year.A "Cleansing Seminar" plannedover next few months.

OTUMOETAIPastors Digby & JaneWilkinson, Steve Worsley,Youth Pastor Mike Waring

Pastors Digby and Steve havebeen privileged to attend theWillow Creek Conference inChicago. They found the inputinspiring and we look forward tofeedback from them. Thosewith intercessory prayer on theirhearts have been encouragedlately. There is unity betweenthose who attend the fortnightlySunday evening worship and

prayer services. This serviceoffers a freedom to enjoy ex-tended worship and awarenessthat God is with us. 15 smallgroups now meet regularly forfellowship and study.

ROTORUAPastors Ross 7 Dianne James,Stuart Purdie9 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Good work is continuing withyoung people at Te Piringa onFriday nights under Glenn Aus-tin's leadership. Welcomehome to Rachel Murray, teach-ing for 10 months at St. PetersHigh School, India. Thanks toBruce Moody for inspired teach-ing. Have just concluded our"Come to the Water" revivalmeetings with Robert & JoAnnLowell, where many wereblessed. This was precededby a day of Worship and Praiseas we consecrated ourselves,person by person and family byfamily.

TAURANGA CENTRALYouth Group are excited abouttheir Skateboard outreach ac-tivities on Friday evenings.Number regularly attending in-creased dramatically and se-curity officers on duty. Bad-minton has been introducedand this is going well. Freesupper is served; one or twoyoung people have made en-quiries about Jesus and are incontact with the Pastor. AnAmerican band C.I.P. (Christ inProgress) visited. They playedfabulous Christian music, gavea skateboard demonstration,and the drummer gave his tes-timony.

WHAKATANERev. Neil Perry10 am

Enriching services includedDisabilities Awareness with JoyMinistries Group; A2J (Youth)presenting "TV Special"; chil-dren's service entitled "Crea-tivity"; "Face the Music" withfavourite hymns/songs fromwide age group. BMF privi-leged to hear Elizabeth Jonesand Joy Smith. "Home & Away"Missionary Weekend with Huntfamily from Kenya and 10 OMF"GO" team members (includ-ing our Esther Hughes) awayto Thailand in December, wellattended and included Africangames and meal and "GO" teamdance to the music "Go, Go,Joseph".

WHANGAMATARev. Ross Horton10 am

Have had a good mix of minis-try for church people andoutreach to community, suchas a combined churches mis-sion with Tom Frew; CarlJosephson speaking on Radi-cal Christianity, and a very ef-fective Alpha course. Sevenpeople attended SpreydonLeadership Conference. Groupof motivated young people fromTe Puke joined communitybeach care work and took aSunday morning service. Sixbaptisms in the last two months.Began "Dinners for Eight" andnow starting a Network course.


<youth_on_line>by//maureen.treston/

Every now and then through the Baptist grapevine you hear of a youth group doingsomething a little different. This month we are off to Avonhead Baptist Church inChristchurch to talk to their interim assistant pastor, Warren Judkins.

Hi Warren, greetings, Kia Ora, and all that. Now who is this new youth groupmember called Fred at Avonhead Baptist?

I don't know how else to put it, but Fred's actually a radio station. He turned uplast month and you can hear him for miles - well, two or three kilometres, anyway.

What hours do you broadcast?Fred just keeps on going! When we're not there Fred plays his favourite CDs.

Who is involved in helping?Fred usually attracts a crowd, and from school-out to late and most of the

weekend it's party at Fred's. Everyone gets a chance to DJ and play their favouriteChristian stuff. Most of Fred's friends are Avonhead's lively youth group, but Fredreally is fun for all the family. Oh, and Fred goes to church for the services.

How do you set up a radio station? Do you buy airtime by the kilo or something?Fred really isn't much trouble. Unlike a dog, you don't need a licence for a flea-

powered FM station on certain parts of the dial. The nice man at Mainland Radiorented us the transmitter and aerial which we stuck on the top of our church. Ourgenerous Avonhead Baptist family loaned us CD players, leads, mikes, headphonesetc and it's all controlled by a simple wee mixer. No one nearby was using 88.0 FM,so... a quick meeting of rabidly enthusiastic youth, a roster, and... enter Fred! Fresh,friendly and free.

Who is your target audience?Probably a student of some description - maybe high school, maybe university.

Fred likes the music Jesus likes, as chosen by young people. But kids like him andso do parents!

What do you hope to achieve?Fred gives our youth community another reason to hang out and reach out

together, and an outlet to express all their creative talent. We had no idea we hadso many budding radio personalities! Fred likes seeing people work as a team andthat's exactly what's been happening. The rosters are full and the phone's wearingout. We're being us, honouring Jesus, and spreading it around. That's what Fred'sabout.

How can we help?Just telling people we're on is a brilliant help. Fred welcomes fan mail,

suggestions, requests and enquiries. Fred's just that sort of guy, really.

And a technical tip from Warren: Fred is best heard with a coathanger / metreof wire/gui tar string hanging out ofyourmidi-system's FM antenna socket. Failingthat, plug the TV aerial in. You can hear Fred on 88 FM in northwest Christchurch.E-mail: "[email protected]"

Competition! A king-sized block of chocolate signed by some of the Fred crewgoes to the person listening to Fred FM from the place furthest from the radio station.If you think that is you, e-mail Fred during September and the winner will beannounced by Fred and Youth.on.Line in October.

Last month's Carey Baptist College Corner was written not byRoger Driver-Burgess but by his brother-in-law, John Burgess, ofLower Hutt Baptist Church. We regret any embarrassment that

the wrong by-line may have caused.

by Gordon DuncanThe dawn of a new millen-

nium provides the possibilityof a fresh start. When peoplehear about the beginning ofnot just a new century but anew millennium, their re-sponses vary. Some haven'tthe time or inclination to thinkabout it. Others fear that es-sential services and food sup-plies will be disrupted by theY2K bug. Others plan to be inGisborne to be entertained bysuperstars and be the first tosee the sun rising on a new era.

But many Christians arepicking up on an ancient Bib-lical tradition and heraldingthe new millennium as a jubi-lee event. There may be somedisagreement over the accu-racy of the date but the year2000 essentially marks the his-toric birth of Jesus. His life,death, resurrection and ascen-sion caused a radically newunderstanding of who God is,our relationship with himbasedon grace, mercy and gift, thevalue of human life, the su-premacy of love, and the mean-ing of history. Over the yearssimple followers of Jesus havedefied dire warnings about theirrelevance or error of theirfaith. They have suffered per-secution from those activelyhostile to their message, yetthey have also been guilty ofacts of cruelty and bigotry to-wards those who did not sub-scribe to their particular brandof faith.

Recognising the year 2000as a jubilee event provides apowerful symbol for Chris-tians to acknowledge the alltoo obvious failings in the his-tory of the church and also toprepare for God to do a newthing. Among Jesus' forebears,the jubilee, every 50 years,pointed to that future whichwould be good news for thepoor, the brokenhearted andall who needed to be set free.They celebrated these yearsby allowing the earth to liefallow, setting slaves free, can-celling debts and allowing peo-ple to return to their land ifthey had lost it. These actionsanticipated a future when rightrelationships would be com-pletely restored between Godand his people, expressed inpeace, mercy and justice.

Jubilee encapsulates thewords of Jesus about his ownministry when he quotedIsaiah: "The Spirit of the Lordis upon me, because he haschosen me to bring good news

to the poor..."At a meeting of leaders of

the world's richest nations lastJune, it was agreed to write off$75 billion in debts owed bythe poorer nations of Africa,Asia and South America.Christians will applaud suchan act as consistent with theJubilee spirit, yet see it as thebeginning of other efforts toassist poorer nations, ratherthan an end in itself.

These nations face manyproblems. Per person annualincome in Guyana, for exam-ple, is $829 yet its accumu-lated foreign debt calculatedperperson is $2,039. For everydollar received by Africa inaid in 1996, it paid $1.30 ondebt service.

Closer to home, Jubileeneeds expression within ourown country. The market re-forms which dramatically re-shaped the New Zealand so-cial and economic landscapesince 1984 were aimed, asnoted by the Governor of theReserve Bank Don Brash, "toimprove the social and eco-nomic outcomes for all NewZealanders." An economist,Paul Dalziel, recently demon-strated that the "big bang" eco-nomic reforms implementedover the past decade resultedin an enormous sacrifice ofoutput in the late 1980s whichwas not compensated for byhigher growth rates in the1990s. Further, the impact ofthis disappointingly lowgrowth rate fell most heavilyon the poorer members of so-ciety, creating renewed prob-lems of poverty and social ex-clusion. Half of the New Zea-land population had lower in-comes in 1995/96 than theyhad in 1983/84 and 40 percentof them had a loss of incomegreater than 3 per cent.

It is therefore not surpris-ing that church and commu-nity groups are crying out onbehalf of low income house-holds, especially those withchildren.

At the same time largegains have been made in NewZealand by the richest house-holds. Compared with 1983/84, the average income of thetop ten percent of householdshad increased by 26.5 per centand of the top five percent by36.4 per cent.

Many jubilee actions inNew Zealand could parallelthe debt write-off. GaryCorbett mentioned one in theNZ Baptist last May when,commenting on the high per-centage of income paid in rentby those he meets through theAuckland Baptist City Mis-sion, he advocated that peopleshould pay no more than 25per cent of their income inrent. Such a policy is both so-cially just and achievable for acountry as well off as NewZealand. It not only allowspeople to have more to spendon essentials but also helpsstop the high mobility of thepoor as they try to keep aheadof creditors, and impacts posi-tively on health, employment,education and a sense of be-longing within a community,especially for children.

Many people are seeking anew vision for New Zealand.Where are we going, and whatdo we stand for? The conceptof Jubilee points to a visionworth developing. Itcouldleadto a country where people arevalued for who they are andnot what they own or earn.Such a vision sounds a lot moreattractive than what we haveat the moment!Gordon, a graduate of NZBap-tist College and former editorof the NZ Baptist, was a Baptistminister for 15 years. Now amanagement consultant inAuckland, he has been selectedat number 46 on the LabourParty list, which means he couldbeanMPby the endoftheyear.Among his involvements,Gordon is a trustee ofPonsonby's Community of Ref-uge Trustwhichprovides hous-ing to people in the inner city.

Contact MASTERS Institute for the best teacher preparation in the land. Phone 09 625 0076


Greatest HitsThe WOW "Greatest

Hits" format has been withus for a while. First there wasjust the annual round-up ofthe best of contemporaryChristian music, and thenBlack Gospel got the WOWtreatment. This year therewas WOW Worship, claim-ing to be "Today's 30 mostpowerful Worship songs"and now, as the millenniumdraws to a close, we haveWOW: The 90s.

in both creating and produc-ing music, Charlie would haveno problem creating a coupleof Greatest Hits CDs. Onegroup that would be on anysuch album is Switchfoot.

gold in just four weeks. It is,incidentally, their eighth an-nual release and their eighthgold album. It's great to seepraise and worship albumsbecoming so popular.

This is exactly what itsounds like: a collection ofthe best songs from the lastten years. Featuring such greatsongs as DCTalk's JesusFreak, to Steven CurtisChapman's / Will Be Here,The 90s is a nostalgic trip thathas something for everyone.

Someone who shouldhave a Greatest Hits album isCharlie Peacock—not neces-sarily of his own stuff, but ofthe material he produces.Having wide ranging talents

Switchfoot's new albumNew Way To Be Human is allabout Christ transformingpersonal and societal hollow-ness. This may sound heavy,but the music isn't. TheSwitchfoot lads have fun pro-ducing their second album,and with help from Charlie,they've worked hard at pro-ducing an upbeat, slightlyalternative (how do you de-fine alternative these days?)pop/rock album. Its high-light is the upbeat CompanyCar, which sees the boysexperimenting with horns(that is trumpet, not car).

One group that seems toproduce a "greatest hits"every year is Hillsong. Thenew album By Your Sidebroke all records when it went

Talking of praise andworship, Three Strand aredue to release their debut al-bum later this year, titledFamished. These guys aretotally sold out to praisingJesus. They compare ouremotional response to the AllBlacks running on to the field(we scream with joy and an-ticipation) to our response topublicly praising God. Whydo we make a louder public

proclamation of our nationalrugby team, that of our Lordand Saviour?

Helping us return our fo-cus to Jesus, Three Strand'salbum is a contemporary pop-influenced praise and wor-ship album that should bewell received by young andold. It has the kind of appealthat made Hillsong so suc-cessful—catchy, memorablesongs with great God-focussed lyrics. This brotherand sisters combination issure to be a winner.

Another new brother andsister group is LaRue. Theirmaxi single Waiting Roomgives a taste of what to expectwhen their album is releasedlater this year. With a soundthat is pop/rock with a hint of

Kept by the PowerGlenys Lewis, Hazard Press, 1999 138pp, $24.95

country, LaRue should bepopular amongst teenagersand those young at heart, withtheir catchy songs that focuson personal battles with faith.—Reviewed by Jonathan Read

This book makes captivat-ing reading and is well con-structed and written. It is theautobiography of an 88-year-old woman who claims to havebeenused, guided and protectedevery step of her eventful lifeby the living God with whomshe has had a personal relation-ship since her teen years. Sherefutes any suggestion thatchance, luck or coincidencehave played any part. Her bookhas been so-titled to attract read-ers who may react negativelyto "God," "Jesus" and "Christ."Hence, "The Power."

Glenys takes us throughher childhood and family back-ground in Wales and England;her nursing and midwiferytraining, both of which wereinterrupted by serious illnessand major surgery; being ma-tron at several boardingschools; ordination as a dea-coness in the Anglican church,and working in London andthereabouts during the waryears. Then to New Zealand in1960 and work as a chaplain atthe Christchurch hospital fortwo and a half years.

Next came eighteen monthsof traveling about the coun-try—to each of the seven dio-ceses of the Church of Eng-

land—in her own car, and cov-ering 23,600 miles to recruitwomen to the Order of Dea-conesses. She helped establishthe firstNew Zealand Deacon-ess Training School and wasappointed its head. Glenys en-countered such opposition andprejudice on the way—usuallyfrom the male hierarchy of theChurch of England—as she haddone whenever and wherevershe strove to improve wom-en's standing within the church.

She campaigned vigor-ously for women to be ac-cepted as priests. In 1970 thiswas accepted in principle butnot put into practice for afurther eight years. Glenyswas one of the first women tobe ordained a priest: Rev.Glenys Lewis.

For more than thirty yearsshe has been in the forefront ofAnglican church history, andin 1993 was awarded the CBE.Her cheerful disposition, herrefusal to be bullied, and herhumour (especially when en-countering "difficult" people,when it defused many a poten-tially explosive situation) shinethrough this narrative.

Glenys has indeed been"kept by the Power."—Reviewed by Joan Kennedy

by Pane KawhiaI was born on the East

Coast in 1957, the youngestof six children, and broughtup in Ruatoria in the heart ofthe Ngati Porou tribe. Myparents both respected Godand my mother taught us theLord's Prayer. I rememberher saying that if we eversensed the presence of kehua(spirits), we should pray andon the two occasions thishappened, I prayed the Lord'sPrayer and the kehua wentaway. As a result, I was al-ways aware of the power ofthis God that my mother hadtaught me to pray to.

We were from an Angli-can background and I at-tended Sunday School as achild and was confirmed inmy early teens.

Before I was ten I wassexually molested twice. Theexperience was neither trau-matic nor ongoing but thefull effects of it in terms ofbehaviour and thinking werenot realised until my lateryears.

At college I did well inEnglish, geography, dramaand tennis. I did not speakMaori like some of my class-mates but I enjoyed the MaoriClub and led it for a couple ofyears.

On leaving school I wasselected for a secretarialtrade training course in Wel-lington run under the MaoriAffairs Department. At theend of this course I wasplaced in the Department ofLabour and was later pro-moted to the Ministry ofWorks and Development.By this time I was well intothe pub and party scene,drinking heavily during theweekends surrounded bycousins and friends, andworking during the week ina predominantly Pakeha set-ting.

In Wellington I experi-enced blatant racism on adaily basis. I looked forwardeach weekend to being sur-rounded by my own people -in my case this meant goingto the pub.

My father died in 1977and this left a big gap in mylife. On returning to Wel-lington after the tangi, I re-alised I was in a rut with mylifestyle and needed a radi-cal change. I applied to theMinistry of Foreign Affairswith a view to being postedto a NZ Embassy overseasas a secretary. After eightmonths of serving in Wel-lington, I was posted toBangkok, Thailand for twoyears. This was followed byanother posting to Tehran,Iran for one year.

My life had become moresophisticated but after visit-ing many countries, makinglots of money, and meetinginteresting people from var-ied backgrounds, I still felt Ididn't have a purpose in life.I became reflective. I wouldoften think about race rela-tions in New Zealand andwhere I stood in it all.

Having lived in a Bud-dhist country and then aMuslim one, I wonderedwhich was the true way. InIran I was labelled as a Chris-tian and I remember thinkingthat my lifestyle was any-thing but Christian. I stillprayed the Lord's Prayer eachnight - even when I rolledinto bed drunk. I'd also takena small King James Biblewith me but hadn't succeededin reading beyond a fewpages.

On returning to NewZealand for a holiday, I real-ised I was becoming distantfrom my roots - my homeand my people. I resignedfrom Foreign Affairs aftermy posting to Iran and re-turned to Ruatoria to relieveas a typing teacher at NgataMemorial College althoughI was not a qualified teacher.While teaching I felt I couldinspire young people tovalue who they were asMaori and where they werefrom and also to travel andsee the world. Personally Iwas still into partying and

At this time I had a rela-tionship with a backsliderand somehow through him Iwas drawn to Jesus. I askedGod to reveal himself to meand began to pray the prayermy mother had taught me asa child with more earnest-ness.

Over the next few monthsChristians kept comingacross my path: an insuranceagent trying to sell insuranceended up sending me a copyof Mark's gospel. It had asalvation prayer at the back,but when I read it I felt Iwasn't ready to commit my-self. I needed to considerwhat this would mean andthe consequences it wouldhave on my relationshipswith my family and friends. Iguess it was a time of count-ing the cost.

At this time I moved intomy grandmother's house,which had a reputation forbeing haunted. I felt it was agood opportunity to put Godto the test, and stayed therefor a year with only one weirdincident taking place. Dur-ing this I sensed the peaceand power of God.

In 1986 I worked as acensus enumerator and at onehome I mentioned to awoman about my increasinginterest in God. She told meshe was a born-again Chris-tian and asked if I wanted toborrow her copy of the NewTestament. It was a big bookwith large print, glossy pagesand colourful pictures. Bestof all, it was in English that Icould understand.

I began to read it that nightand couldn't put it down.



Care of the elderly

When I got to Romans 10:19"If you confess with yourmouth Jesus is Lord and be-lieve in your heart God raisedhim from the dead, you willbe saved" I realised there wasa condition to being savedand I responded to God rightthere in my grandmother'shouse in the early hours ofthe morning.

A week later, a YWAMteam visited Ruatoria and ata meeting on a local marae Iresponded to an altar call. Inever felt so sure about some-thing in all of my life, regard-less of whether it might costme my family or friends.

I saw a brochure whichchallenged Polynesians to beused by God in missions andto set time aside for training.I felt drawn to the words"Follow me and I will makeyou fishers of men," and soin February 1987I did a dis-cipleship training course inPahi, Northland. This wasthe highlight of my Chris-tian journey because manyof my questions about lifewere answered and I wasintroduced to the Fatherheart of God and much heal-ing took place. It was like awhole new world had openedup to me. Best of all, it wasbased on a relationship witha loving Father, and his SonJesus Christ. I had such adeep conviction that Jesusreally was the way, the truthand the life.

I was confronted with a needto forgive Pakeha andthrough the Cross I came tolove them and value theirplace in Aotearoa. Througha ministry committed to pur-suing relational and sexualwholeness, I began the proc-ess of healing from abuseand sexual brokenness, es-pecially in the area of selfhatred. God has done andcontinues to do a wonderfulwork of restoration and heal-ing.

My two most difficultyears as a Christian were asa woman in leadership.Whilst in our tribe womenin leadership was a commonthing, in the church it wasnot and many struggled withmy being given leadershipresponsibilities. There wasblatant opposition. An in-credible healing took placewhen a leader from that pe-riod asked me for forgive-ness and washed my feetbecause he hadn't recog-nised God's giftings of lead-ership in me.

I now live in Aucklandon the YWAM base and am amedical typist at AucklandHospital. I continue to be ona journey of pursuing inti-macy with the Father; stand-ing in the battle against theevil one who would seek tobring me down as a believer,as a woman and as a Maori;and walking in God's pur-pose for my life.

God has called me to thisnation. I believe the body ofChrist in Aotearoa is missinga vital organ - the ngakau orheart - which is the uniqueexpression of the heart of Godthat is revealed in the tangatawhenua or indigenous peo-ple of this land. When we asa people rise up to walk inour destiny in Christ along-side our Pakeha brothers andsisters and when the churchin this land values the ex-pression of God in who weare as a people, I believe weas a unified body will be ef-fective in reaching this na-tion.





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all that goes with this but Ihad an emptiness within meand lots of questions aboutthe purpose of life. I hadthought I would find someanswers by just being backamongst my people and cul-ture but as much as this is acrucial and valuable part ofmy identity, this did not fillthe void.

In the last thirteen yearsof being a Christian, the Lordhas led me to be involved indifferent ministries and de-nominations where I havelearnt much from godly lead-ers. I have always had won-derful and supportive friendsaround me for whom I amvery grateful. There have alsobeen the difficult people Godhas allowed me to rub upagainst, and I have learntfrom them also - like ironsharpens iron.

On becoming a Christian

YOUR MONEY ON CALLEARNING 3.75%*

vol 115 no9 october 1999

NZ Baptist October 1999

Baptist Artist Designs 1999 Christmas Stamps

by Peter HydeLindy Fisher, a member

of Eastview Baptist Churchin Howick, has won the com-petition held by New Zea-land Post to design this year'sChristmas stamps.

"What a thrilling oppor-tunity," said Lindy, "to usemy chosen profession as avehicle for such ministry! Ayear on, the results carry theirmessage around the world."

Lindy's designs reflectthe theme of giving, fromexamples found in the Christ-mas story. The 40c stampreveals the message, Godgave his Son; the 80 centstamp, Mary gave herself;$1.10 Joseph gave his love;

$1.20 angels gave God'smessage; $1.50 shepherdsgave their time, $1.80 theMagi gave their wealth.

"It may surprise some,"Lindy said, "to discover thatthis 2000-year-old narrativehas relevance for today. It'sa challenge to apply its con-cepts—how we may give ofourselves, our time, our tal-ents and our resources."

Lindy's designs reflect themediaeval style of the "storytellingpicture,"withinagraphicshape but modernised for thenew millennium. Simple goldoutlines reinforce the Christ-mas theme: the star, the Christ-mas lily, the gothic church win-dow, a bell, a Christmas tree

and the crown of kings.During her research

Lindy, who has a Bachelorof Fine arts degree, wasdrawn to the work of medi-aeval artisans. At one stageshe donned white cottoncloves to look through origi-nal 13th century illumina-tions which were carefullypropped up on a soft cushionin the Auckland Library spe-cial book collection.

This is the eleventh stampissue published by NZ Postfeaturing her work. The firstday cover design features aChristmas sky and an excerptfrom John 3:16— "For Godso loved the world that hegave his only Son."

Op Shops Benefit Auckland's Needy Familiesby Julie Belding

Most Aucklanders haveseen the large orange cloth-ing bins placed at strategicpoints around the town. Thegoods they collect supporteight different op shops inthe region, which generate acombined income of half amillion dollars annually forthe Auckland Baptist CityMission. More than 300 peo-ple work in them, all butfour being volunteers.Mount Eden, the first shop,opened in the early 1960s.Now there are also shops inMt Roskill, Otahuhu,Henderson, Takapuna,Orewa, Mangere andBrowns Bay. The Hendersonshop is the newest, havingbeen taken over from theHenderson Baptist Churchjust a year ago. The Orewashop has the highest turno-ver.

Miss Heather Beatson ofGreen Bay is the administra-tor of the Mission, and cameto the job after working for32 years with another com-pany.

"I always told God thatwhen I got to fifty I wouldwork for the community,"said Miss Beatson, who be-longs to the Owairaka Bap-tist Church. "But when I gotto fifty I found I was verycomfortable in my job. How-ever, God must have remem-bered my words, because

things beyond my controlstarted to happen. The com-pany was bought out andrestructured, and I was maderedundant."

So she applied for the topjob with the Auckland Bap-tist City Mission eleven anda half years ago. Now semi-retired, she still works threedays a week, focusing on theop shops.

Her long term goal is tosee these shops makingenough money to totally sup-port the work of the Mis-sion. At present the shopsfund about 60 percent of thework and government fundsalmost 40 percent. Somemoney also comes in viadonations, although thesehave declined in recentyears.

The main work of theMission is its budget advi-sory service. Currently theycare for nearly 120 familieswho have been referred tothem by government wel-fare agencies, and MissBeatson said WINZ was con-stantly phoning them, ask-ing them to take on morepeople.

She said many familiescame to them with enor-mous debts, especially ifthey had high rents. Theymight be three months inarrears with electricity andtelephone bills, for exam-ple. The Mission gives food

parcels to these familieswhile they are paying offtheir debts.

About four years ago theMission received a bequestof $150,000. They investedthis money and now receivean interest cheque twice ayear, which is used to helpsome budgeting clients whomay be in a particularly tightspot.

"We can perhaps buy afamily some major item,"Miss Beatson says. "It givesme a real buzz when I'm sentout to buy a washing ma-chine or fridge."

She say when she retiresshe will probably work as avolunteer in an op shop.

"When you've been con-nected with these places forlong enough you catch thebug," she says, "and you findthey're very hard to give up!"

"The Truth Will Set You Free!" — David Riddellby Julie Belding

"If there's a shortcut toabundant life, it's not inmemorising Bible verses orattending revival meetings-itis learning to tell yourself thetruth," said David Riddell at arecent seminar at Carey Bap-tist College in Auckland. "Ifyou tell yourself lies, you'lllet yourself in for a lifetime ofpain."

DavidRiddell B.Th., P.G.Dip., Dip Grad believes thatGod talk is no substitute forreal skills, and that a salvationwhich does not include theassimilation of the fundamen-tals of mental and emotionalhealth will only result in areligious version of suppres-sion and denial.

His most recent three-week 'Living Wisdom Lifeand Counselling Skills'course was held at Carey inAugust. Daily sessions werefrom 9 to 12:30, with threeextra hours on Wednesdays.About 40 people attended thecourse which is held in Auck-land twice a year as well as inother cities.

The seminar required fullconcentration from partici-pants, as Riddell deliveredpointed statements in rapidsuccession. Course manualsdistributed to each studentenabled them to prepare aheadfor each session, however, andopportunity was given forthem to raise issues that theydid not fully grasp from theirreading.

Many nuggets of truthbecame familiar precepts tothe class by the end of thecourse.

"If you cannot set abound-ary you will have to build awall!" was one of them.

More Riddell insights:"Never argue with a dog-

matic person. It will threatentheir salvation."

"As long as your selfworth is in your parent's oryour spouse's hand, you cannever be safe with them."

"Compose your ownpushback for the bully in yourlife. A bully is anyone whogives advice you didn't askfor, or uses power theyshouldn't have. Everyone hasa difficult person in their life,but this is your invitation togrow up—to get insights yourparents never gave you."

"Love without skills ispowerless. You need lifeskills, not religious cliches."

Topics covered in thecourse included marriage andrelationships, moods andemotions, toxic religion,victimhood, habits and addic-tions, sexuality and sexualbrokenness, depression, ne-gotiation skills, and child rear-ing.

"Do not use emotion todiscipline your children," ad-vised Riddell. "It will have anegative effect, especially onboys. When we have teenag-ers we need to move from averdict morality to a reason-ing morality. There is nothing

Learning Ministry "On the Job"by Julie Belding

David Ruthven of Auck-land is training to be a Bap-tist pastor, but he's doing itthe non-traditional way.While most students trainingfor the pastoral ministry stillattend a full-time three orfour year course at an institu-tion like Carey Baptist Col-lege, David is taking the in-ternship route. He's one offive ministry interns who arecurrently receiving special-ist training through the Wind-sor Park Baptist Church.

One advantage of doingan internship through a largechurch is that it enables atrainee to gain hands-on ex-perience in a particular fieldof ministry. At Windsor ParkBaptist, for example, the in-terns can develop their giftsin certain areas, in order tohave specialised ministriesin the long term. One is train-ing in youth work, one workswith children, another is de-veloping administrativeskills, and another is learn-ing about pastoral care. Aspart of their three-yearinternships they are expected,however, to give at least 20percent of their time to min-istry in a different area, inorder not to become too nar-rowly focused.

David Ruthven's courseof study, being on a pastoraltrack, is more generalised.As well as studying for a

BTheol from Carey BaptistCollege he is having a vari-ety of pastoral learning ex-periences, from serving as achaplain at a local rest hometo helping to lead a commu-nity Alpha course.

Besides doing 250 hoursof practical work within thechurch each semester, theinterns are also expected tostudy for a diploma or degreefrom an outside institution(in this case from Carey Bap-tist College). Within thechurch each one also has asupervisor to whom he or sheis accountable.

"The only real disadvan-tage in studying via an intern-ship programme is that yourworkload can overwhelm youif you are not careful," Davidsays. "So it's essential thatyou work out what your pri-orities are and what you canrealistically do."

He supports himself byworking part time at theNorth Shore Events Centre"which usually means thatmy weekend disappears."The management have beengenerous, however, in grant-ing him flexibility in thehours he works.

Of course, life as a minis-try intern, even when doingthe tasks you enjoy, is notalways easy.

"I think the hardest thingis being able to divorce your-self from your ministry when

you are not working," Davidsays. "I undertake a lot ofpastoral visits to the elderlyand after a while they be-come part of your life. Ac-cordingly, when you see themsuffering it breaks your heart.For instance, I visited awoman earlier this week andI hardly recognised her, shelooked so frail. All I wantedto do was pick her up andhold her in my arms and tellher how precious she wasand how much God lovedher."

What advice would hegive someone about to begina ministry internship?

"Make sure you are pas-sionate about it and makesure God really wants you todo it," David says. "Thereare times when it gets reallytough financially and emo-tionally and your faith inGod's call needs to be sure,to get you through."

2

you can do to prevent a childfrom stuffing up their ownlife if they are determined todo so. Respect their sover-eignty, but advise and encour-age them."

David Riddell also talkedabout the elements of "toxicfaith" such as female subju-gation, peace at any price, lit-eralism, magic thinking, fearof "striving" or missing God's"perfect" will, veneration of aministry, proclaiming an ut-terly self-sufficient God, su-perstition and fatalism. Wherethese issues were not ad-dressed, he said, they resultedin mental health inside thechurch becoming worse thanoutside in some instances.

Riddell is passionate abouthelping pastors and leaders toadopt a new "answers thatstill work on Monday" ap-proach to their work, and willhold seminars for churchesby arrangement. He can becontacted at (03) 547-4386.

Heather Beatson

October 1999 NZ Baptist

"Women of Impact and Influence""Who I am and what I do

is significant to Jesus!" saidRev Marjory Gibson of theAuckland Baptist Taber-nacle, who was one of thespeakers at a Baptist wom-en's conference inPalmerston North from 27-29 August. With the theme"Women of Impact and In-fluence Towards 2000," theconference attracted morethan 200 women, fromDargaville in the north toTimaru in the south.

"Each day is a day of end-less possibilities," saidMarjory Gibson in her key-note address, "and God wantsus to be women of inspira-tion and adventure."

Avis Scoones

She said that some of heraudience had grown up be-lieving in a stern God.

"But he wants us to beliberated," she said. "Hewants us to let the glory ofthe personality he has cre-ated show through. He alsowants us to become pro-foundly secure about who weare."

This could only happen,she continued, as women said'yes' to knowing God and toknowing his purposes.

"The most importantthing we can ever know isthat Jesus died for us, andthat we are accepted by theFather and greatly loved byhim," said Marjory. "This iswhat gives us our signifi-cance."

Other keynote speakersat the event, which was heldat Palmerston North's Cen-tral Baptist Church, werePolice Inspector Anne Knoxfrom New Plymouth; LuaiTiatia from the HosannaWorld Outreach Centre inTaita, and Angela Cossey,President elect of the Baptist

Lorraine Robertson and Angela Cossey

Union of New Zealand. Crea-tive workshops on the Fridayevening included dancing,writing for children, bannermaking, floral art, sculptureand wearable art.

Conference ChairwomanAvis Scoones said that or-

ganising the weekend hadbeen a challenge with hercommittee (the BaptistWomen's Ministries board)scattered all over New Zea-land, but she attributed itssuccess to "Prayer, prayerand more prayer."

"A valuable aspect of theevent," said Avis, "was theopenness and honesty of theguest speakers and workshopfacilitators. They enabledthose who attended the con-ference to feel accepted, em-powered and valued."

Ministers Study Leadershipby Andrew Gamman

Leadership is the hot topicof study for New ZealandBaptist ministers.

After the first two yearsof the new process of regis-tration for ministers, somepatterns in their study sub-jects and reading habits haveemerged.

Our own Carey BaptistCollege is the most frequentlyusedprovider of ongoing studycourses for ministers. Other

courses that haveprovedpopu-lar are those provided by theBible College of New Zealandas well as the Caleb Institute'sleadership courses. Retreatsand courses run by SpiritualGrowth Ministries are alsoproving popular.

Many ministers have pre-ferred to do self-directedstudy, and the topics of studyare many and varied. Apartfrom leadership, subjectsmost often chosen include

pastoral care and counselling,preaching, devotional life,the church, evangelism andmission.

Two books stand out asthe best-read titles. One isthe late J. O. Sanders clas-sic, Spiritual Leadership.

First published 32 yearsago, this book has now beenupdated and republished,complete with a studyguide. The other is the morerecent title, The PurposeDriven Church by RickWarren. This is a practical

book of strategies on howto develop a healthy churchwith a mission focus. Bothtitles are available to churchleaders, at a discountedprice, from the registrationcoordinator at the BaptistNational Centre.


on our advertising rates,

phone Jonathan

on 09 278 7494

Every Day With Jesus

Presents Four Exciting Seminars—Christ-Empowered Living

Part 1 - Tuesday 12 Oct 7.30pm - 10.00pmPart 2 - Wednesday 13 Oct 7.30pm - 10.00pm

God's Strategic PlanFull Day - Thursday 14 Oct 9.00am - 5.00pm

Successful LeadershipFull Day - Tuesday 12 Oct 9.00am - 4.30pm

Understanding Yourself, Understanding OthersFull Day - Wednesday 13 Oct 9.30am - 4.30pm

For further details contact:

Greenlane Christian CentrePhone 09 5201288 - 17 Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland


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After APECWith the noble goal of "advancing Asia-Pacific eco-

nomic dynamism and sense of community" APEC pro-vided a whirlwind week for New Zealanders, as powerfulpolitical leaders beat a path to our door and then departedwith glowing praises for our beautiful country.

APEC was set up as an informal group in 1989 inresponse to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pa-cific economies. It's now the primary regional vehicle forpromoting open trade and practical economic cooperation.

However, a few people were less than delighted withAPEC, which has been called "a club of princes andmerchants, of leaders and CEOs, of the famous and therich." Some begrudged the big bucks we paid to enter-tain them in the style to which they were accustomed,even though their visit boosted the domestic economy.

Sensible people had misgivings. (Maybe not eventhe Sultan of Brunei needed a deluxe portaloo completewith "imitation marble walls, hot and cold water and afull-time attendant.")

But there were also some silly criticisms of APEC.Dr Peter Wills of Auckland University claimed APEC

would "force genetically engineered food down the throatsof an unwilling public." Ray Bianchi of the NorthernAmalgamated Workers Union claimed APEC was "anti-worker" (he must not have spoken to the many delightedworkers who served the visitors); Auckland law professorJane Kelsey claimed APECs vision of a regional freemarket was "morally and socially bankrupt."

Move in certain left-wing circles and any mention of"free trade" and "entrepreneurialism" will send somepeople cross-eyed. Yet free trade in itself is not theproblem. Most people of the world have been tradingfreely for centuries. The "market" (the word some loveto hate) has provided enterprising human beings withlivelihoods since the world began. APECs free tradepolicies have enabled people in the developing world tosell their goods to New Zealand and raise their standardof living in ways that were formerly impossible.

Certainly parallel importing has also cost New Zea-landers jobs. But the solution is not to ditch free trade—itis to develop newjobs in other sectors. OK, so we can'tsell our home-produced overpriced shoes and shirts toKiwis anymore. Time to get another job, enterprisingKiwis, instead of whinging about "the system."

It's time for visionary leadership to develop tourismas the source of tomorrow's employment. We've hadthis golden opportunity to showcase New Zealand to theworld. Now let's bring thousands more tourists here tosee it personally. Tourism alone could create more jobsin New Zealand than APEC ever dismantled.

No Christian would or could defend greed and theexploitation of the poor. We must all fight for justice and fairdealing in our trade relations. It's not "the system" that'swrong, but the hearts of some of the people who operate it.

Do you need a scriptural illustration of the virtues ofwealth creation and stewardship set in a positive socialcontext? Check out the "virtuous woman" of Proverbs31:10-31—probably the most entrepreneurial figure inthe whole Bible. —Julie Belding

The N e w Z e a l a n d B a p t i s t is the newspaper of theBaptist Churches of New Zealand.Published by the Communications Division of the Baptist Union andMissionary Society of New Zealand, 8 Puhinui Road, Manukau City.






Copy Deadline: 12th of the month prior to month of issue.Publication Date: First Sunday of each month except January.Distributed through local Baptist Churches in New Zealand, anddependent on their contributions.Subscriptions and postage for othersNew Zealand: $20.00 (inc GST); Overseas surface: $25.00; Overseasairmail: Australia & Sth Pacific: $29.00; Asia & Nth America: $35.50;Europe, Sth America, Africa, Middle East: $38.00Registered at POHQ as a newspaper ISSN 0027-7177A member publication of the Australasian Religious Press Associa-tion. Articles and advertising in the NZ Baptist are the opinions of theauthors, not necessarily the editors or publishers. Every effort is madeto ensure the correctness of facts and information; however we cannotaccept responsibility for errors. The publishers reserve the right toaccept or decline any advertising. Fundraising appeals areaccepted for Baptist causes only.


Creativity: Isthere a slot oris there not?

Getting close to God is acreative event. Our Father is thesource of the river of life. Whenone gets close enough to lap at itswater, that fortunate individualsups at Creation's essence.

When I get close to God asong conies forth in my being.As David said, "My cup runneth

over." The joy overflows.One must somehow gather

it. Therefore the messengerwrites or paints or tickles thestrings. Not all is overflow, how-ever. After all, man still holdsthe pen, even though God thrustthe sword.

Unfortunately the skill ofediting often eludes the lappingsaint. There are therefore tal-ents spread across the body forthis purpose. It is for the mouthto sup and for the foot to tread.And it may be for the health ofthe body to hear what is said.

I wonder if these tiny shards,when put in a righteous context,could not be the lessening of pas-toral counsellors' nightmares?They could be dull, but at othertimes perhaps even a pearl ofwisdom in place, orheavenknowsa moment of rapturous light.

Maybe it is the shepherd'sjob to guide the 'wildernessvoice' and to nudge the shy,reflective sheep out from its hid-ing place and onto the street.

—Michael Oliver,Tirau [abridged]

Under the general theme"Together in ministry, to-wards 3000" , NZ Baptistsat this Assembly will facethe issues of united visionand understanding thetimes.

The Assembly speaker,

Leith Anderson, describedas one of America's wisestand most effective pastors,is a futurist who will be pre-senting the challenges of the21st century to us.

On Thursday evening,Angela Cossey, our incom-

ing President, will host avisual presentation high-lighting our immediate fu-ture needs. On Friday IanBrown, our Executive Sec-retary, will present for dis-cussion a new picture ofwhat the Baptist Movement

may look like for effectivemission towards 3000.

Come to Assembly inAuckland ready to think,celebrate, fellowship andrespond to God's call to usall. Registration forms arewith church leaders now.

CHRISTIANBOOKS



Videos


Phone 0-9-626 2256Fax 0-9-626 3467

4

CentenaryTe Aroha

Methodist/BaptistChurch BuildingOctober 4 and 5

2000Be thereContact:

PO Box 60, Te Aroha

BIBLESOCIETY

... providingScriptures Coeveryone in

their ownlanguage

To help...freephone 0800 4 24253

Baptist PO Box 65275, Auckland 1330. Letters of more than 200 words will beletter without explanation. Your full name and address must be supplied.


The Urgency Of East TimorNo doubt all who have

followed the recent events inEast Timor have felt some ofthe anguish of the peoplecaught between the exhilara-tion of success at the pollsfor independence, and thedevastation and death causedby the rampaging militia.

When Assembly Councilmet over the weekend of 10-12 September (APEC week-end) members sent an urgentletter to the Prime Minister,Mrs Jenny Shipley, urgingher to use the Government'sinfluence to intervene in theEast Timor situation.

The text of that letter fol-lows:

"Dear Prime MinisterWe, the undersigned

President, Executive Secre-tary and members of the As-sembly Council of the Bap-

tist Union of New Zealand,representing a community ofover 40,000 people, requestyou to continue bringing allyour personal influence, aswell as the mana and re-sources of New Zealand, toensure that intervention bythe United Nations in EastTimor occurs as soon as it ishumanly possible.

"We applaud your Gov-ernment's decision to sus-pend training of Indonesianmilitary personnel currentlyin New Zealand.

"We further urge and re-quest you to continue doingeverything possible to ensurethe establishment of EastTimor as an independentdemocratic country. Wewould also urge your Gov-ernment to contribute gener-ously in money, expertise,personnel and whatever else

may be needed, over the longterm, rather than just for thenext two or three years.

Yours faithfully..."

Values we Affirm RegardingMarriage And Sexuality

Last June the AssemblyCouncil issued a statementpertaining to the values itholds as important on thematters of marriage and sexu-ality.

The Assembly Councilsent a copy of the statementto all of our churches for theirinformation and guidelinesshould they want to use it.

As a consequence wehave received quite a numberof responses - mainly inwarm appreciation for thework Assembly Council hasdone. Some responses calledfor further reflection on theissue, which is being done as

it is a "draft" document, andyet others asked for similarpapers to be issued on othertopics as well.

Treaty Affirmation State-ment

The Assembly Counciland a small representativeworking group has begun toprocess a statement on theBaptist Union's perspectiveof the Treaty of Waitangi.

For some time it has beenimportant to have a statementwhich clearly outlines for theBaptist Union, our churches,Maori Ministries, Carey Bap-tist College, Baptist SocialServices Baptist Action andBaptist Care our stance to-wards the Treaty.

On many occasions wehave been asked by variousgroups within our churchesand from tertiary and social

service providers as to ourdenominational perspectiveon the Treaty.

We believe this Assem-bly Council document willgo a long way towards pro-viding that perspective. Weexpect the document will beavailable to the churches be-fore the end of 1999.

Assembly 1999 (November10-14)

Heralded as a millennialevent for New Zealand Bap-tists, this year's Assembly isshaping up to be an event-filled week.

Details of Assembly ap-pear on page4 ofthismonth'sNZ Baptist.

All churches have beenprovided with informationas to the general emphasis/programmes of Assemblywith more definite mails to

Who Reads The Bible?by John North

I cannot forget an encoun-ter with a retired Baptist min-ister who told me he was nowattending the local church ofanother denomination.

"They read the Bible," hesaid. Apparently this was incontrast to the local Baptistchurch.

I wonder how true this isof some/many Baptistchurches? My own more re-cent experience is that thereis often just one Bible read-ing in a service, which is thebasis of the preaching.

Why such a minimal dietof what we often call theWord of God? Is it that weare better at talking (singing)than listening.? Is it that wehave so much to bring to Godin praise that we do not enter

into a dialogue in which welisten and respond to thatWord?

I have been doing somereflecting on the ways inwhich the Bible has been usedto enrich Christian worshipthrough the years. Maybethere are patterns in this brieflist which could enliven ourworship.

Many Christian churchestake the Bible so seriouslythat they have an organizedpattern of readings for eachSunday of the year. A Psalm,an Old Testament passage,part of an epistle, lead on tothe climax of the gospel read-ing. Week by week, year byyear, the great passages areheard. Such churches readthe Bible.

We usually begin our

services with suitable wordsof welcome and greeting. Butwhat a difference if this isfollowed by a couple ofverses from the Bible whichlift our minds, hearts and gazeto the greatness and good-ness of God!

If we want to express ourpraise and thanks to God,there are incomparable wordsand poetry in the Bible whichcan make our worship beau-tiful.

Orforgiveness....wedonotknow how many people cometo church, longing to hear adeclaration... "if we confessour sin, He is faithful...."

Or people carrying unbear-able burdens who long to hearthe gracious invitations... "Castyour burden on the Lord" or"Come to me all who are weary

Scripture Union in New Zealand

has vacancies for the following positions

Children & Families field worker for the lower North Island,from Taranaki to Manawatu (full-time)

Scripture Union in Schools field worker for the NorthernSouth Island (full-time)

Scripture Union in Schools field worker for Northland(part-time, ten hours a week)

These are all positions with the potential for significant impact amongstchildren and young people, and those who work with them. Applicantsshould have an appreciation for the ethos of Scripture Union and/or someexperience with Scripture Union activities.

Further information and application papers are available from:Scripture Union

PO Box 760Wellington

Ph (04)385-0485; Fax (04)385-0483E-mail: [email protected]

and heavy laden...".Or as we leave the serv-

ice, is it to be a few wordshastily thrown together orcannot we be offered themajesty of "The Lord blessyou and keep you..." or "Nowmay the God of peace..."

Just a few reflections onhow we might better let loosethe transforming power ofthis special book.

On the deeper level, it'sabout attitude. Back in thoseschool days, when the headteacher came into the roomwe all stood up as a sign ofrespect. In some churches,all stand for the gospel read-ing as a sign of respect forJesus Christ and the wordswhich bring us his life andteaching. I am not saying thatwe have to stand (although

bodily position does make adifference.) It's a question ofattitude. Is the Bible readingjust something we do eachSunday? Or do those whoread soak themselves in thepassage, reflect on the wordsand practise speaking it out?

I remember our speechteacher reading a passagefrom the Bible with suchpower and meaning that wesat there silent afterwards. Iremember thinking that if onecould read like that, youwouldn't need to preach!

How lovely it is when thereader radiates the message:"Listen! We are reading thestory and words of JesusChrist himself. This is a spe-cial moment. Let's not missthe power of that story, thesewords or this Person!"

World Vision

Ethnic Church Relations Facilitator(Part Time)

World Vision is looking for a mature Christian withstrong cross-cultural communication skills to workwith our Church Relations Manager among ethnicchurches in Auckland.

The successful applicant will have:

Excellent public presentation skills

Ability to relate well to a variety of cultures

Strong identification with WVNZ's values

Theological training

A personable manner

Previous experience in cross-cultural Christianministry

Applications and a job description are availableby phoning 09 377 0879

Applications close 5pm Friday 22nd October 1999.

be sent out to delegates inmid October.

Assembly 2000A reminder that next year's

Assembly will beheld in Beth-lehem (Tauranga- not Judea!)

Bible Society: MillenniumScripture Leaflet

The Bible Society in NewZealand is preparing a specialmillenium Scripture leaflet tobe distributed to every NewZealand home. To achievethis the Bible Society is askingfor gifts towards the distribu-tion costs. Anyone wishing tocontribute to this project cando so by placing a donation inan envelope marked "BibleSociety Millenium Leaflet" inthe local church offering, orby sending it directly to: TheBible Society in NZ, P O Box27901, Wellington.

for

a

copy

of

our

latest

rates

sheet

contact

Jonathan

phone

09 278 7494

fax

09 278 7499

email

[email protected]

5


DID YOU KNOW??That there is a captive audience of children listening

to the Christian message each week.

That BIBLE IN SCHOOLS teachers reach 44% of thechildren on the NORTH SHORE every week!!

Many of these children will not hear about the love ofGod anywhere else.

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS is run by the CEC, the ChurchesEducation Commission, churches working together forChristian and general education. The country is dividedinto several districts and each has an advisor who co-ordinates and promotes the work of CEC in that-area.

The North Shore CEC District Committee isinviting expressions of interest in the posi-tion of CFC Advisor (North Shore). The posi-tion requires someone who has a deep andgrowing Christian faith, has experience inreligious education and/or teaching and whois willing and able to work with people from alldenominations. This is a part-time positionfor 10 hours per week. Remuneration offered.

For more information and/or job description contact:Elke Keeling, PO Box 65-385, Mairangi Bay, Phone 4784998, Fax 478-5126 or email: [email protected]

Applications close on 15 October 1999.

Christmas Billboards

2000 Years Since What?We invite and encourage your church community to

join the Churches of New Zealand in this provocativecampaign to stir people's hearts toward Jesus and hisChurch this Christmas.Network TV ads are planned for December (fundedseperately), so be part of it!You can display the billboards in prominent places aswell as outside church!

1.8x l.2m size $50 ea$90 for 2, $200 for 5,

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Orders close October 15 thFor further details, and orders,Send payment to: "Vision for Auckland"

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by C. Ben MitchellThe secularisation of our

culture comes with a veryhigh price tag. Secularism,the evacuation of Judeo-Christian values from law,policy, and public discourse,is a cruel taskmaster.

Like a Trojan Horse,secularism smuggles in val-ues that are wholly contraryto the values that have guidedthe western world for centu-ries. At the heart of a secularview of things is an ancientproposition that "man is themeasure of all things." Thebelly of secularism is linedwith an individualism that isneither responsible to Godnor others. Individual au-tonomy or radical self-deter-mination becomes the trumpcard in every ethical deci-sion. "It's my choice!" is themotto of this rampant secu-larism.

Several recent eventsdemonstrate that secularismis dangerous and will, ulti-mately, implode the culture.Take for instance the recentdecision of the Dutch gov-ernment to legalize euthana-sia and assisted suicide. Forover a decade the Dutch havebeen practicing euthanasiasomewhat under cover, butnow they may kill dying pa-tients with the blessing of thestate. And in order for theindividual to be king, eventwelve year olds will be ableto choose assisted death.Medicine has become mad-ness in Holland. When doc-tors jettison their covenant to"do no harm" in favor of be-coming killers, secularismwins and individuals die.

In England, a nine-year-old little girl was refused alife-saving organ transplantbecause she had Down syn-drome. Katie only has a shorttime to live without the trans-

plant, but the local organtransplantation authority de-clared that her "quality oflife" was not sufficient towarrant her being put on theorgan transplantation list.You see, because Katie is aDowns child, she doesn'tcount as an individual underthe secularist worldview. Shedoesn't have a right to lifeand an organ that could save

her life must be given tosomeone the transplantationauthority deems to be an in-dividual worthy of saving.Secularism wins and indi-viduals die.

Finally, so we aren'ttricked into thinking thatsecularism hasn't come hometo roost in America, an econo-mist and a law professor atthe University of Chicago say

that the legalization of abor-tion has led to a drop in thecrime rate, therefore, theyargue, abortion on demand isa good thing. The logic is asfollows: abortion kills poten-tial criminals; fewer crimi-nals means fewer crimes;therefore, abortion reducescrime. The logic of secular-ism twists individual rightsinto a grotesque form. Abor-tion law in the United Statesis framed around the indi-vidual's right to privacy com-bined with the notion that theunborn are not individualswhose rights count, particu-larly their right not to be un-necessarily harmed. This issecularism in spades! Andindividuals die.

So, what's the answer? AChristian ethic respects therights of individuals, but notat the expense of a responsi-bility to protect their lives.Our heavenly Father is con-cerned about the fatherless,the widows, the orphans, thepoor, the lame, the halt, andthe weak. Jesus said, "Inas-much as you have done itunto one of the least of thesemy brethren, you have doneit unto me" (Matt. 25:40).Christian morality demandsthat we value others aboveourselves. That means wehave a responsibility to pro-tect the unborn, give disa-bled individuals an opportu-nity for transplants, and pro-vide comfort care for dyingpatients. When Christianmorality wins, individuals—that is, real people — live!C. Ben Mitchell is a consult-ant on biomedical and lifeissues for the Ethics and Re-ligious Liberty Commissionof the Southern Baptist Con-vention and teaches bioethicsand contemporary culture atTrinity Evangelical DivinitySchool in Deerfield, III.

"2000 Years Since What?"by Trevor Donnell

For many people the mil-lennium celebrations are asecular event associated withcomputers, partying, Maoricelebrations and rock con-certs. Many may never real-ise that the millennium is aChristian event.

This year Aucklandchurch leaders are sponsor-ing a campaign that points outthat the millennium is an eventthat celebrates the coming ofJesus into our world. Withthe theme "2000 Years SinceWhat?" a campaign has beenput together that encouragesevery church in our city andnation to make a visual, unitedstatement to our communi-ties. More and more, we wantchurches in a community tobe seen presenting a commontheme, celebrating the Chris-

tian festivals.The range of products avail-

able include a few not used inprevious years, and these are toraise the impact of the cam-paign. They include billboards

for erecting outside churches,homes and strategic properties,and bumper stickers. (Imagineevery "Christian" car with thismessage on it, in the weeksleading up to Christmas!) Tel-

evision slots areplannedfortheweek before Christmas. As forlast year, there will again be A4posters and letterbox drop fli-ers.

The theme lends itself toChristmas services and spe-cial events, so churches canoverprint on the advertising,allowing local expression andfollow-up. The plan is thateach year a similar campaignwill be prepared, and increas-ing numbers of churches willparticipate.

Two sizes of billboards areavailable: 1.8 x 1.2m, (6'x4')from $50 for one or $200 forfive; and quarter-size 900 x600 mm (3'x2'), boards for$110 for lots often.Billboard orders can beplaced directly with Doug-las Vause toll-free on (0508)2000JC (0508 200 052).

6


Wellington Central Baptist has placesavailable in its youth orientatedaccomodation for 2000. If you want to bepart of a dynamic and supportive Christiancommunity write or phone now for anapplication form:




Applications for people intending to workcan be considered at any time.

inc. gst inc. gst


by Gareth JonesA recurring biblical theme is idolatry. Isaiah confronted

it as the people around him turned away from the Lord God.In Isaiah 44: 9-20, he tries to show them the absurdity ofworshipping idols made by ordinary craftsmen from metaland wood. To the people, this pieceof wood had the power to save andprotect them, even though theyknew that wood from the same treewas also used for cooking and keep-ing warm. So the same wood couldbe used for good and evil purposes.Idols are nothing, yet a demonicspiritual force is associated withthem. Since they demand total alle-giance, they claim a loyalty thatbelongs to God alone.

The alternative is a world ofpersonal relationships based uponthe faithfulness and truthfulness ofa personal God who has a livingrelationship with his people (Isaiah44: 21-28). In contrast to sterileidols, God reminds them that heformed them and will never forgetthem. Even in their faithlessness hewill put away their transgressions.

Here is warmth, hope and newbeginnings. Instead of a god madeby human hands, the people canworship their Redeemer whoformed them in the womb, takingcare of them individually. The onewho brought everything into exist-ence is concerned with their wel-fare.

The contrast between God andidols is so great that the two cannotcoexist. Even a hint of idolatry is atthe expense of God and it points tothe frailty, fallibility andshortsightedness of anything thatdepends on human abilities alone.Idols show the limitedness of hu-man beings when left to their owndevices and separated from God'sdirection. Idolatry is ultimately ab-surd because we take ourselves tooseriously. It is laughable to bowdown before a piece of wood, nomatter how beautifully it has beencarved, and to think it can heal orenlighten us. Laugh at idols butnever worship them.

Idolatry always involves trans-forming something legitimate andgood into something misleading andunhelpful. A lovely carving orsculpture, when converted into anidol, is an appalling travesty of hu-man creativity.

While people in postmodernWestern secular societies are sel-dom tempted to bow down to piecesof wood, idolatry is alive and well.

When I was thinking seriouslyabout taking up a research career inscience, I asked the advice of arespected pastor.

Don't go into science, he said, because it's too dangerousan area for a Christian.

I didn't take that advice, but can see why he gave it. In theearly 1960s science was at the height of its reputation andscientists could do no wrong. They were going to solve all theproblems of the world and many were hostile to Christianitybecause they believed science had dispensed with God. Thiswas the world of scientific humanism, and it was the worldof idolatry. Even today, when science is viewed differently,the way science is converted into a form of atheistic religionis just as strong in some quarters. Science as a means ofexploring our world is a God-given gift, but when convertedinto a means of dismissing God from our experiences, it's asdangerous as any other idol.

Not only does this form of idolatry substitute humanthinking for the revelation of God in Christ, but it ends upwith no clear moral values. Scientists left to themselves tendto do whatever can be done, until someone tells them to stop.The direction science needs can never come from within

itself. We can generate nuclear power, but the science thatmade it possible can never tell us how it should be used.

Science as an object of worship is a pitiful alternative tosa way of life based upon God's purposes. On the other hand,-science is wonderful when recognized as a means for God to

bless and help his creation, and when coupled with the hopeof the gospel. Science needs to be harnessed by those whodepend upon God and who see it as a tool to be used in hisservice.

TECHNOLOGYTechnology provides us with gadgets and electronic

wizardry that entrance us and transform many aspects of ourlives. Once we have experienced its convenience we cannever be the same again. This is not necessarily bad, but wehave to be careful and learn to rest in the living God. Weshould not adopt an anti-technology stance because of itsdangers, or because we think this is the spiritual way to live.But we need to remember that no matter how sophisticatedtechnology may be, there is no substitute for trusting in Godand expecting him to be present in every situation. We stillmake choices for or against God every day, in the midst oftechnology and gadgetry.

By all means encourage an infertile couple to investigatethe possibilities if modern reproductive technology, but

7

never forget that in the end a living baby is a gift from God.To view a new human life in this way, no matter how muchmodern technology has been involved, enables us to worshipand praise the Lord our God. By contrast, to view a newhuman life as the result simply of human ingenuity is to

idolise the technology at our dis-posal. The birth of a child shows thewonder of God's creation and notjust the wonder of human manufac-ture. That differentiates the world ofthe Bible from the Brave New Worldso frighteningly depicted by AldousHuxley.

Technology never provides uswith total control. We all have ourpoints of need and desperation, wherethe only way forward is to come face-to-face with a loving Father. Godmeets us at these points because heloves us and is concerned for ourwelfare. Whenever we convert tech-nology into an idol we set out on alonely path where the only directionwill have to come from our ownmeagre resources.

POLITICAL IDEOLOGIESFor years we've been bombarded

by free market policies, by the vir-tues of contrived competition, and byvarious forms of managerialism.We've been inundated by structuralchanges within society as a whole aswell as within numerous organiza-tions. In the name of managerial andfinancial efficiency, staff numbersare ruthlessly reduced and highly paidconsultants are the order of the day.Where is God in all this?

Many of these developments el-evate processes above people. Theytend to idolise financial concerns sothat any group of people or any struc-ture which seems to hinder them be-comes disposable. The welfare oforganisations has become more im-portant than the people comprisingthem. Whenever we act like this weoverturn the Christian principle thatpeople are made in the image of Godand must always be treated with dig-nity. This doesn't guarantee employ-ment but it errs on the side of thewell-being of people.

Organisations can place too muchemphasis on those in positions ofpower, rather than on the role of theordinary worker. This is akin to el-evating experts to the place of God.But God works through everyone,and all should have an opportunity toserve an organization in a relevantfashion. The priesthood of all believ-ers—historically a driving forcewithin Baptist circles—recognises animportant principle that should ap-ply to ordinary society as well as tochurch life.

The ideologies around us leave little room for the serviceof others. When those in senior positions appear to be servingtheir own interests we see an inward-looking society that hasshut out the desperate needs of the larger world. This isidolatry of the worst sort, since it has substituted self-indulgence for the God-given possibility of living for others.It seduces people into ignoring their God-given responsibil-ity to contribute as best they can to their world, whether thisis the church, work or society at large.

Once organizations are idolised we lose all that ishuman. Christians are called to put people, not systems, atthe centre of their worlds, for it is people, not organisations,who are made in the image of God. At the heart of public lifethere must be an awareness of human frailty and the needfor forgiveness and a new start—something idols neverprovide.

Gareth Jones is Professor of Anatomy and Structural Biol-ogy at the University of Otago, and a member of DunedinCity Baptist Church.


by Mona Hampton, Christchurch"Wasn't she beautiful!"Twelve-year-old Cate Andrews was peering at an old

photograph of her Gran. A box of photographs had just beenbrought home by her mother from her grandmother's house.

"Poor Gran," Cate went on. "I wish she wasn't so sick.""Oh, so do I," replied Cate's mother Jennifer, "but I hate

seeing her suffer. I'll be glad when it's all over and she's withGramps in heaven."

Cate studied the photo carefully. "Gee, no wonder Grampsfell for her,"

She picked up another photograph. "I don't know thesepeople, do I?"

Jennifer looked at it and laughed. "It's hard to think ofyour great aunts and uncles as young, but they all look sohopelessly young there. Yes, you've met most of them."

Cate returned to the photograph of her grandmother."I'm called Catherine after Gran, aren't I Mum?""Yes dear. And I think you're going to be just as beauti-

ful.""Pooh!" Cate snorted. "What's that? It looks like a

brooch and Gran seems to be wearing it in all the photos."She pointed to a brooch on her grandmother's blouse.Jennifer examined it thoughtfully."I think that must be her Mizpah brooch," she said."Her what?""It was a very old brooch that Gramps gave Gran. It had

been his mother's. Gran treasured it, especially when he wasaway in the war. I don't remember the brooch, but she oftentold me about it. You see, she lost it and that made her verysad."

"But it's just a brooch!" Cate brushed her hair from hereyes. "Who could get so stuck on a brooch?"

"That one was special," her mother explained. "Mizpahis a Hebrew word. It means 'The Lord watch between me andthee.' Your great grandfather gave it to your great grand-mother when he went away to be a soldier in World War One.When she died it came to your grandfather who gave it toyour grandmother. As I said, it meant so much to her,especially when Gramps was away in the war."

"That's really romantic," sighed Cate. "No wonder shetreasured it. I wonder what happened to it?"

"You know how things disappear," her mother answered."If you knew what happened to them they wouldn't be lost."

"I suppose that makes sense," Cate laughed. "May I keepthis photo?"

She was already pushing it into the pocket of her jeans."It won't keep long like that," Jennifer said. "Here is an

envelope. Try to keep it flat.""Thanks, Mum. I'll put it in my bedroom."That night Cate pulled out the photograph and stared at it

as she lay in bed. She thought her grandmother quite the mostbeautiful person she had ever seen and was entranced by theMizpah brooch.

"Dear Lord," she whispered, "Please make a miraclehappen. Help me find Gran's brooch."

She touched the picture with her finger, then lay back andclosed her eyes.

Before you could say Catherine Andrews, Cate's eyeswere open again.

This is strange, she thought to herself. I'm in Gran'shouse. How can I be there? But it's all different.

Cate pinched herself. It hurt, so she wasn't dreaming.She was in Gran's house but even the smells were

different. It was colder, although there was a fire in the oldfireplace that Cate couldn't remember having seen before. Apot of porridge simmered on an antiquated kitchen stove.

Porridge — yuk! thought Cate. I've never seen Gran eatthe stuff. She has muesli.

Suddenly an attractive young woman entered the kitchen,and went over to stir the pot. She reminded Cate of someone.

It's not Mum, she thought. Why, it's Gran when she was

young! Cate was surprised and puzzled by the whole business.The woman, her grandmother, began to set the table,

taking no notice of her at all.I must be invisible, thought Cate.She tested this by going and standing in front of her

grandmother, who gave no reaction. More than this, hergrandmother walked right through her.

Oh wow, Cate thought. What gives? I can see and feel me.I can smell that porridge. But I'm invisible and if I touchanything my hand goes right through it. Awesome!

She heard crying from the next room."Richard," the woman called out. "Pick up Jennifer and

bring her through, please."Jennifer? thought Cate. What is going on here?A handsome man in an army uniform came through,

carrying the most delightful baby. He kissed the woman andtogether they talked to the baby who grinned widely beforeit was placed in a strange-looking cane pram in the corner ofthe room. Cate had a hazy idea she had seen the pram before,in a pile of old things in a bedroom Gran used as a junk room.

That must be Gramps, she thought, and the baby must beMum!

She wandered over and gazed at her mother in wonder."When do you think you'll be discharged from the army,

Richard?" her grandmother asked as she poured the porridgeinto plates.

"They say in about two months, Catherine," answeredRichard.

Hearing her own name made Cate tingle."It'll be strange seeing you out of uniform again,"

Catherine smiled. "It's so good to have you home."She touched a brooch on her dress. "It was such a help to

have this all the time you were away. I felt my Mizpah keptus together. I felt as if the Lord really was watching over us."

Cate tingled again. The Mizpah brooch! The one in thephotographs.

Richard smiled."That's how Mum felt in the last war," he said. "I thought

she was odd, but I understand now."He got up, took a strange long fork, put a piece of bread

on it, and toasted it over the fire.The routine of the house continued until Richard had to

leave. It appeared he was due at Burnham Army Camp andwouldn't be home for a week. He kissed Catherine so hardthat Cate became embarrassed and went to look at the babyagain. It seemed funny, watching her grandparents kiss.

After Richard had gone, Catherine leaned over the pramand picked up the baby. She got out a tin tub, filled it withwarm water, and bathed small Jennifer. She then lay theclothed infant on the floor, tidied the pram, and shook themattress well. After placing the baby back in the pram, shebegan to tidy the breakfast dishes.

Cate watched the proceedings with intense interest. Sud-denly she realised something about Catherine was different.

Why, she thought, the Mizpah brooch! It must have comeoff while she was fixing the baby and the pram.

Cate inspected the pram carefully. There were no worriesabout an invisible person disturbing the baby. She saw thebrooch was caught under the lining of the pram. And sinceshe was invisible, there was not a thing she could do about it.

"So," she said to herself, "that's what happened to thebrooch. Poor Gran must have loosened it when she talkedabout it to Gramps. What can I do about it?"

After finishing the dishes, Catherine checked the babyand went to tidy herself up. Cate heard a cry, and then thenoise of a search beginning.

"My brooch! My lovely Mizpah broch! Where can it be?"she heard her grandmother say.

Cate knew the brooch had never been found. Now sheknew where it was, she wished she could get herself back toher own time. But how? She wandered back to the baby.

"My mother," Cate remarked to herself. "If only you

realised all the things I know will happen to you."The baby was blissfully asleep. Cate slipped her hand throughto touch the brooch.

It was morning."Hurry up, Cate. You'll be late for school," Jennifer

called out.Cate stirred, rubbed her eyes, and it all came rushing back

to her. She reached out for the photo and looked at it again,feeling as if she knew her grandmother better than everbefore.

At breakfast she asked, "Mum, can I go to Gran's on theway home from school?"

"I'll still be at work then," her mother answered. "She isso ill. I suppose the nurse won't mind. I don't know."

Tears welled in Cate's eyes."I won't worry her, Mum, I promise.""All right then," her mother said, "but don't stay long."The day dragged. After school Cate raced to her Gran's and

crept round the back, hoping no one would hear her. She quietlywent inside to the junk room. There was the old cane pram. Shefeltunder the lining and there, wedged in tightly, was the brooch.

Almost too excited to breathe, Cate pulled it out.MIZPAH.The word was spelled out in shiny stones on a silver

background.So, thought Cate, it really did happen. I was there. Thank

you, Lord, for making a real miracle possible.She took the brooch and knocked on her Gran's door. The

nurse came out and smiled at her."Just a minute with her, Cate. Not too long. But she'll

love to see you."Cate went over and stood by her Gran, who smiled

tiredly."Gran," whispered Cate, "I've got something for you."She handed over the brooch. Her grandmother took it.

She looked wonderingly at it and then back at Cate, her facelighting up.

"Cate," she said, "It's my Mizpah brooch. How did youfind it? All my life I've prayed I would find it again."

"Oh, I found it in the junk room," Cate said happily."It's a sign from Richard. He's waiting for me in heaven."Gran lay back on the pillows, clutching the brooch. She

looked utterly at peace.Cate stroked her Gran's hair, kissed her on the cheek, said '

goodbye to the nurse and ran home.That night as Jennifer came through the door, she looked

at Cate long and hard."The strangest thing has happened," she said. "Gran said

you found her Mizpah brooch. But how on earth could you,when it has been lost all these years?"

"I was just poking around the junk room, Mum," saidCate. What had happened was too strange to tell her mother.She couldn't understand it herself.

"Cate," said Jennifer, taking a tissue paper parcel fromher bag. "Gran said she can't take the brooch with her whereshe is going. She wants you to have it to keep—from oneCatherine to another. Look after it. It's very old and special,you know."

"The Lord watch between me and thee," quoted Cate asshe took the parcel.

And you too, Gramps, she thought to herself."Mum, I will always cherish this.""Well, see you don't lose it.""Don't worry," replied Cate. "But if I did I'm sure it

would turn up again, somewhere, some day. I think it's thatsort of brooch."

She stroked it lovingly, took it to her room, and placed itin a drawer beside the picture of her grandmother.

It was her own Mizpah miracle.

(This story came second equal in the adult short storycompetition run by the N.Z. Baptist last year.)

your message herephone Jonathan for more information on advertising in the NZ Baptist - 09 278 7494

8


by Jonathan BostonSeveral decades ago, Ri-

chard Titmuss, a leading Brit-ish social theorist, wrote animportant and controversiallbook entitled 'The Gift Rela-tionship: From Human Bloodto Social Policy.' This bookexamined the supply of hu-man blood to blood transfu-sion services in the UnitedKingdom and the UnitedStates. Cutting a long storyshort, Titmuss argued that areliance on voluntary blooddonations—which is themethod employed in Brit-ain—is a preferable way ofmeeting the health system'sneeds for blood than a reli-ance on the market systemwhere many people are paidto supply blood—as occursin the U.S.A. I do not want toexplore the evidence thatTitmuss used, or whether hisconclusions were justified.Rather I want to offer a fewcomments about gift relation-ships, as Titmuss called them,and exchange relationships.

If my wife and I were toemploy someone to paint ourhouse, we would enter atransaction in which wewould agree on a price and,assuming the job were doneproperly, we would pay thatperson for services rendered.Our relationship in this in-stance would be essentially amarket or exchange relation-ship. If, on the other hand,

Gift vs. Exchange Relationships

energy but for no reward—atleast, no financial reward. Ifcourse, there may have beena n e x p e c t a t i o n o f s o m e k i n d

of reciprocity or counter giftin the future, but again, theremay not.

Many of the relationshipsin which we participate aregift relationships.This ispar-ticularly true of family rela-tionships and relationshipswithin voluntary organisa-tions. For instance, we look

First, what relationshipsought to be gift relationshipsrather than exchange rela-tionships? Or to put it differ-ently, when should relation-ships be kept free of com-mercial transactions or finan-cial payment? For instance,what is our view about peo-ple selling their blood, or sell-ing some of their expendablebody parts? Likewise what isour view of the idea of peo-ple being paid a homecarers'allowance by the state to lookafter their children, as wassuggested by the Royal Com-mission on Social Policy in1988? Are these the kinds ofthings which ought to be han-dled via gift relationships oris it right and proper to bringsuch relationships within theorbit of cash payments?Might the introduction of anexchange dimension alter thefeature and quality of the par-ent-child relationship? I donot know, but it is certainlyworth pondering.

Second, are there notcourse of action or forms ofbehaviour where both giftrelationships and exchangerelationships are inappropri-ate for ethical reasons? Forinstance, does surrogacy andthe supply of genetic mate-rial by donors fall into thiscategory?

Third, some people havesuggested that there has been ageneral tendency in recent

years for more and more hu-man activities to be marketisedand turned into exchange rela-tionships. For instance, con-sider what has happened in thearea of sport. Many amateursports, including rugby, havebeen professionalised. Our AllBlacks now play for cash andglory, not just for glory. Howdoes this affect the texture ofour nation's life and the valuesand expectations of citizens?Or to put it differently, do peo-ple volunteer to do things asmuch as they used to? There isa lot of social science researchfrom overseas which suggeststhat they do not, or at least thatyounger people do not. Forinstance, the membership ofmany groups which undertakevoluntary activities has beenfalling.

Or to take an examplecloser to my own field ofwork: years ago it was com-mon for academics to pro-vide their services free to allsorts of groups and organisa-tions. Now there is an expec-tation that people will be paidfor the extra things they do.Indeed, the university in-creasingly expects us tocharge for our services, andof course to pay the univer-sity a cut.

Finally, one frequentlyhears the argument that peo-ple do not value what theydon'tpay for. Hence if some-thing is provided free of

charge then it is likely to beabused by the recipient. Yetarguably the most importantand valuable things in thislife are free: the grace of God,the beauty of creation, andwhat Wordsworth called"those little nameless acts ofkindness and love." The factthat these things are free doesnot debase their value: on thecontrary, we debase theirvalue when we try to put aprice on them, when we nolonger treat them as a gift.

To conclude, let me em-phasise that I am not wantingto suggest everyone has be-come more materialistic orthat gift relationships havebecome unimportant in oursociety. Moreover, itmay wellbe that gift relationships andexchange relationships canco-exist with respect to thesame kind of activity withoutundermining the willingnessof people to give voluntarily,enthusiastically and compe-tently. However, I also thinkit is important that some rela-tionships remain gift relation-ships, and that as individuals,as a church and as a societywe should not rush into pay-ing people for things whichthey have traditionally andwillingly rendered as gifts.Jonathan Boston, who be-longs to Wellington CentralBaptist Church, is a memberof the Public Policy Group atVictoria University.

Matthew 25:40

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the person were to offer topaint our house for free andwe agreed, then the personwould be gifting his or herlabour to us. In short, wewould be in a gift relation-ship. The person would havegiven of his or her time and

after our own children forfree or we may have an eld-erly relative to live with usand provide them with careduring the latter stages oftheir life. Likewise, we mayvolunteer to work for a chari-table agency, to deliver Mealson Wheels, or help operate afood bank, or to spend timeat Stillwaters. We may evengive blood regularly. In somecases the gift of our time isunconditional: we expect noreciprocal gift. In other caseswe probably expect, or atleast hope for, some kind ofgift in return.

Titmuss argued in hisbook that gift relationshipsbetween live and equal hu-man beings are important forthe well-being of society.Christians could hardly disa-gree. The commandment tolove our neighbour as Christloved us is at the heart of thegospel I his means, of course;doing things for others withno expectation of reward, fi-nancial or otherwise. The par-able of the Good Samaritanremains a wonderful and strik-ing example of the nature andcostliness of this love.

Yet as we reflect on theComplexity of the world inwhich we live, various ques-tions arise. I have no inten-tion of trying to answer thesequestions, but I hope theywill generate some reflectionand debate.


Community Development. Child Sponsorship. Job Creation.

Freepost 232,PO Box 8315,Auckland. B1-99

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THEBAPTIST

YEARS

FOROVER

10 NZ Baptist October 1999

by Brian K SmithIt's 3.30 on the afternoon

of October 30. Eight year oldSarah rushes into the house.

"Mum," she bursts out,"tomorrow everyone's goingtrick and treating. Can I be awitch?"

And suddenly there isHalloween, right in your ownkitchen. What are you tomake of it? A harmless bit offun? Something sinister andevil? Just commercial bally-hoo like Valentine's Day?

In this country Hallow-een hasn't been around long.It's a recent import fromNorth America. But Hallow-een has a long history. It goesback to the old Celtic reli-gion and the practices of thedruids in Ireland, Britain andFrance before the arrival ofChristianity. October 31 wasthe eve of the Celtic newyear. In the northern hemi-sphere it was a time of fallingleaves and general seasonaldecay, a good time to recog-nise andhonour Samhain, thegod of the dead. At this festi-val, so it was believed, the

spirits of the dead returned totheir homes on earth. In or-der to escape their attentionspeople would disguise them-selves as goblins or ghosts.In addition they had to pro-vide for their supernaturalvisitors. If the spirits didn'tget acceptable food and shel-terthey would retaliate. Theywould cast spells, haunthouses, and generally wreckhavoc.

Enter "trick or treat." Thespirits demanded a "treat." Ifyou didn't come up with one,you got a "trick."

Baptizing a pagan festi-val

In the period 600-800 ADthe Celts were Christianized.For some time previously theChurch in the west had had afestival honouring the heroesof the faith, the saints. In oldEnglish a holy person or asaint was called a "hallow."The festival for the saints wasthus known as All HallowsDay. It was observed in Mayeach year. In 834 however,with the coming of the Celtsinto the Church, All HallowsDay was shifted to Novem-ber 1. Thus October 31 be-came the evening of All Hal-lows Day, that is, HallowsEve or Halloween. By trans-ferring All Hallows Day (AllSaints Day to us) to the firstday of November, the churchbaptized the old Celtic festi-val and took it up into theChristian calendar. Underthename of Halloween however,

some of the former paganpractices continued.

Halloween on the moveWhen settlers from Celtic

regions like Ireland and Scot-land crossed the Atlantic theytook their ancient customswith them. As a popular fes-tival Halloween has flour-ished in America, particu-larly from the 19th centuryonwards. In the last decadeor two it has migrated to thiscountry. Initial interest seemsto have come from schools.In a population starved ofthings spiritual, Halloweenwith its eclectic brew of themagical and the macabre ap-pears to offer a non-doctrinalfun alternative to traditionalChristian faith.

With schools getting intothe act, retailers have not beenfar behind. They have mar-keted the necessary cos-tumes, masks and assortedghoulish bric-a-brac. Onenotable item missing fromour imported Halloween isthe pumpkin. In the northernhemisphere October marksthe end of autumn. Harvestisover, the produce of the landgathered. There are pump-kins aplenty for the carvingof jack-o'-lanterns with theirgrinning fangs to remind usof the dark and primitive fearsthat haunt the human psyche.Our spring Halloween how-ever is pumpkinless, a re-minder that rugby refereeingis not the only thing that trans-fers uneasily to the southern

hemisphere.

Cultural fun?What are we disciples of

Jesus to think of all this, es-pecially in relation to our kidstaking part in "trick or treat"?First there is the ethical ques-tion. Is "trick or treat" just apiece of cultural fun, or isthere something unsavouryabout children saying tostrangers "Stand and deliver,or else!"? Even at this juve-nile level "trick or treat"would seem to be sendingthe wrong message. The de-mand that others treat us orsuffer the consequences isscarcely the style of the gos-pel. Again, in the manner ofall human behaviour "trickor treat" can easily go down-hill. American experienceindicates that on occasion thetreat can turn from the nice tothe nasty (doctored candy).Similarly the "trick" maybecome sheer vandalism (thebreaking of windows).

Pumpkins with teethSecondly, there is the

trivializing of evil. As chil-dren well know, darkness,dread and death are no make-believe. They are real. Butthe Halloween portrayed inschools and purveyed byshops turns the dark realityof our lives into the merelycute. All you need to handlethe dark is a disguise and ahandy spell or two. Someyears ago a thoughtful Cana-dian writer observed that the

Halloween pumpkins werelosing their teeth. Instead ofrepresenting predatory terror("the jaws that bite, the clawsthat snatch") they were tooth-less, smiling, have-a-nice-day pumpkins. But "have a|nice day" does nothing forreal fears. Dread is not dis-pelled by our refusal to takeit seriously. Death does havefangs. Of all people we whoare redeemed by the grimstruggle with darkness wecall the cross should be thelast to make light of evil.

The communion ofsaints

Thirdly, whatever darkspiritual forces may exist,they are not to be celebrated.What is to be celebrated isthe victory of Christ. When ittransferred All Saints Day toNovember the instinct of theChurch was right. The saintsare a reminder to us that inChrist the powers of dark-ness can be overcome. Ratherthan dressing our kids up asspooks and spectres why nothold an All Saints Party? Doa Hebrews 11. Fit them outas Joseph, Ruth, Mary, Paul,Francis of Assisi, MartinLuther or Mary Slessor.

In a Jewish home thePassover celebration beginswhen the youngest son askshis father, "Daddy, why isthis night different from allother nights?" Then the fa-ther tells him of the mightyworks of God in the Exodus.Instead of the shenanigans of

Halloween, let's use the nightto tell our kids of the mightydeeds of God in the lives ofhis saints.

And what of us adults?According to the creed webelieve in "the communionof saints." All Saints is anopportunity to remember theblessed dead and those welong to see again. Let's hearthe stories of those in ourown local church who havegone to glory before us. Let'ssing songs about the life tocome (although because ourcontemporary musiciansaren't aware of the life tocome we will have to digsome songs out of the oldhymnbooks.)

In his book The Celebra-tion of Discipline RichardFoster, writing out of theNorth American scene, says,"Why allow Halloween to bea pagan holiday in com-memoration of the powers ofdarkness? Fill the house orchurch with light; sing andcelebrate the victory of Christover the darkness."

Indeed.

What's the Scariest Thing That Ever Happened To You?I was running a campus life

club in West Auckland. I sent a girlhome because she had come toclub stoned and was being a dis-traction. She went to the local puband complained about the Chris-tian who said he loved people andhow she'd been sent away. Sixmen thought this wasn't fair, sothey waited for me at the gate,surrounded me and played yo yo'swith me. They hit me until I wentdown, then kicked me, so I stoodup to protect myself only to getknocked down again. I started tohope I would die quickly! The feardies down as the pain kicks in!—Pastor Mike Dodge, St AlbansBaptist Church

In my early years I was a drug smoker. Lovedthe stuff. By the end of the winter I was usuallygetting a bit desperate, scratching around in theashtrays at home,pulling the seats out of the Chevy,looking for enough marijuana to make a sniff ball.

Well, you can imagine my joy when I discov-ered a friend who had an unlimited winter supply.Having made this contact and parting with a sub-stantial amount of money I found myself the proudprocessor of 6 "Buddha" sticks. All, I was reliablyinformed, had been dunked in an opiate formula togive them a little extra kick.

I smoked one with my "friend'. I smoked one onthe way home. I smoked one with another friendfrom across the road. Three hours later I was feelingcrook and projectile vomiting across the room.Janet thought I was going to die. I must admit Ididn't think she was far wrong.—Rev Scott Malcolm, Ponsonby Baptist Church

When I was thirteen I was at aBible Class picnic on the banks ofthe Tukituki River in Hastings anda number of us went in swimming.What I did not realise was that theriver flowed very strongly and be-fore long I was taken downstream.

A teenage boy suddenly real-ised that I was in grave danger andjumped in and rescued me. I canrecall nothing else from the inci-dent other than the terrifying expe-rience of going under water threetimes.

As a result, I now never go outof my depth in the open sea or theneigbourhood swimming pool!—Miss Jan Bowman, AucklandBaptist Tabernacle

A ride in a Bangkok taxi!With a missionary and two young boys I was

being driven from the railway station to my ac-commodation. On the way, through the fast andthick traffic, a second taxi cut in front and clippedour front bumper. Greatly angered, our drivertook off in reckless pursuit. We raced through redlights, twisted from one lane to another, swervedto avoid cars alongside and coming towards us.

I was sitting in the front seat - petrified.Suddenly we pulled to a screeching halt in front ofthe offending car. It immediately reversed andraced on. The chase began again.

My missionary friend appealed to our driver,'Let us out!'

The taxi came to a second lurching halt. Boys,bags, missionary and I tumbled out onto thekerbside. Alive!—Rev Ann Marshall, Mt Albert Baptist Church

Armine

Isabelle Duff, Projects Manager ofThe Leprosy Mission New Zealand,visited Mozambique in October 1998.When I met Armine the world stopped. Or so it seemed to me. I had just

arrived at a leprosy clinic, - a thatched roof held up by bamboo poles, - in an

outlying village of northern Mozambique. Armine was sitting on the ground

with her back to everyone and her whole demeanour was one of extreme

dejection. As she turned around to face me my horror turned to devastation

as I slowly took in what I was seeing. This young girl, only twelve years old,

had advanced leprosy. Her nose had sunken into her face. And, because

she'd had to continue working to feed herself and her divorced mother, she'd

damaged her anaethetised limbs. This damage had given way to severe ulcers

- in actual fact they were gaping holes in her young body exposing the bone.

Worst of all, these wounds were being fly blown in front of me.

The leprosy supervisor told Armine that Multi Drug Therapy pills would

stop her being infectious and explained how to care for herself to prevent

further deformity. There was not much else that could be done. Normally,

someone as bad as this would be hospitalised, but in Mozambique's

Forgotten North, no such luck. There are no hospitals. I learned that

Armine's mother had died four months previously and miraculously her

father had taken her in despite her leprosy and deformities. But what is her

future? What is the future of others like her in this desperately poor,

traumatised nation where generations of people have been damaged

physically and mentally from decades of civil war? What is the future of

these people where there is a complete lack of social infrastructure, high

inflation and more than one million unexploded antipersonnel

landmines?

As these questions ricocheted around in my mind fresh thoughts began

to emerge. I recalled other meetings and other conversations. I

recognised the small glimmers of hope that had remained in the lives

of these people, even after so much trauma and devastation. I thought

of their resilience in the face of sheer tragedy. In spite of everything,

hope was still alive. Hope for a better future. How, I asked myself, could

this be possible?

I went on to think about the

people who cared enough to live

with them and help rebuild their

communities - people from other countries,

like The Leprosy Mission's Kerri Peachey from

New Zealand and those from other aid agencies who

have also accepted the invitation to work in Mozambique.

I recognised that hope is possible, for Armine and for all in her

country, because we can be partners working together.

With a little help from everyone participating as partners, hope can

prosper and new life is possible, - and, best of all, we don't have to go to

Mozambique to help. We can be partners with people in poverty wherever

we are. And as we approach the end of this millenium, in an age when we

now view the world as a global village, I wonder, could it be that this is what

Jesus meant when He said, "Love your neighbour as yourself"?

Kerri Peachey from New Zealand

Jose and Christina with baby Agapeand young friends

Isabelle from Mozambique

Partners with People in Poverty

LeprosyMission

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF HOPE & WHOLENESS

C E L E B R A T I N G 1 2 5 Y E A R S O F

On

8th December 1998, at The Royal Albert

Hall in London, for almost three hours,

the 5,000 strong audience joined with Sir

Cliff Richard in celebrating his forty years

in show business. Not only was it a special

evening for the star and his fans, but oho

for The Leprosy Mission.

Between songs, Sir Cliff explained to

the audience that this concert was a

fulfilment of his promise to the late

patron of The Leprosy Mission, Diana,

Princess of Wales, that he would hold an

event to raise the profile and

support for The

Leprosy Mission. He had discussed with

her the possibility of dedicating one of

his anniversary concerts to the Mission

and she had agreed to attend. Sadly, her

tragic death prevented this, but Sir Cliff

continued to honour his pledge in her

memory.

Sir Cliff emphasised to the audience

that leprosy can be cured for as little as

£25 (Editor's Note: approximately

NZ$75) and explained that proceeds

from both ticket sales and advertising in

the souvenir programme would go to

The Leprosy Mission. People were

encouraged to take home the leaflet,

placed on their seat, which outlined the

major aspects of the Mission's work.

Fiona Todd,from The Leprosy Mission

England & Wales, was given the

opportunity to speak with Sir Cliff

backstage. Read on for a birds-eye glimpse

into this candid conversation.

Fiona: "Sir Cliff, have you ever

come across people with leprosy during

any overseas trips."

Sir Cliff "I have, years ago when I

went to Nepal. We all have this funny

idea about 'lepers' - the unclean and all

that - but I already knew then that

leprosy was curable and for me it

seemed even more pathetic that there

were people suffering terribly from the

disease when we could do something

about it."

Fiona: "What motivated you to get

involved with charity work?"

Sir Cliff: "I suppose my faith is what

motivated me. When you become a

Christian you're suddenly aware of how

fortunate you are and then you start to

look outwards and recognise the needs

of others. As a Christian, I wanted to

become involved in something positive

and active.

"I guess if I hadn't been a Christian

I might still have done something that

could have been termed

compassionate, but I don't think I

would have had the same motivation.

And maybe I would have suffered from

a kind of charity fatigue like many

people in this country when we're asked

to give a lot of money all the time.

Unless you're highly motivated, it's very

easy to say, 'Well I'm sure my l0p isn't

going to be worth anything so I won't

bother.' I often try to say to people that

whatever you've got does count and it

needs to be given regularly. The

problems just don't go away overnight.

God doesn't expect us to sign

millions of pounds out of our cheque

book. He just wants you and me to give

what we can, when we can."

Fiona: "I shared with Sir Cliff the

difficulty The Leprosy Mission has in

encouraging the public to help people

overseas who have a disease which is

virtually unknown in developed

countries. His response was

unequivocal."

Sir Cliff: "One can only say to

people that leprosy has not gone, it

should be gone, and the only way we

can get rid of it is if we can cure it.

The fact that it's not here in

Britain shouldn't stop us giving.

For example, we don't have

massive poverty here like in

Africa but we still give

when we see the wide

scale starvation.

"We shouldn't give out

of guilt. But if we

respond out of gratitude

for how fortunate we

are in this country,

then it becomes

easier to give. It's

a very positive

thing to do,

especially in The

L e p r o s y

Mission's case,

to think that your money will be

going to rid someone of leprosy. It

is curable; it's not terminal. My

offering to help is to put on a

concert like this."

A final word from Fiona:

"The proceeds from the

concert, which included a generous

donation from the Cliff Richard

Charitable Trust, raised a total of

£50,000 (Editor's Note:

approximately NZ$140,000) for

the work of The Leprosy Mission.

We are deeply grateful for this

substantial contribution, and for

Sir Cliff's public support

"He just wants you and me togive what we can when we can.'

H O P E A M D W H O L E N E S S

The living dead is how people with

leprosy were described. Thousands of

people through the ages have suffered

severe discrimination and, in medieval

Europe, when it was feared that leprosy

was spreading, the 'living dead' was no

longer symbolic. Sufferers were killed.

But Jesus was known to have touched

those with leprosy. And St Francis of

Assisi, in the 1200's, risked his own life

by becoming one of the first to live

with people suffering from leprosy.

Centuries later, a young Irishman in

his early twenties went to India and, in

1869, had his first encounter with

people affected by leprosy. Afterwards

Wellesley Bailey said, "I almost

shuddered, yet at the same time I was

fascinated."

This encounter was to lead

Wellesley Bailey in the footsteps of the

loving compassionate Jesus, and the

gentle St Francis of Assisi, who both

went against the traditions and culture

of their day to care for these desperate

people.

Wellesley Bailey returned to Dublin

and talked of his experiences with Alice

Grahame (who became his wife) and

their friends, Isabella, Charlotte and

Jane Pirn. The Baileys returned to

India, but it wasn't long before the Pirn

sisters were organising meetings in

Dublin to convey this newly

discovered need to those who were

interested. And many were. Their

home became too small so

meetings were held at The Friends

Meeting House, and the thirty

pounds per year which Charlotte

Pirn had hesitatingly hoped to

raise soon reached six hundred

pounds.

Quietly and unexpectedly

something of huge

significance had begun.

Something which would bring hope and wholeness to millions.

It was 1874 and The Mission to Lepers in India was born. This

was the beginning of what is known today as The Leprosy

Mission.

Now, 125 years on, The Leprosy Mission is continuing to do

what Wellesley Bailey began. Although much has changed and

the treatment and care is now quite different, the bottom line is

still the same. Bringing hope

and wholeness to the "living

dead".

Touching hands is whatthe Kids In Touch symbolis all about: two hands,touching, making a heart.

TheLeprosyMission

Partners with People in Poverty

The Meeting House, Monkstown

Please send me theKids In Touch Magazine

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Age: No. of Copies:

Send to: PO Box 10-227, Auckland

Most young girls get to be pretty.This girl just gets

horrified stares.

If you saw a girl like Armine on the streets of New

Zealand you would be terribly shocked. Later,

you would weep. You would be heartbroken for

the girl. You would make sure she received Multi

Drug Therapy to eradicate leprosy from her body.

But Armine is far away, in a forgotten part of a

forgotten country. The effects of leprosy have

killed her mother and in that dirt-poor place her

father would have to work for more than a year for

the price of the cure alone. Leprosy is a disease of

today. As we enter the 21st century, leprosy

comes with us. We mustn't forget that.

Please remember the forgotten places around the

world. Please don't forget Armine. Please help

The Leprosy Mission supply the Multi Drug

Therapy that can turn lives like hers around. Your

generous donation is very gratefully received. By

us, and by people like Armine.

Please send me informationon the The Leprosy Mission

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Send to: PO Box 10-227, Auckland

TheLeprosyMissionPartners with People in Poverty

October 1999 NZ Baptist 15

toms in Christian culturesHalloween looks back to itspagan predecessor. Evangeli-cal Christians usually take adim view of all the commer-cial, witchery and horror filmtrappings of contemporarytrick or treating. Yet manyof the customs were "bap-tised" by early missionariesin Celtic lands. After all, it isgood for us, on one night ofthe year, to make fun of theDevil and his minions andremind ourselves of thepower of the Saviour.

Little sign of that, though,in the American sponsored"trick-or-treat" fiesta. Evan-gelical Christianity has any-way tended to play down suchpagan echoes in traditionalChristian practice. Hallow-een and even All Saints havebeen removed from our cal-endar. Though only amongWestern Christians, AllSaints day is still a popularfestival in much of the worldwhich is more attuned to thereality of spiritual powersbattling for control of humandestiny.

Evangelical Westernchildren are either kept safeat home, or guiltily allowedto dance from door to doorwith their friends and class-mates. For us Halloween isonce again a pagan festival.Indeed neopagans of varioussorts have taken up the possi-

bilities offered by this high-profile commercial feast fortheirownends. We willlikelyhear some "witch" or "Druid"interviewed on TV again thisyear.

The traditional makingfun of the devil can indeed bea dangerous game. It is truethat some young minds dress-ing as "devils" for Hallow-een raids on the neighbours,later experiment with Ouijaboards and the like. Yet,there are advantages to behad from satirising the evilpowers. It reminds us both oftheir power, and of their ulti-mate defeat.

The eve of the day whenwe celebrate those who havepreceded us on the path ofholiness is especially appro-priate for such a reminder -for we are all called to beSaints!

All Saints Party?Why not, instead of argu-

ing with the kids about trick-or-treat get your church tohold an All Saints Party? OK,31 October is a day beforethe traditional (Catholic)date, but better a celebrationof those who have followedthe way before us than greedywitches or little devils! Havefancy dress, bobbing for ap-ples and pantomime styleskits that remind us of thedevil and all his angels wait-

ing to trip us and drag usdown to their level. But alsothese things would remindus that in Christ we are freedfrom the need to heed theirlures. After all, a glance atthe newspaper should con-vince even the most hard-ened modernist of the needfor the Saviour's protectionagainst powers that so clearlyoperate all around us.

Remember, too, greatSaints from the past, pioneermissionaries, evangelists,and the old lady whose wordsnudged us as teenagers.

Let's enjoy plenty ofgood food. Maybe each itemcould be associated with astory about someone'sfavorite "Saint."

"These muffins remindme of old Mrs. Hendrickswho taught us in Girls' Bri-gade..."

Or: "This dish was tradi-tionally eaten in France onSt. Martin's day. Martinwas..."

All Hallows Eve is toogood an opportunity to beleft to the pagans and theshopkeepers. Why not offera real alternative? See whocan offer the biggest All Hal-lows Eve party!Tim Bulkeley is a lecturer inOld Testament at Carey Bap-tist College

by Wendy MatthewsChildren with faces painted black and white to signify

death, beside red-horned masks and pitchforks, goblins andgargoyles, are all demanding treats—or else!

As Halloween ware begins to fill our shops, witches'masks and hats, long black robes, fake noses with addedwarts, all line the shelves in the toy section. The pressuremounts on parents to let their children be involved.

Asa parent of five children, it was one of those questionsthat came up each year until, on a friend's advice, I decidedto see what the dictionary said about it. It said that Halloweenwas celebrated on October 31, the eve of All Saints Day.

The Encyclopedia Britannica was a little more detailed,explaining that the early Celts celebrated a festival calledSamhain when huge fires were lit on the top of hillsides tofrighten away evil spirits. The souls of the dead were allegedto revisit their homes on this day and the festival began toacquire a sinister overtone, with witches, ghosts, hobgoblins,black cats, fairies and demons of all kinds roaming about. Itwas the only day that the devil was invoked in a form ofdivination,

In the late nineteenth century it became popular to "trickor treat," and extensive damage was often done to property.

Your Kids and the Occult, by Johanna Michaelsen (Har-vest House Publishers) added additional insight. It was onthis day that the Druids marked the transition from summerto winter. Samana was the god of death, or the Grim Reaper,the leader of the ancestral ghosts. The villagers made anoffering of something that was most precious to them—usually food—as a "treat," so that the ghosts wouldn't doanything nasty or "trick" them.

A group called the mummers began dressing in fearfulcostumes to frighten the ghosts and collected "protectionmoney" from the towns people. The mummers carried agrotesquely carved turnip or potato, with a candle inside it,to light their way.

Halloween is the high festival for the modern day witchand Satanist. It is believed that the veil separating the twoworlds becomes thin at this time and the spirits of the deadcan be contacted with greater ease.

To contact the dead is forbidden in Leviticus 20:6, andyet the ouija boards and other games put on sale at this timeare for that purpose.

Jeremiah 20:10 tells us not to learn the way of theheathen. In the New Testament Paul says quite strongly in 1Corinthians 10:20 that what is offered on a pagan altar isoffered to demons, not to God.

When we are asked to give sweets and food to appeasethese visitors and to ward off a trick, and when children areencouraged to take part in games to contact the dead, it makesone wonder whose altar is being served.Wendy Matthews is a freelance writer who lives in SouthAuckland.

by Tim BulkeleyPopular culture leads one

to askif dark powers are mostmanifest at Halloween. Theword is a modern corruptionof "All Hallows Eve," thenight before All Saints Day.It might well be thought anappropriate time for Satan'sminions to make a last ditchattempt to wrest us frommembership with the saints,and to drag us into the darkrealm, and this is indeed thenotion that traditionally stoodbehind Halloween witch anddemon costumes.

The customs associatedwith this night start way backwith the Druids. At a harvestfestival at the end of summerthe Celts gave offerings tothe gods. They would go fromdoor to door collecting foodto donate to their deities.(This is probably the originof "trick-or-treating.") Insome places people wouldtake a coal from the bonfireto their home and use it to re-light the fire in their familyhearth at the start of the year.The coal needed a container- often a turnip or beet. It isalso claimed that they werenervous walking home in thedark on such a night, and thatin fear of evil spirits theywore masks.

Christian or Pagan?Like many suspect cus-


Modhushodon is a ricefarmer from Bogra, centralBangladesh. He became aChristian two years agothrough the witness of hisfather who was a new be-liever. This father was a vil-lage leader, 47, and a strongHindu. In fact he had had thevillage temple built on hisown land right next to hishouse. But the father had nopeace. He read the Gita andthe Ramayana but found noword of salvation and peacewith God there.

His search for meaningand peace in life led him tothe local Christian missionwhere he asked for a Bible tofind out what Christians be-lieved. After carefully study-ing it for two weeks he an-nounced to his family that hehad become a believer inChrist!

He then began to sharethe Gospel withModhushodon and his threesisters and added, "My timeis short, I may die soon."

This was puzzling but hethen shocked his family by

bringing home a white Hinduwidow's sari. Modhushodonwas impressed by his Dad'snew faith and started to readthe Bible also, but two weekslater his father was dead, theonly Christian among 350Hindu neighbours. It wasn'ta good beginning for churchgrowth!

At the funeralModhushodon announced tothe Hindu neighbours, "I tooam going to accept Christ.My Dad was right."

The neighbours wereaghast. "Don't do it or youtoo will die," they said.

Modhushodon, how-ever, was firm in his faithand got baptised.

Then the persecution be-gan. The local Hindus, oncehis friends, put poison in hisfish pond and killed hundredsof dollars worth offish. Thenthey stole his rice threshingmachine and then his bike.Modhushodon prayed, "Lordgive me patience. " Slowlythe persecution died downand miraculously four Hindufamilies became Christians

through listening to his teach-ing from the Bible.

Now he is at CCTB study-

ing How to Preach, a subjecttaught by Gregory Marak. Heis enthusiastic to learn be-

cause he has met Christ whohas given him what Ram,Krishna and Kali couldnot new life!

Judith Milita Das, a teacherat CCTB, tells the followingstory:

I grew up in a Christianhome and had been a goodperson all my life. But it wasat 22 that I became what I calla real Christian. It was at anevangelistic meeting that Icame to a full realisation thatI could not rely on my goodworks to get right with God.

I put my life right beforeGod and made a commitmentto help others find this newlife also. I married a manwho had the same goals as Idid and, with an Indian evan-gelist, we began a ministrycalled Christian DiscipleshipCentre. There we gave prac-tical training to people whowanted to grow as Christians.After six years there we wentto the Philippines to studyfor our Master of Divinitydegrees. We returned toBangladesh, my husband to

pastor a city church, now oneof the biggest in Bangladesh,and me to teach at CCTB.

I know deep in my heartthat God has gifted me for ateaching ministry. I want totrain leaders for the churchhere. I also want to helpwomen to take up leadershiproles in the church.

Let me say too thattranzsend/NZBMS has hada deep impact on my life. Mydays at the Brahmanbariaboarding school were en-riched by Miss Thompson,Miss Bush, Melva Taylor andDorothy McKessar. Theylaid a good foundation in mylife, showing me true Chris-tian love that deeply im-pressed and motivated me towant to do what they weredoing. I praise God fortranzsend/NZBMS.Please continue to pray forour team in Bangladesh. Ifyou'd like to know moreabout the work of Richardand Sally Smith at CTCB,contact Julie at theTranzsend/NZBMS office(09) 278-7494.

By Laurie Guy, Carey Bap-tist College.

Carey Baptist College,our ministerial training col-lege, is going into Fiji. It'snot the traditional area of acollege whose core functionhas been to train pastors forNew Zealand. What is this?Empire building, madness,or what?

To answer such questionswe need to recall a bit ofhistory. Back in the eightiesNZBMS sent Rob and LoisKilpatrick and Jim andGwenda Skett to Fiji to aidthe Christian LeadershipCollege. This was a newlyestablished college withstrong links to the Fiji Bap-tist Convention. After theKilpatricks and Sketts re-turned home the college raninto difficult days, to the pointwhere its likely destinationwas the proverbial gurgler.At that point it sent out a callto tranzsend/NZBMS:'Help!'

The straits were so direthat at first the only way tosolve the problem seemed tobe to take CLC over. That,however, smacked of mis-sionary imperialism, and thatsolution has now been filedin the waste paper basket

where it belongs.Early in the whole proc-

ess, tranzsend/NZBMSlooked to Carey and cried,'Help!' After all, Carey is inthe business of theologicaleducation, and its expertisewas needed here.

Plans came to a head inJuly, with Rob Kilpatrick(tranzsend/NZBMS) sittingdown with Paul Windsor andLaurie Guy (Carey College)and folk from Fiji. At thesemeetings we affirmed thegood things CLC was doing,while recognising the enrich-ment a three-way partnershipcould provide.

The end result is thattranzsend/NZBMS willsend practical volunteerbuilding and maintenanceteams in the form of DO(Discipleship Overseas)Teams to Fiji to help on theproperty side.

For its part, Carey hasappointed Laurie Guy to beits liaison person with Fiji.He will visit twice a year. Inaddition to teaching inten-sive courses, he will help theprincipal, Korean missionary(also a Fijian citizen) PastorRyu, with curriculum devel-opment. Laurie will alsocoordinate visits by other

New Zealanders to hold in-tensive courses. Each yearanother of the Carey facultywill be one of those intensiveteachers.

At first it was suggested

that CLC make the CareyDiploma in Mission its cur-riculum. Carey felt that itwas better rather to affirmthe local resources in Fiji (lo-cal teachers, local curricu-

and that solution

has now been filed in the waste

paper basket where it belongs.

lumetc). The Carey Diplomawill, however, be made avail-able by distance to several ofCLC's more able students.Carey feels that this targetedassistance will provide anengine to lift CLC as a whole,and that CLC could then pro-vide an engine to lift the FijiBaptist Convention as awhole.

There will be good spin-offs for Carey, especially ingiving its staff, and maybesome students, ongoing ex-posure to a missionary situa-tion, and so enriching themission focus that is close toits heart. However, Carey isnot fundamentally enteringthis partnership for its owninterests. Carey sees the cru-cial need for trained qualityleadership in Fiji. If Careydoesn'thelp, who will? So atthe centre of Carey's com-mitment is kingdom vision -doing this for the sake of thekingdom of God.

There are financial costs.Carey will have to pay outseveral thousand dollars ayear in plane fares etc., aswell as meeting some of thecourse costs.

Carey will ask the Fijistudents to pay $100 for eachpaper. Courses are valued

more when a personal invest-ment is made. However, feesin New Zealand are nearly$400 per paper. Carey islooking for generous spon-sors who will donate $300 tofund one Fijian student forone paper. If that studentlater gives outstanding serv-ice in the church, that is a bigdividend on such an invest-ment.

In addition a library is acrucial ingredient in today'slearning world. At presentCLC's shelves are virtuallybare. In addition to sendingover quality second-handdonated books, Carey wantsto spend about $300 on eachdiplomapaperutilised in Fiji,to place four to eight qualitybooks in their library for thatpaper. Again, generous spon-sors will make a great differ-ence in an under-resourcedsituation.

At present there are threepartners in the relationship.If you would like to come inas a fourth - becoming a'friend of Fiji', receiving in-formation, donating for a dis-tance paper, donating for thelibrary, even teaching upthere - please contact LaurieGuy at Carey. And, please,don't forget to pray for us!

The straits were so dire

that at first the only way

to solve the problem

seemed to be to

take CLC over.

That, however, smacked of


By Rob Bellingham, directorof Servants

Last June 6 a bagyo(storm) hit the Bagong Silang(New Birth) community inManila. Squatter familiesliving on the bay had theirshanties destroyed by the bigwaves. The community atBagong Silang exists on stiltsover the water and are partlyon a cemetery as well. Sev-enty families found them-selves homeless and anumber were evacuated intoa tiny pre-school which Serv-ants had helped put up in theearly 90s. We have helpedtwenty or so of the mostneedy to repair their homeswith bamboo and lino (forthe roof!) at a cost ofNZ$1000. Teacher Juliette,one of a small core of Chris-tians in the community, hasrequested also that a top floorbe added to the preschool to

allow the children to returnto school and the families tomove up temporarily, whilethey fix their houses. Wehave given another NZ$1000through the Living SpringsChristian Churches who willtake responsibility for theproject. In addition we haveencouraged Juliette to studyholistic ministry with Lilokand believe that this may wellbe a time of new life for thecommunity. Please pray forJuliette and for transforma-tion in this poor and difficultcommunity.

What else would you do?In Happyland, Tondo,

Manila some 35 families alsohad their houses destroyed inthe storm. They have beencamping on the local basket-ball court for the last sixweeks, and though manyhave expressed fear of re-turning to their former homes

we have been unable to findalternative sites and the localgovernment has been unwill-ing to assist. We were ap-proached by our friend RuthPalma, the pastor's wife fromSmokey Mountain who hasbeen at the forefront of thefight for the poor there. Wewill give up to NZ$2000 tohelp in emergency rebuild-ing unless by a miracle wecan get permission for themto move into some vacantgovernment units we knowof. Please pray for Ruth tooas she juggles many differ-ent projects and struggleswith her health, and also asshe heads up a protest rally atCongress to expose a scam inthe President's project to re-form Smokey Mountain intoa model community.

What would you adviseServants, the squatters, andRuth Palma to do?

We all know whatBANZAid is—it's the aidarm of tranzsend/NZBMS,the Baptist mission. Whilemuch of our work is evange-lism and the training of na-tional workers in the coun-tries we work in, BANZAidenables us to give more prac-tical aid such as the Sustain-able Garden and VillageLivestock Project in PapuaNew Guinea. ThroughBANZAid we can also to re-spond quickly to situationsin these nations when aid is

required. Examples are therecent flooding in Bangla-desh, or the drought in PapuaNew Guinea.

Of course you can findout all this just by dialling upthe BANZAid website.<www.banzaid.org.nz>. Infact, if you visit this site you'llbe amazed at just how muchwe Baptists are doing! Ofcourse that's the royal 'we'but it's great to see that 'we'are involved in youth pro-grammes, village birth pro-grammes and education pro-

grammes. (Makes you proudto be a Baptist!)

Of course the reality isthat 'we' are not always do-ing much at all. And this isthe real challenge of theBANZAid website. It's wellput together, attractive andchallenging. There are op-portunities to put your moneyto good use or even (perishthe thought) your life.

Check it out. You will bepleased at what 'we' are doing.Oh, and while you're there,consider what 'you'll' do also!

What can one say in ahundred words or fewerabout seventy American vol-unteers who spent two seeksin various activities aroundMacau? Worldchangers (aSouthern Baptist organisa-tion which focuses on mis-sion trips for young people,similar to our DO Teams)shifted their focus from con-struction projects in the USAto overseas mission experi-ences. So it happened thatthese young men and womenfrom several churches in

North Carolina, Tennesseeand First Chinese Baptist inLos Angeles came to be withus.

Let me just list the high-lights;

Pastor Ken Siu said thatthe number of youth comingto his church's discipleshipprogramme doubled, andgave a new spark to hischurch.

Han Wan Baptist (SharonScarrow helped to coordi-nate this ministry) had 40-50kids coming to the conversa-

tional English activities.MAX (cultural exchange

programme between teenag-ers of Piu Ching School andWorldchangers) had fiftykids and significant impacton the ABC's (AmericanBorn Chinese) who had aspecial rapport with locals.Lyn and Andrew were in-volved in this ministry.

Creative ministries hap-pened in the parks and on thestreets, with many tracts dis-tributed and friendly conver-sations happening.

Practical help was giventhrough the painting of twochurches and several roomsat the Hope Medical Clinic.Steve coordinated this one.

Heaps of prayer went upfor Macau by all the team'sprayerwalking, and manypeople felt the call to be on-going intercessors for Macau.

There was a great senseof satisfaction as the missionstaff worked together on thisproject. We were reallystretched with our Canton-ese. We've also come upwith what may be a bettermodel of ministry that wouldsuit Macau better next time.

All in all, a positive timeof Kingdom building!!

Please continue to pray forSteve, Lyn and AndrewDavis. For information onhow you could support themfinancially, prayerfully, or byreceiving their newsletter,contact Julie at the BaptistNational Centre, (09) 278-7494

Internet zone

For any website improvements and suggestions, contact David AskinWebsite designed and maintained by Strategics New Zealand

1999 BANZAid


by Rob BellinghamI grew up being taught

"If you can't afford it, don'tbuy it!" Debt was bad and tobe avoided. Not many liveby that philosophy. I, andmany others, have come todiscover there is good debtand bad debt. Some debt canmake you rich while otherdebt will make you poor. Buthow do we decide which iswhich?

The first trick is to makesure the debt adds to yourwealth, ideally by a return onyour investment but alsothrough capital gain. Whileinterest rates are low, we canborrow money for invest-ments and make money onthe borrowings as well as onthe money personally put in.Some friends have borrowedwith a negative gearing - theyare spending more on inter-est than they are earning. Ipray their capital gain is goodor they are down the tubes.To cover costs, earningsshould be 3 - 5% above theborrowing rate.

A second principle is thatborrowing should be for pro-ductive rather than consump-tion expenditures. Borrow-ing to buy a nicer house orcar, to take a holiday or feedthe family is bad debt. InThird World countries many

borrow to pay medical billsor arrange marriages. Theseare consumption costs andthere is no extra money com-ing in to pay them.

A third insight is thatdebt can be dangerous. Itshould not be too high inrelation to your assets. In-terest rates are unpredict-able as is the property mar-ket. An increase in rates ora downturn in the marketcan force a sale at a loss as1987 demonstrated.

Of course all this as-sumes a capitalist monetarysystem. The fact is that fora decade now there has beenno other! Indeed some haveargued that communism wasmerely state capitalism. Wecould opt for a subsistencelifestyle but where it is prac-tised there are usually mon-eylenders who are the great-est rogues of all.

In New Zealand if wehave a debt problem we cango to the budget advisoryservice. For the Third Worldanother solution is needed.In this premillennium yeardebt forgiveness is being sug-gested. The idea comes fromLeviticus 25 where debtswere cancelled, slaves freedand land restored to its origi-nal owners.

The statistics on Third

Ray and Pat JuggerOwner-Operators




If this sounds like you, please contact

Pastor Andrew Brown

Ph. 09 576 8403 Fax 09 576 7631

or write with your CV to PO Box 51 538, Pakuranga, Auckland.



Archer Memorial Home166 Colombo StreetP.O. Box 12189 BeckenhamChrlstchurchPhone 332-7510

Care of the elderly

Carey Baptist College wants to employ two creche

workers for Wednesdays 9.00am to 1.00pm during

term time. If possible we need one person to be

trained as an early childhood worker, one does not

need to be trained. This is a packaway creche, the

workers will be working with 8-15 children, with a

parent assisting.

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World debt are frightening.• Each year they pay back

three times more debtthan they receive in aid.

• Each person owes about$700 to the West - morethan a year's wage formany.

• 25 of the 32 most indebtedlow income countries arein sub-Saharan Africa.

• Africa spends 4 times asmuch on debt repaymentas she does on health care.

• Life ends at 40 for one inthree Africans.

• Nicaragua spends $61million on health and edu-cation and $87 million ondebt servicing.The result of all this is

that debt is killing people, isunrepayable and unsustain-able.

The G8, World Bank andhopefully, by the time youread this, APEC will haveagreed to the Jubilee 2000programme to forgive ThirdWorld unrepayable debt.

In Godzone we need morekingdom banks to help ourneighbours trapped by baddebt and help them refocuson good debt.In his spare time RobBellingham invests for him-self and others and enjoysseeing money bringing free-dom.

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To help...freephone 0800 4 24253

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Phone Jenny on 0800 999 777 or email [email protected]

DAVE ANDREWS IS COMING!Writer, Prophet, Champion of the Marginalised.

Hear him in Auckland at...Carey Baptist Forum 11 November, 8pm

Baptist Care Dinner 12 November, 7.30pm

Cityside Seminar 13 November, 9am to noon

Mt Albert Baptist 14 November, 10.10am

Including NZ launch of his new book

"CHRIST!ANARCHY"Contact: Rob Bellingham, (09) 8151062.

<[email protected]>



Serving all Auckland and North Shore areas

to lenders, when they can't even

afford to care for their own people?

Let alone feed and house them.

And then they demand the interest.

Now you can demand that this debt

be cancelled.

We've a once in a millennium opportunity to make an historic gesture.

We've called for a one-off cancellation of the unpayable debts of the Third world.So that the money spent on repayment can be used to help to eradicate poverty.It's a chance to break this vicious chain of debt.A chance to change millions of lives for the better, forever.It's your chance to support our campaign, by ordering your chain today.Wear it to show you care.

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By Lee Weeks, BaptistPress

TOPEKA, Kansas(BP)—In the wake of theKansas State Board of Edu-cation's unprecedented de-cision to dethrone evolutionfrom school curricula, aleading creationist propo-nent has gained added op-portunities to challenge thescience community in pub-lic forums such as editori-als in The Wall Street Jour-nal and on talk shows suchas CNN's TalkBack Live.

Philip Johnson, a lawprofessor at the Universityof California at Berkeleyand author of several booksdebunking claims that evo-lution explains the unfold-ing of life, told BaptistPressthe media firestorm gener-ated by the decision has putthe science community onits heels.

Noting, however, he didnot favour the specific ap-proach the Kansas schoolboard took, Johnson said,"I want to teach more aboutevolution, not less. I thinkwe should teach the studentsa lot more about evolutionthan the science educatorswant them to know."

Johnson described theKansas decision as "a greatvictory for truth" no matterhow it fares in legal battlesthat loom ahead.

The Kansas State SchoolBoard, on Aug. 11, adoptedthe nation's most anti-evo-lution science standards byvoting to eliminate refer-ences to evolution theoryon state assessment tests de-signed to measure studentcompetency in science. Butbefore the decision is final,state lawyers say, a copy-right on the standards muststill be cleared — and thepro-evolution National

Academy of Sciences holdsthe copyright.

The new Kansas stand-ards do not prohibit theteaching of Darwinian evo-lution by natural selection— the scientific theory thatall life derived from com-mon ancestors through mu-tation and adaptation overmillions of years — but thedecision could discourageteachers from spending alot of time on the subject.

Speaking Aug. 16 onCNN's TalkBack Live,Johnson charged that pub-lic school students are be-ing indoctrinated instead ofeducated about evolution-ary theory.

"The problem is whatwe're getting is a philoso-phy that's claimed to be sci-entific fact," Johnson said."This is indoctrination, notgenuine science education,which should teach peopleto raise those tough ques-tions and to look at the phi-losophy and separate thephilosophical claims fromthe real facts. That's thekind of education we need,and there's a public protestthat is going on that wantsto get that kind of educa-tion."

In a Wall Street Journalcolumn Aug. 16, Johnsonwrote, "Science has also be-come identified with a phi-losophy known as material-ism or scientific naturalism.This philosophy insists thatnature is all there is, or atleast the only thing aboutwhich we can have anyknowledge. It follows thatnature had to do its owncreating, and that the meansof creation must not haveincluded any role for God."

Credited as the father ofthe anti-evolution argumentcalled "intelligent design,"

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Awesome testimony ofGod's faithfulness.

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CONFERENCE:5th - 6th November 1999

(Victory Christian Church, Auckland)

Pre-Conference Dinner: 4th November 1999 (Downtown Convention Centre)

To Register: Send Cheque, cash or credit card details with full name & address to:Christian Women's Conference, PO Box 48 036, Blockhouse Bay, AucklandFree Phone: 0800 363 683 OR Fax: 09 627 8140Conference Early Registration: $45 After 26th Oct: $55 Pre-Conference Dinner: $25

ENDORSED BY MANY DENOMINATIONS AND CHURCHES.

Johnson is working tire-lessly to change the focusof the debate from scienceversus biblical creationismby challenging the reigningevolutionary paradigm onphilosophical and scientificgrounds.

Johnson, whose booksinclude "Darwin on Trial,""Reason in the Balance" and"Defeating Darwinism byOpening Minds," spoke lastyear at three Southern Bap-tist seminaries, Southwest-ern in Fort Worth, Texas;Southern in Louisville, Ky.,and Southeastern in WakeForest, N.C.

"Life requires an intel-ligent cause," Johnson saidon TalkBack Live. "Youcan't turn non-living chemi-cals into a living organismby chemical laws andchance and natural selec-tion. The claimed Darwin-ian mechanism ofcreationism doesn't haveany creative power.

"If you look at the evi-dence of science objectivelyand not through naturalisticphilosophical blinkers,you'll see that's the case.Life looks like it was intel-ligently designed, as eventhe Darwinists concede, andthe reason is because itwas."

Johnson said the intelli-gent design movement istrying to establish "an openphilosophy of science thatallows freedom of thought,freedom of inquiry and free-dom of discussion." Thesequestions become all themore important in light ofan Aug. 13 announcementby Australian scientists whodiscovered complex lifeforms they claim existed 2.7billion years ago. The dat-ing was 500 million to 1billion years earlier than

previously thought for theappearance of complex lifeforms.

In his Wall Street Jour-nal column, Johnsoncharged that evidence forevolution is often citedwhen "real science is re-placed by flim-flam." Suchis the case, he argues, withscience textbooks' standardargument for natural selec-tion involving a species offinches in the Galapagos.

Scientists suggest thatlarger-beaked finches sur-vived a drought in 1997 thatkilled most of the species.Yet, Johnson wrote, the Na-tional Academy of Sciencesomits facts in its 1998 book-let, "Teaching About Evo-lution and the Nature of Sci-ence," on the return of thefinches' beak size to nor-mal following a flood. Thebooklet goes even furtherto suggest that a "new spe-cies of finch" could arise in200 years if the initial trendtoward increased beak sizecontinued indefinitely.

"When our leading sci-entists have to resort to thesort of distortion that wouldland a stock promoter in jail,you know they are in trou-ble," Johnson wrote.

"Nonetheless, that is themost impressive example ofnatural selection at workthat the Darwinists havebeen able to find after nearlya century and a half ofsearching." With the lackof evidence and internal in-consistencies, Johnson saidevolutionary theory is be-coming "the science educa-tors' Vietnam." Evolution-ists are now voicing a rallycry for scientists to becomemore politically active byseeking election to local andstate school boards.

"If the Academy meant

to teach scientific investi-gation, rather than inculcatea belief system, it wouldencourage students to thinkabout why, if natural selec-tion has been continuouslyactive in creating, the ob-served examples involvevery limited back-and-forthvariation that doesn't seemto be going anywhere,"Johnson wrote in The WallStreet Journal. "Butskepticism of that kindmight spread and threatenthe whole system of natu-ralistic belief."

In his column, Johnsonidentified unanswered ques-tions which he suggests evo-lutionists do not want stu-dents to consider such as:1) "Why is the fossil record

overall so difficult toreconcile with the steadyprocess of gradual trans-formation predicted bythe neo-Darwiniantheory?"

2) "How would the theoryfare if we did not as-sume at the start thatnature had to do its owncreating, so a naturalis-tic creation mechanismsimply has to exist re-gardless of the evi-dence?"Johnson suggested fur-

ther in his column that theKansas school board deci-sion was "a protest againstenshrining a particularworldview as a scientificfact and against makingevolution an exception tothe usual American tradi-tion that the people have aright to disagree with ex-perts. Take evolution awayfrom the worldview pro-moters and return it to thereal scientific investigators,and a chronic social con-flict will become an excit-ing intellectual adventure."

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ConferenceMAKING A DIFFERENCE BEYOND 2000


With 137 years of his-tory, the Rangiora BaptistChurch believes God has anexciting future for them.

Pastor Ivan Button at-tributes the growth of thecongregation over recentyears to "the faithful minis-tries of past eras along withthe commitment of giftedand diligent people to-day."

Three hundredadults and childrenregularly attend Sun-day morning serviceswhich exceed the capac-ity of the present build-ing. So the congregationrecently decided to sell thepresent facility and build anew centre next to the localhigh school.

Until the project is com-pleted the church is holdingits Sunday services and chil-dren's programme in the hallof the high school, which hasassisted them in the moveand with all the accompany-

ing needs. Facilities for thechurch office have been madeavailable by a local medicalcentre.

The church has adopted

strengthen your stakes." Thethird verse presents a reasonfor building: "For you willspread out to the right and tothe left..."

The church emphasisesoutreach at home, locally andoverseas. With a projected

growth of the North Can-terbury region of 75 per-cent over the next 15 to20 years, they see theirrole as vital for repre-senting the Kingdom,and the building project

as a means to that end.Pastors Button and

Graham Reed, along withthe church leadership and

the wider congregation, areapproaching the project to-gether.

"While it's a huge task,"says Ivan Button, "we be-lieve God has led us to thisplace and it will be a faithbuilding experience and a vis-ible witness of God's king-dom and presence to a fast-growing community."

In 1987, after some yearsof slow decline, BryndwrBaptist became an area con-gregation of Spreydon Bap-tist Church. About eight yearslater, with Spreydon in thethroes of building their newauditorium/gymnasium, andrethinking the place of areacongregations (found want-ing in terms of effectiveness),Bryndwr re-established itselfas a member church of theNew Zealand Baptist Union.

Immediately followingthe separation from Spreydonin early 1995, attendance atBryndwr jumped. It thentrended down for the nextthree years. "In retrospect itappears the church was re-

establishing its own ethos andidentity over this period,"says Pastor Jeff Whittaker,who has been pastor atBryndwr since 1991.

During this time it wasalso becoming increasinglyapparent that the Bryndwrbuildings needed serious at-tention. For example the ceil-ing in the main worship spacehad been creeping lower fora number of years, and it wasfound to have sagged 100mm in the middle.

"About twenty monthsago," says Jeff Whittaker, "itwas as if Bryndwr turned acorner. After bottoming out,attendances began to climb.In the midst of some messy

At a recently family serv-ice Malvern Baptist cel-ebrated God's grace to themas a church family. They sangsongs for the children, youngpeople's songs learned atEaster Camp, and hymns an-cient and modern, includingAmazing Grace. Bible read-ings and prayers all empha-sised "God's grace beyondmeasure."

The parable of the Prodi-

gal Son was narrated by thepastor and some of the youngpeople acted the parts, whilepigs painted on a backdropwere brought to life by snortsover the sound system.

"We were reminded ofGod's wonderful grace andhow he welcomes those whoreturn to him after leading alife of selfishness and sin,"said church member EstherDennis.

Following the service acelebration feast was held(complete with fatted calf andall the trimmings), with mostof the congregation attending.

"Each family providedsomething towards the meal,"said Mrs Dennis, "and we allhelped with the cleaning up.Our thanks went out to thosewho planned the happy event.It was a great time of fellow-ship and sharing."

Eastside Baptist Churchin Invercargill has alwaysbeen a bit different, accord-ing to its pastor, KeithHarrington.

"You first notice it whenyou walk in the door, and seea second hand clothes shopat one end of the hall, andcoffee brewing before theservice. You soon figure outthat this is not your typicalmiddle class church whenyou see the preacher wearingjeans. And if youhang aroundlong enough you discover anextraordinary array of peo-ple from all kinds of back-grounds."

Eastside began as achurch plant in 1993, withthe assistance of Central Bap-tist and the now-closed Glen-garry Baptist. The aim wasto reach out to the mainlylower income rental proper-ties around the church. Sincethen the area has changed,and Eastside's focus has be-come wider, attracting peo-ple from all parts of the city."But the theme is the same,"says Pastor Harrington. "Peo-ple who are broken, hurting,or just searching tend to comeacross our door, along withthose who want to be part ofa church with a mission."

They run four month-longseries of seeker services each

year, and from the first serieson abuse and spirituality,these have attracted visitors.Running them has been achallenge to all involved,says Keith Harrington, butthere is a growing under-standing and excitementabout them.

"We've had help from theCentral Baptist drama team,and gained inspiration fromSpreydon's journey, andMurray Robertson's preach-ing."

A growing awareness ofthe issues many seekers weregrappling with led Eastsideto become involved in theLiving Waters programme.This 20-week discipleshipcourse provides in-depthteaching, healing and minis-try in the areas of relationaland sexual brokenness. Itdeals with how people relateto one another, and the influ-ences, particularly fromchildhood, that havewounded them. Thiswoundedness often leads tobroken relationships, addic-tive behaviours, and strug-gles with sexuality and gen-der insecurity as adults. Cur-rently three from Eastsidehave completed the course,along with 30 from otherchurches. Pastor KeithHarrington has been involved

loose ends (warning to pas-tors and elders: don't get inthe way) God saved somemarriages. People wanderedinto the church and came tosalvation. We rolled up oursleeves and tackled the nec-essary building work."

Bryndwr's building fund,begun in December 1998, isnow about $3000 short of thetarget, and the church is grate-ful to the Arjay Trust andAuckland Baptist TabernacleTrust for generous donations.

"People in the congrega-tion are growing in their rela-tionship with God," says Pas-tor Whittaker. "There is anair of excitement about theplace."

in some of the teaching andsmall group leadership. Nextyear he will coordinate theprogramme which is open topeople from any church inthe city.

"I initially went toWaikanae for training, butwas also aware of issues inmy own life that needed heal-ing," said Keith Harrington."I am excited about this min-istry, both for my own lifeand because I see it as a fan-tastic tool God has given usto help bring healing to areasof the heart that often can notor are not being dealt with inour traditional church set-tings. The idea is to create asafe environment where peo-ple can allow God and othersinto the deep issues of theheart."

If congregations are seri-ous about reachingunchurched people, Keithsays, and not just about at-tracting "nice Christians"they need to grapple with is-sues of broken families, di-vorce, abuse, and sexuality.

"Unless we address thesekinds of issues we preach anempty gospel. People areturning up to church withmuch pain and brokennss,looking for answers, and donot want to find shallow tri-umphant claims."

a nidentity for

this new venture—"Project 54:2" from the sec-ond verse of Isaiah 54: "En-large the place of your tent,stretch wide your tent cur-tains, do not hold back,lengthen your cords,


BirthsBenson, to Sandra and Trevor(Wanganui East) twin sons,Thomas and JamesClark, to Sharon and Stewart(Upper Hutt) a daughter,Andrea EliseDavison, to Joy and Paul (Mt,Roskill) a daughter, HollyKathleende Jong, to Christina and Urlich(Glen Eden) a son, JarrodGoodsir, to Michelle and War-ren (Glen Eden) a daughter,Hope ReneeHefford, to Sandra and John(Henderson) a daughter,JessicaLacey, to Janine and David(Levin) a daughter, HannahMartin, to ToshiandTony (GlenEden) a daughterMontgomery, to Jenny andGrant (Manurewa) a daughter,Ashleigh SarahPierson, to Jenny and Isaac(Mt. Albert) ason, Matthew JoelYuile, to Sue and Willie(Gisborne) a son, Cole William

EngagementsSmith-Buckingham, Titus toEsther (Henderson)

MarriagesBreen-Griffiths, John to Alison(Napier)White-Murphy, Craig to Fiona(Green Island)

Wedding

Barnes, Harold and Rona(Mornington) - 60 yearsBatty, John and Esther(Feilding) - 25 yearsBrown, Frank and Freda(Whakatane) - 50 yearsBuchanan, David and Jean(Manurewa) - 49 yearsConway, Gordon and May(Henderson) - 63 yearsHaslip, Des and Murial(Henderson) - 59 yearsTetlow, Kelvin and Beverley(Green Island) - 30 years

DeathsAnderson, Connie (Napier,formerly Levin) aged 88 years

Campbell, Lyn (Northcote) -dearly loved wife of JackForsyth, Vida (Northcote)Hall, Stuart (Gisborne) aged78 years - loved husband ofJoanLiddy, Joan (Henderson)McConchie, Jean (Henderson)Metcalfe, Alison (Tawa-Linden) - much loved wife ofRev. ArthurRoberts, Wynne (Northcote) -dearly loved wife of JohnRobertson, Belle (Napier)aged 89 yearsTurner, Dorothy (Henderson)Varley, George (Henderson)

SpecialBirthdaysArthur, Mr F. (Green Island) -85 yearsBritten, Keith (Napier) - 81yearsMason, Loraine (Milford) - 83yearsMcAvern, Lynne (Milford)McCarthy, Eunice (Napier) -86 yearsRobinson, Phyllis (Milford) -82 yearsSmith, Gladys (Papatoetoe) -90 yearsSmith, Pearl (Milford)-75yearsTurkington, Ray (Milford) - 83yearsWalton, Win (New PlymouthCentral) - 80 yearsWatson, Joyce (Orewa) - 80years

BaptismsGlen Eden: JenniferCarmichael, Graham Emtage,Christine Kennerley, RhonddaMelgren, David UinitiaHenderson: Rebecca Allbers,Pam TrottLevin: Lauren Cross, AmberRutherfordMt. Roskill: Anthea Airey,Bethany WindsorMt. Albert: Christina StanawayNorthcote: Tracey XiaohuaWu, Enyou Li, Dai Xu, XiaohuaLong, Xiaoting Wu, XiaoheTanOrewa: Joanne Hayward, FleurPoynter, Joanne WatsonPapakura: Mark & ShereeCranstonTawa-Llnden: Ben Mathews


Bruce Wilkinson: a generous and cheerful giver

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CHRISTIAN HOMESTAYSleep up to 4, breakfast in-cluded. $65 couple/night,$45 single/night. Panoramicsea views on Middle Hill,Napier. Ph. 06 835 8223.Email [email protected] - 39 Fitzroy Rd,Napier 4001.

NAPIER COUNTRYHOMESTAY Special . Su-perb accomodation, 3course dinner & cookedbreakfast for just $25pppd.Beatiful surroundings, cleanrooms, nearby fishing & golf.Satisfaction guarenteeed ormoney back. Ph/Fax068449997.

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HOUSE TO RENT in cen-tral Howick, from mid Nov.until mid Feb. Fully fur-nished. Rental $275p/w.Further details please con-tact Roger or Anne on 5374489 or 535 1353.

by Brian K. SmithHenry Bruce Wilkinson who died on 27th May

aged 96 was a shrewd and successful businessman.As an importer of clocks and watches, he becamewealthy but he was also a man of the gospel whoknew the secret of cheerful giving. Much of hispersonal fortune he gave to the work of the Baptistfamily of churches. Baptists however, were not theonly recipients of his generosity. In 1978 he gave tothe city of Auckland his valuable Paritai Drive homewith its vast collection of clocks.

Helping new churchesBruce Wilkinson's initial gift to Baptist work

came in 1954. Bill Edgar who was secretaryof the Auckland Association at the timerecalls Bruce on the phone demand-ing that he and the Associationtreasurer present themselves inhis office. When his two visi-tors were seated Bruce pro-duced a large envelope whichhe threw with a flourish onto the table. "There you aremy boy!" he exclaimed."That's for you!" In the en-velope were the title deedsfor his 2.4 hectare home inPapatoetoe. Bruce's desirewas that it should becomean old people's home, butthe building proved to be un-suitable and the property wassold for 7,288 pounds. To thisamount Bruce added further gifts,with the result that in 1958 therewas established in the Association ac-counts the H B Wilkinson Trust Fund. Thefund made loans to new Baptist churches forland and buildings. Many Northland churches inparticular were helped in this way.

The next focus of Bruce Wilkinson's generositywas the Baptist Theological College (now CareyBaptist College). In 1967 the secretary of the Col-lege Board reported there was an increasing numberof married men who wanted to train for the ministry.Faced with this new phenomenon the Board began

to provide accommodation for married students. In1975 the College was able to add 8 new family flatsto its married accommodation. This was the result ofone of the largest gifts ever made to Baptist work inNew Zealand. The donors were Mr and Mrs H BWilkinson. For nearly two decades the Wilkinsonflats in Victoria Avenue were home to dozens ofstudents, not a few of whom are in pastoral leader-ship in Baptist churches today.

Providing a LibraryBrace's generosity to the College did not stop

with the flats. In 1966 the College had finalisedplans for a new library. Building, however, was

frustrated because of the demands on fi-nance for the housing of married stu-

dents. But suddenly the library be-came possible and the new build-

ing was opened in March 1976.How had this happened? Again

through H B Wilkinson'sgenerosity. Some years ear-lier Bruce had gifted to theCollege the central cityproperty in which he hadrun his importing busi-ness. It was arranged thatthe College should use therental income. In 1975however, with Bruce'sconsent, the property was

sold and the proceeds pro-vided more than half the cost

of a new library building. Adream was thus fulfilled.

For the generosity of BruceWilkinson our family of churches

can be grateful. In the Auckland Asso-ciation area, particularly in Northland, there

are churches with land and buildings obtained withthe help of the H B Wilkinson Fund. And from1976 until 1994 when the College moved to a newsite, one of the denomination's most valuable as-sets, the College library, was housed in a buildingthat came about because of Bruce's generosity. Wegive thanks to God for a self-sacrificing and cheer-ful giver.

CHURCHES IN ACTION REPORTS(Note: Every third month will have a special feature on a region,)

Please mail or fax 80-word reports to

The Editor, P O Box 65-275, Auck-

land 1330 (Fax 09-479-7819) to ar-

rive no later than 5pm on the 12th of

the month preceding publication. Late

reports will be held over to the next

available issue.

by Ken Roundhill, ParklandsBaptist Church

1990 saw us reluctantlyreturning to New Zealand af-ter 40 years in Japan. Imagineour joy therefore when amonth after our return therewas a regular Bible class withJapanese in our home. By Julywe were able to commence apublic meeting on Sundays at4:30pm in a downtown hotel.The venue has since changedbut it's still in an ideal neutralconference centre.

In the years that followedthe numbers varied from 30up to 80 at a Christmas meet-ing. Many have come to Christand been baptised before re-turning to Japan. Some havebeen baptised after returningto Japan, which in that culturecan be difficult.

It has been encouragingto find many of the Japanesehere receptive to the gospel.They say repeatedly that theynowhavetime to think! Chris-tian hosts in a home-stay situ-ation have been a plus factor,especially when there is noundue pressure upon the guestfor decisions.

In 1996 we invited Mr &Mrs Nakazawa from Japan tocome and assume pastoralleadership. They came as mis-sionaries, sponsored by theParklands Baptist Church andsupported mainly by Chris-tian friends in Japan. The Japa-nese Christian Fellowshiphere assists with basic phonecosts and all expenses fortransport.

With their coming theministry has become many-

sided. They use their homefor several Bible classes, andgospel videos help to attractnewcomers. Mrs Nakazawahas a bi-weekly meeting atParklands for young mothersand their children.

An early convert returnedto Japan for training and thenapplied to WEC for servicewith disadvantaged childrenin South Africa. He is nowwith Rainbows of Hope, amultinational ministry toneedy children. JCF sendsone-tenth of all offerings forhis support.

Betty and I (now aged 79and 83 respectively) have a sup-portive role and conduct aweekly mini Bible School athome. Wefeelprivilegedtohavean ongoing ministry amongthese intelligent, needy people.

When Picton Baptistsbuilt their new facility inWaikawa they renamed it theBaptist Community Churchto reflect their ethos of serv-ice to the community andtheir goal of making disci-ples by every means. Thisgoal has inspired various ini-tiatives over the years—men's dinners, emergencymeals and food parcels, craftafternoons, fortnightlyfriendship lunches, card eve-nings, and the gift of the Je-sus video to every home inthe area. For unchurched chil-dren there is WASP(Waikawa After School Pro-gramme)— a contact pointfor both adults and children.

"Many have started at-

tending church servicesthrough these initiatives,"says Pastor Mike Mitchell,"and it is interesting that mostof them have been senior citi-zens."

He says an Alpha coursehas been the catalyst for al-most every one of these mak-ing a commitment to Jesus.This was begun in coopera-tion with the Anglican churchfour years ago, and they nowrun two per year.

"We realised we were inthis for the long haul and thatcourses had to be regularevents," says Pastor Mitchell."The first three or four sawfew conversions but it gaveChristians an appreciation fortheir potential."

Around the fourth coursesome fringe people began toattend, and they have at-tended every course run dur-ing the last two years. Eighthave made commitments,and almost every one hassince been baptised and be-come involved in the life ofthe church. Some have en-couraged non-Christianfriends to attend succeedingcourses.

"Significantly, the lastfour baptisms have all beenfor people over sixty years ofage," says Pastor Mitchell."As a small church we areencouraged that we are reach-ing a number of the oldergeneration as well as theyounger."

Nov1999Dec 1999Feb 2000Mar 2000

Central Districts, Wellington, South IslandAuckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty/EastlandAuckland Special FeatureCentral Districts, Wellington, South Island


Jesus Took Me By Surpriseby Graham Tom

Although we live in aworld among many voices,one can easily recognise thevoice of the Lord Jesus. Butat times it seems that his callupon your life can take youby surprise.

My name is GrahamTom. I come from the Solo-mon Islands where I wasbrought up in a Christian fam-ily of six.

In 1997 I felt a call fromGod to do theological train-ing, but I did not knowwhether I would study in theSolomons or overseas. MyChristian leader also felt thecall and could see the needfor me to be trained. In Au-gust of that year our churchoverseas suggested I do mytraining at one of the Biblecolleges in New Zealand.

I was excited at thethought of going overseas totrain, for I would have abrighter future with the LordJesus, but having to make thedecision to leave caused afew dilemmas.

It would be a totally newexperience for someone likeme who had never been outof my country. It was alsounusual for a Solomon Is-lander to leave his familybehind, and it was hard forme to think about not seeingthem for a few years. Neitherdid I understand how I would

be financially supported.Another factor was my lim-ited English, for I was notfluent in either written or orallanguage. To God only did Ilook.

Surprisingly, he used dif-ferent people to help me fi-nancially, and by his grace I

am being rewarded with aprogressive understanding ofEnglish during my time atCarey Baptist College, mynew training complex.

Things were all new tome at first. As I looked roundin amazement at the build-

ings I was truly surprised thatJesus call me to come here.

Carey College is a spe-cial place for me. I am enjoy-ing my studies in its greatlearning environment. Thepurpose of my training is todiscover and know more ofthe Word of God. It is reallybuilding up my relationshipwith him and his people atthis college.

The lecturers are helpful,understand and considerate,which encourages me to con-tinue. The relationshipamongst the students is spe-cial. The multicultural atmos-phere always amazes me. Itis unity in diversity. It isawesome to see us helpingone another and sharing bothindoors with study and out-doors with sport. We shareour meals with a sincerity ofheart.

I thought I would neverget this far, but I know Jesusgave me this surprise call tobe here. As I remember, Je-sus' birth was a surprise toMary his mother. Then at theage of twelve he surprisedsome of the teachers of thelaw, in the temple. And he isstill able to surprise.

I now understand thatbeing at Carey College is mysimple obedience to the callof Jesus that took me by sur-prise.

Praise and glory to God!

Noelenefrom 1990-1997) ph: (09) 425-7020 or Sean Harstonat the tranzsend/nzbms office (09) 278-7494

The True Measure of a WomanLisa Bevere, Orlando, Fla., Creation House, 1997, 172pp

Some things are easy tomeasure because there arerules and scales that can beapplied. Measuring distance,weight and size is easy buthow do you measure a per-son's worth? Against whatcriteria can we come to anhonest and trustworthy evalu-ation of ourselves and others?

The world measures peo-ple by a different set of stand-ards from those we find inthe Bible. The world valuesstatus, success, wealth, looks,dress and possessions as be-ing the way to measure aperson's worth.

But Lisa Bevere believesyou are more than what yousee. According to God'sstandard of measurement,what the world counts ofvalue is just so much rubbishwhen used to evaluate a per-son's worth.

The tragedy is that manyChristians measure themselvesaccording to the world's stand-ards rather than by God's. LisaBevere is honest and open.This is not a book of piouscliches and unrealistic expec-tations but is written from pain-ful experience—the productof a voyage of discovery oftenundertaken under stormy con-ditions.

The author writes, "Thisbookis the culmination of myongoing search for answersto a series of questions that Ihave wrestled with since myteens. They are questions Ibelieve every woman—nomatter her walk in life or ex-perience—mulls over as thedifferent seasons of life ebband flow.... Questions like,"How do I fit in or relate to theworld around me?" and "Whatis the measure of my worth?"

Many people suffer fromlow self-esteem because theyhave measured themselvesby the world's standards andnot by God's. His standardsare found in the Bible. Theyare not the ones displayed ontelevision, in films, on maga-zine covers and the like.

The world says the idealwoman is... But most womenquickly realise that what themirror reflects is not what isdisplayed on the cover of theWoman's Weekly. Somewomen can live with this butmany others can't. As a re-sult they do what the authorof this book did, try to turnthemselves into women theworld counts as being beau-tiful and seductive. We needto clear out the closet of mis-information.

Solomon searched for themeaning of life. He had riches,power, many beautiful wivesand everything the worldcounts of value, but he washonest in stating that all of itwas just a chasing after thewind. None of these thingsgave lasting satisfaction.

Life isn't fair and oftenthere is a need to escape fromthe past. There needs to be anunveiling so thatwecanclearlysee the ways of God. You arenot what you see in the mirrornor what the scales tell you.

The world says to thosewith low self-esteem: loveyourself more, conform, getwith it! But this is not theway for the godly woman.There is, according to LisaBevere, a three-fold strandthat cannot be broken, bywhich the true measure of awoman is made.

The first is faith, the sec-ond is love for God reflectedin love for our neighbour,and the third is a reverentfear of God.

This is a book that getsbetter as it progresses. It isfull of personal glimpses, Bi-ble illustrations and teaching.Each chapter ends with a se-ries of questions and a prayer.—Reviewed by John Ward

Albany, Alexandra, Ashburton, Auckland Central Chinese, Avondale, Balclutha, Balmoral, Beachlands, BellBlock, Belmont, Blenheim, Blockhouse Bay, Brooklyn, Cambridge, Carterton, Caversham. Cityside, ColomboStreet, Dargavilie, Doubtless Bay, Eastside, Eltham. Epsom, Epuni, Fairfieid, Feilding, Raxmere, Franklin,Georgetown, Geraldine Community Fellowship, Gisborne Central, Glenbrook, Glenfield, Gleniti, Grey Lynn,Halswell, Hamilton Central, Hamilton South, Havelock North, Henderson, Hillcrest, Hillsborough, Hokowhitu,Howick, Invercargill Central, Kaikohe, Kamo, Kaitaia, Katikati Community Church, Kawakawa Fellowship,Kawerau, Kerikeri, Kumeu, Leamington, Levin, Lincoln, Long Bay, Lower Hurt, Lyall Bay, Mahurangi, Maivern,Mana, Mangawhai, Mangere, Mangere Bridge, Mangere East Fellowship, Manukau Central, Manurewa,Marsden, Masterton, Matamata, Matua Community Church, Miramar, Morrinsville, Motueka, Mt Albert, MtRoskill, Napier, Nawton, Ngaruawahia, New Lynn, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth West, North Avon,North East Valley, Northcote, Oamaru, Opotiki, Otaki, Otorohanga, Owairaka, Owaka, Oxford Terrace, Paeroa,Paihia, Pakuranga, Palmerston North Central, Panmure, Papakura, Papamoa, Papanui, Papatoetoe, Pauanui,Petone, Picton Community Church, Pt Chevalier, Raetihi-Ohakune, Ramarama, Randwick Park Fellowship,Ranul, Redwood, Remuera, Riccarton, Richmond, Rimutaka, Roslyn, Rotorua, Roxburgh, South Dunedin,Stoke, Stratford, Sunnynook. Swanson, Taumarunui, Taupo, Tauranga, Tauranga Worship Centre, Tawa-Linden, Te Aroha, Te Hapara, Te Kuiti, Temuka, Thames, Tikipunga, Titahi Bay, Tokoroa, Upper Hutt, Waihi,Waikanae, Waimauku, Wainuiomata, Waitara Fellowship, Waiuku, Wanganui Central, Wanganui East, WelcomeBay, Wellington Central, Wellington South, Whakatane, Whangamata, Whangaparaoa, Whangarei, WhitbyLakeside, Whitianga, Wilson Street, Windsor Park, Zion Chinese.

Contact Pyle (missionary in Bangladesh


Adrenaline RushAudio Adrenaline are

back, with an aptly named al-bum, Underdog (Forefront). Imean, when are these guysgoing to be as big as DC Talk?They deserve to be! Hope-fully this will be AA's break-

through album. Underdog isan addictive, lively album thatis nearly perfect. AA havedone a great job in experi-menting with a range of differ-ent styles, from the upbeat rockof Mighty Good Leader to the

funky rock of Get Down to thesmooth, soulful, praise-centredIt Is Well (with JenniferKnapp). One thing that hasstayed constant with AA istheir lyrics. They're totallyGod focussed, yet accessible.

AA have produced an al-bum that is both spirituallyinspiring and musicallysound. The best track fromthe album, Houseplant, isgreat for a different reason.It's true AA tongue-in-cheekhumour, poking fun at Chris-tians who would say that allrock music is bad!

Also releasing a new al-bum is Third Day, with theirmuch anticipated Time (Es-sential). Having a more ma-ture sound than AA, theseguys are pure and simplerock. The sound on Time is

more live than studio, andthis makes for a more inter-esting feel. It's not over-pro-duced, but is still tight enoughto be credible. Gone is theHootie & The Blowfishsound. These guys have been

experimenting as well, withsome horns and a bit of fe-male gospel choir.

Pick of the album: TookMy Place — Third Day attheir best.—Reviewed by Jonathan

The VisitationFrank Peretti, Nashville, Word Publishing, 1999. 519pp $46.95

The Visitation is a novelthat opens more like a JanKaran Mitford story than vin-tage Frank Peretti. The open-ing chapters are a gentle in-troduction to life in the east-ern Washington wheat townof Antioch, a town in whichnothing interesting ever hap-pened and where life had re-mained largely unchangedfor decades.

Travis Jordan, until therecent death of his wife, hadbeen a Pentecostal pastor inthe town. With his wife's de-voted support he had seenthe church he went there toestablish grow into a flour-ishing fellowship.

Following his wife'sdeath he resigned and a youngand idealistic pastor has takenhis place. Travis has not beenattending worship, lives onhis own, and has rather let hislife fall to pieces.

The brief introduction onthe dust cover sums up thecontent of the book far betterthan I could:

"Without warning,Antioch has suddenly be-come a gateway for the su-pernatural—from sightingsof angels and messianic im-ages materialising in the sky

to a weeping crucifix withthe power to heal.

"Yet these miracles areonly the beginning of some-thing much bigger—the re-turn of the Messiah as proph-esied in the Bible. Then aself-proclaimed prophet mys-teriously appears at a localranch with a message... Butis it from God as he claims?

"In search of answers andhungry for miracles, the na-tional media—along withmany curious people—flockin droves to this all-but-for-gotten town. But what is greatfor local business has just theopposite effect on the nowburnt-out former pastor,Travis Jordan, who has triedto escape his past in out ofthe way Antioch. Now thewhole world, it seems, isheaded to his back yard tofind the Messiah, and in theprocess every spiritual as-sumption he has ever held isbeing challenged."

With his intimate knowl-edge of the Bible and thewarnings of Christ himself,Travis, along with the enthu-siastic new pastor and a hand-ful of others, soon realise thatwhat is going on is not ofGod. Their opposition is not

welcome as they soon dis-cover. Danger as well asfalsehood threatens them.

The new, supposed Mes-siah is very personable andplausible. What he offers isvery attractive. He performsmiracles, gathers a follow-ing, establishes himself in thehome of a wealthy widow,gets the local police officeron his side, offers many ben-efits to the townsfolk and be-gins a building project.

The book is made up ofseveral interwoven threads.Travis Jordan is forced toreflect on his past and howhe came to be where he was.His experiences over theyears have not always been

by//maureen.treston/

happy ones and the readersoon comes to sympathisewith why this is so.

There are a wide range oftownspeople and their par-ticular quirks and needs. Sud-denly prosperity is on theirdoorstep with the influx of somany out of town people andmedia interest. Who careswho has generated it!

Then there are the vari-ous ministers and churchesin the town and the particularline they take as the eventsunfold. As Travis investi-gates, the background of the

charismatic, would-be Mes-siah unfolds. It proves to be asorry story of misplaced reli-gious zeal on the part of hisoverbearing father, alongwith other factors that gradu-ally unravel.

As godly opposition ismounted his true colourssoon begin to show. The storybuilds to a climax that is remi-niscent of real life cults suchas the one in Waco, Texas,that came to a violent end.

Frank Peretti has pro-duced yet another well-craftedstory that vividly illustrates

the epic struggle between theforces of good and evil. Thethrust of the book is to warnbelievers that the end timedeceptions foretold by theBible will surely come.

The author's previousbooks have tended to be moreobvious as to the distinctionbetween the powers of dark-ness and the things of God.This book is more subtle andthe reader is kept wonderinguntil well into the book as towhether what is recounted isfor real or not.—Reviewed by John Ward


<youth_on_line>

Yes, I have yawned through a few church services in my time. I will also admitthat my attention span is not a lot longer than the length of time it takes me to blink.But what happens when the freshness goes out of your faith, your Bible startscrusting over, and you sit in church thinking, "Here comes another Christmas. I'veheard this all before"?

The same time you are wanting a drivers licence is about the time you startchewing over the big questions. Is it time to wear deodorant? Will my zits disappearbefore summer camp? What is the point in going to church anymore? These arenatural questions to ask yourself, but sadly for some churches, the drop out rate foryouth can soar, probably because it isaloteasiertoaddressthe deodorant questionFirst.

The trick to keeping church relevant is to keep being a part of it. Just as we needto train and up-skill during a career, we need to occasionally up-skill our faith. Havea good look at it, sharpen up the areas that are going a bit dull, and deodorise yourchurch going.

The first question to ask is - Why do you go to church?a) My parents make meb) I've always beenc) My parents are the pastorsd) I live next door and it is closer than the moviese) All of the above

Sohowdidyoudo? Ifyou answered yes to any of the above, you may need to keepreading...

Here are a few hints to help freshen up your church life:a) Make a fresh commitment to God and your church. A basic definition of church

could be 'a group of believers in Christ joining together.' Is it time to take the nextstep of faith in being joined to this group? It could be big stepslike being baptisedor joining the church membership. It could be in coming to church regularly.

b) Speak well of your church. Remember all the good things that have happened init, the people you've met and the events that helped your faith to grow. Acceptthat you are going through a stale patch and share it with your youth leader.Beware of cultivating the thought that church is there to meet your needs.Remember it is a group of believers and to be part of a group you need to givesomething of yourself to belong. Commitment and a healthy attitude is a goodplace to start.

c) Exercise your faith. It is easier to know, follow and learn about Jesus in a crowdwhere people are going in the same direction. Faith is a team sport. Doyou attenda Bible study group regularly? Find a prayer partner. Talk to youryouth leader oran older Christian you can confide in and seek their help and learn from theirexample.

d) Where should I fit? Where can you help out. Volunteer and stick with it. Join amission group. By being involved and you will meet more people and have moreinterest in what is happening in the life of the church.Highs and lows are a natural part of the Christian faith. It can't always be an

extreme sport experience.There will be times whenyou need stop, sharpenyour skillsand prepare for the next slope.

The big test to prove whetheryour faith is alive and kicking: Doesyour faith survivepast Sunday and get exercised during the rest of the week?


by Peter PritchardIt was 1943 and

England was at warwith Germany. As aseven-year-old liv-

ing in Surrey, Eng-land, I heard the

sirens warningus one evening

that another airraid was immi-nent. Mum hadjust tucked meand my five-year-old sis-ter in ourbeds, and she

returned to ourroom to tell us

stories to distract us from thenoise of the enemy bombs.As shrapnel landed intermit-tently on our tiled roof andclattered into the guttering,she told us about a shepherdwho had a hundred sheep.On returning to the fold atdusk he found one was miss-ing.

"Jesus is the Shepherd,"Mum told us, "and we' re likethe lost lamb. Jesus needs usto ask him to find and rescueus and forgive our sin."

I understood and ulti-mately responded to this sim-ple presentation of the gos-pel. "But Mum, I've never

cepted a call to the AucklandBaptist Tabernacle. The old-est of four children—two sis-ters and a brother—I couldn'thave been more excited aboutthis amazing adventure.

On our first day in NewZealand I saw an attractivegirl about my own age. Shehad been sent after school tothe family entertaining us thatday to welcome the new min-ister's family, especially mynext sister who was two yearsyounger than me. GwenythConway was invited to stayfor tea, but somehow she andI were not introduced. Al-though I could see she was a'bit of all right' I had a quietlaugh at her gym slip and herblack stockings which I'donly seen on old ladies be-fore.

That I had a farm job ar-ranged even before we leftEngland was not surprising.Ernest Eady, the secretary atthe Tabernacle, owned a 500acre farm at Mahurangi West,north of Auckland. Threedays after we arrived, in Au-gust 1952, I moved into aroom in Garth and MarieEady's home. Garth managedhis father's farm whose steepmanuka-covered hillsidessupported a dairy herd, pigs,

But halfway through mysecond year at BTI God be-gan to speak to me in a vari-ety of ways— the stimula-tion of speaking in the open-air meetings on the steps ofthe Tabernacle each Fridaynight; comments from mypeers; a lecturer asking me,"Peter, have you ever con-sidered the ministry?" andGod's still, small voicespeaking to me through timesof Bible reading and prayer.All contributed to my deci-sion to apply for training atthe Baptist Theological Col-lege from 1959 to 1962.

As the saying goes, "therest is history." My friend-ship with Gwenyth Conwayhad developed into a some-what up and down courtship,but by this time we were se-rious about each other. Wewere married on December15, 1962, after a four yearengagement. (I wouldn't rec-ommend such asceticism toanyone.) However, thirty-two years in pastoral minis-try would have been impos-sible without the support andunconditional love she hasgiven me.

into the world: "...that youmay have life and have it tothe full." I certainly want togo on living life to the max,and at 63 am giving it mybest shot.

Gwenyth and I currentlymanage the retreat and con-ference centre, Ajay House,at Torbay, and I also workpart-time for a family busi-ness that rents and servicesindoor plants. For relaxationI run with the Auckland Bap-tist Harriers, ride a blackgelding called Sam throughthe Woodhill Forest, andsometimes play table tennisand golf. Our church familyfor the past three years hasbeen Albany Baptist.

Now we look back on the

My hopes for the futureof our denomination:• That with our greater free-

dom of worship styles andcongregational participa-tion we don't lose a right-ful sense of awe of theholiness of God;

• That we seek excellencein our worship. Some ofthe words and music ofour modern songs are in-spired and helpful in of-fering true worship toGod and in challenging

beef cattle and sheep.But being in my late teens

and having no friends myown age, I was lonely there.So a year later I took a farm-ing job a little closer to civi-lisation, at East Tamaki. Theboss's son and I, who werethe same age, got on well.Edgar and I did most of themilking and other farm tasks,while the boss, Mr TrevorBarbour, kept an eye on us.

Maurice is waiting...Ph 09-377 9141


Society Inc.

PO Box 8936, Auckland,1st Floor,130 New North Road, Mt Eden. Auckland,

Fax 09-379 6516, Email: [email protected]

As a boy I loved animals,and to be a farmer was mypassion. I'd rush through anyhomework and fumblethrough piano practice so Icould go to nearby riding sta-bles to help clean the stalls,groom the horses, and hopeagainst hope that the bosswould offer me a free ride onSaturday.

On more than one schoolholiday Dad drove me fromLeigh-on-Sea, Essex, tospend a week or more with aChristian farming family inWiltshire. What memories Istill have of summer daysharvesting wheat, milkingcows, feeding pigs, learningto drive a tractor and car, andharnessing and driving thehuge draught horses.

I turned sixteen on 23May 1952, the day after wesailed from England on the P& O Strathaird. My father,Rev John Pritchard. had ac-

The Barbour family wereactive in the Papatoetoe Bap-tist Church and here I toobecame involved in SundaySchool teaching and Chris-tian Endeavour. This was agreat training base for Chris-tian involvement and leader-ship, and during this time Ibegan to feel I should equipmyself more fully for serv-ing God in the future.

For four years I'd hardlyread a book, let alone doneany serious study, and I ap-plied to the Bible TrainingInstitute half hoping Iwouldn't be accepted. Thethought of lectures, study,exams and regimentationdidn't exactly appeal. But Iwas accepted, and those twoyears from 1957 to 1958—while difficult at first—werefoundational for the nextforty.

I'd once thought of be-coming an agricultural mis-sionary. While I'd enjoyed ahappy childhood as a preach-er's kid, becoming a minis-ter was furthest from mythoughts.

privilege of serving sixchurches - Balclutha; LyallBay; Whangaparaoa; Taupo;Hastings and Northcote. Aswe've sought to minister thelove of God in Jesus Christ,we've been loved and minis-tered to incredibly in return.With our many mistakes andfrailties we can only affirmthe truth of Lamentations3:22-23, "His compassionnever ends.... great is hisfaithfulness..."

We have two daughters,two sons, and now six grand-children. Like all families,we've known both joy and oftesting. Each of our childrenhas experienced serious ill-ness or accident at some stage.

I've battled with bouts ofdeep depression—'the blackdog,' as Winston Churchillonce called it. This has beendiagnosed as Seasonal Affec-tive Disorder —a chemicalimbalance induced in a sig-nificant number of peoplethrough an abnormal reactionin the brain to winter monthswith their fewer hours of lightand sunshine. Whether the di-agnosis is accurate or com-plete I don't know, but I praiseGod that for the last few yearsI've been free from any symp-toms. This may have beenhelped by reduced stress sincesemi-retirement in 1995, plusthe fact that I stay on a mini-mal dose of medication, andit is not to ignore the answersto many prayers for healingoffered by family, friends andmyself.

Jesus stated inJohn 10:10the purpose of his coming

the worshipper. Manyothers are not. I'm con-cerned that in a few yearswe may well have a gen-eration of people whodon't know any of thetimeless hymns of thefaith. It is not a case ofeither/or, but of both/and.

• That all our pastors arepastors and not merelypreaching CEOs, in to-day's climate of produc-tion targets, contracts,and sometimes excessiveaccountability. The apos-tle Peter's exhortationneeds constant consid-eration. "I have a specialconcern for you churchleaders. ...Care forGod's flock with all thediligence of a shepherd,... not bossily telling oth-ers what to do but ten-derly showing them theway." (1 Peter 5: 1-3 -'The Message')

• That the elders and dea-cons to whom our pas-tors are accountable re-spect pastors as shep-herds appointed by Godto lead and to care for theflock. Of course pastorsmake mistakes and thechurch needs a combinedwisdom, but some pas-tors are continually hob-bled because they aren'ttrusted to lead.

It's more than a cliche tosay we live in dangerous yetopportunity-filled days. Let'sall get out there to live andtell that Jesus came "that wemight have LIFE and have itto the full, till it overflows."

asked Jesus to forgive meand be my Shepherd."

After further explanationthe three of us knelt by thebed and before the all-clearsiren signalled the raid wasover, my sister and I had in-vited Jesus into our lives asSaviour and Friend.

It was a childlike under-standing which needed to beupdated as my knowledgegrew. The most memorablereaffirmation occurred onEaster Sunday, eight yearslater, when I was baptised bymy father as an open declara-tion of my faith in Jesus.

vol 115 no 10 november 1999

NZ Baptist November 1999

New Zealander visits Bangladesh


by Bartha HillJohn Clynes, a member

of Orakei Baptist Church andthe customer services man-ager for World Vision NewZealand, recently paid a visitto Dhaka and discovered thattranzsendmissionaries Rich-ard and Sally Smith were wellknown to World VisionBangladesh.

Having gone to see someof the rural projects supportedby New Zealanders, John firstvisited a WV slum project inDhaka where over three mil-lion people live, most with-out clean drinking water orsewerage. Foreign investorsemploy thousands of them,including children, incramped textile and garmentfactories for as few as sixdollars a week.

However John met a fam-ily that had benefited from aWorld Vision micro-enter-prise loan.

"Using the money to buymaterials, " John said, "themother could supplement thefamily's income by embroi-dering cloth to sell in herhusband's shop. She knewWorld Vision was a Chris-tian organisation and told me

our Christ had been morehelpful to her family thanAllah."

When John lunched withRichard and Sally Smith, heasked Richard about thewoman's remark.

"Local Muslims will em-brace Jesus Christ and Chris-tianity as a 'friend' ratherthan as God," said Richard,who teaches at the ChristianCollege of Theology, Bang-ladesh. "In general they ap-pear to be comfortable withaid and development from aChristian agency such asWorld Vision. But as literacyincreases and people fromthe poorer regions becomeeducated, a reformation istaking place in Bangladesh -here we do get oppositionfrom Muslim fundamental-ists."

Some 150 staff membersof World Vision Bangladeshhave taken courses fromCCTB and found them a goodfoundation for their work inremote project locations.

Next John went north tosee Sariakandi, a projectfunded by World Vision NewZealand. Sariakandi wasflooded, as it is every year,

but this year was worse thanusual. Their rice crop wasdestroyed, but John found theresilient people could stillsmile. Men and women werelearning to read, respondingto health education and work-ing towards self-sustainability. Many of theproject staff, having trainedat CCTB, are devoted Chris-tians and have a strong rap-port with the people.

"A highlight of the jour-ney for me," said John, "wasto see the application ofChristian education in termsof people working at the coalface, sharing Jesus' heart forthe poor and needy, and thehigh level of transformingdevelopment taking place."

Baptists Know Their Bibles!

Baptist winners (left to right): Kathleen Smith, AndrewBaldwin and Angela Scarrow

Baptist churches won thefirst four places in the recentCentral North Island finals oftheBibleSocietyRegionalQuiz.

The winning team wasfrom Palmerston North(Kathleen Smith, Andrew

Baldwin and Angela Scarrow)with 196 points out a possible200. Napier Baptist church(Pam Smith, KathrynHenricksen and Alice Petuha)tied with Palmerston Northwith 196 points but lost the

sudden death tie-breaker andtook second place. Third, with193 points, was the FlaxmereBaptist church (Addy Coles,Val Noel and GaryNarborough) and fourth wasthe Feilding Baptist church(191 points).

Eight denominations tookpart in the quiz and twelveteams participated in the final.They each answered tenroundsof tenquestions based on chap-ters of Exodus and Luke.

Bible Society regionalrepresentative, BrucePeterson, who organised thequiz, said that this is the firsttime one denomination hassecured the first four placesin a regional Bible Quiz.

http://www.tranzsend.org.nz/y2k.htm

WELCOME TO THE NEXTMILLENNIUM

click here to request additional info!

The Gospel Through BluegrassIn 1997 The Geraldine

Baptist Church was invitedto do the gospel section at theGeraldine Country MusicFestival. From those begin-nings a gospel music minis-try developed.

"We found it an ideal wayto bring people to a place tohear the gospel of our LordJesus Christ," said Pastor Pe-ter Frahm. "So from that webegan to develop music showsas a way to reach the non-Christian community." Styles

include rock, Irish, country andblues and today the church hasthree bands. They have done30 shows and many gospelmeetings from Wainuiomatato Oamaru, mostly in publicand school halls.

"I don't think concerts arethe answer to reaching themultitudes," says PastorFrahmn, "but they are a help.They also make use of thetalents that are in the churchand encourage them in otherchurches."

Mandarin Double-BangerMission work among

Mandarin-speaking Chinesepeople took a big leap forwardrecently with the appointmentof two new Mandarin leaders.Kim Leong has been appointedAssociate Pastor at PapatoetoeBaptist Church, with respon-sibility for the Mandarin con-gregation, and James Bin hasbeen called by the PakurangaBaptist Church andPakurangaChinese (Cantonese) BaptistChurch in a joint venture to

plant a Mandarin fellowship.Both Kim and James are class-mates from Carey Baptist Col-lege where both are studyingfor a Diploma of Mission.

They both believe thatnew Chinese immigrants, es-pecially from MainlandChina, are open to the gospel,but the church needs to movefast before they become as-similated into Kiwi culture orget caught up in non-Chris-tian cults.

Doug Vause Inducted at Pt Chev.

by Fay McNeilOn Saturday October

2nd, at 5.00pm, Pt ChevalierBaptistwelcomed Rev Doug-las Vause, his wife Yvonne,and their daughter Hana, tobe their new pastoral family.Pt Chevalier is a small churchat the edge of inner city Auck-land, and the service reflectedits multicultural character.

Deborah Peace gave agreeting in Maori, along witha Maori song of Christianchallenge. Representatives ofmost of the cultural groups inthe church then gave briefwords of encouragement intheir own languages, while

children carried appropriateflags in a colourful display.

Elder Ken White hostedthe evening, and Rev. TrevorDonnell took the commis-sioning service. EricMorrison, a foundation mem-ber of the church and at 93 itsoldest member, welcomedthe family, and Angela Taito,a Sunday School child, gaveHana a book made and signedby the children of the church.The service included greet-ings from the previous pas-tor and his wife, Terry andJudith Smith, who are nowserving in Durban, SouthAfrica.

Church helps Timor Refugeesthrough TEAR Fundby Claire Parker

Maungaraki BaptistChurch in Lower Hutt hasdonated $1000 to TEARFund's appeal for East Timor.The appeal so far has raisedmore than $150,000 for re-lief, an amount that has beentopped up by $50,000 fromthe New Zealand government.

Pastor Jim McLean ofMaungaraki Baptist said thechurch had responded imme-diately to the urgent appealbecause the congregationknew TEAR Fund worked inpartnership with local Chris-

tian organisations."We also supported

TEAR Fund because we likethe idea of micro-enterprisedevelopment," said PastorMcLean.

TEAR Fund's executivedirector Stephen Tollestrupexplained that humanitarianaid included food, clean wa-ter, milk, medicine, chil-dren's clothing, mats andtents, and added that the gen-erosity of the Maungarakichurch was an example ofselfless giving, love and com-passion.

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As we are about to open the front door to ournew house called the 'Third Millennium', it'stime for a look around the garden and in theshed that has been our 'place to stay' sinceGod gave it to us. It's not a pretty sight.The smoking litter of 500 major wars1700AD in one corner of the yard, the nearly20 million corpses (84% civilian) from the last40 years proving difficult to ignore. The1500 new chemicals invented eachyear have left stains on the grass, althoughwe reckon that new genetically engineeredgrass will resist the worst of them.Behind the shed are the torture racks wheresome of the death squads operate on the100,000 currently being indoctrinated intopolitics. The mounds in the gardenare where we buried the 15 millionwho did from hunger each year, and

the millions who perished when they were'relocated' - to clean up the yard. A tatteredmirror hanging on the garden wall tells us thatthis is where the 20 million forced prostituteshung out. the pile of needles and bottles tellsus they had problems living with the pain.The compost heap houses the 80million living on garbage. We look

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November 1999 NZ Baptist

Baptists Help Transform New Plymouth suburbby Barry Easton

A dream of transformingone of the most troubled ar-eas of New Plymouth, issteadily becoming a realityfor the New Plymouth Cen-tral Baptist Church.

The city's Marfell districtwas once identified in aCouncil survey as one of twoareas in the region with theworst social indicators. Theseincluded crime, high unem-ployment and a dispropor-tionate number of dysfunc-tional families.

In arguably the church'smost ambitious outreach pro-gramme to date, the NPCBCis striving to turn this around.

The Catholic Church,also working in the Marfellarea, had earlier discoveredthat programmes run in thearea by people who livedoutside of it, were unsuccess-ful, and two elderly nuns,sisters Teresa and Maureen,living on the stipend of one,went to live there.

Nearly two years ago,with the intention of estab-lishing a programme for thechildren of Marfell, NPCBCmember Jenni Corbett, alsobought a house in the dis-trict. Jenni, a trained nurseand mother of two, founded"Captain Tuatara", a groupfor children of primary schoolage, who meet in the MarfellSchool Hall each week afterschool. Through the club'sactivities - games, stories andoccasional outings - rela-tionships with many of theseyoung people have steadilybeen forged.

A Bible In Schools pro-gramme is also proving suc-cessful; used clothing do-nated from church membersand others is sold at givea-way prices, and a Christmasbreak-up function is plannedfor children attending Cap-tain Tuatara.

A recent bus trip to MountEgmont, sponsored by mem-bers of the NPCBC, enabled

60 children and their parentsto spend half a day on themountain. For many it wastheir first encounter withsnow.

The church's outreachinto the Marfell area alsoappealed to Joshua andLynne Konise and their sixchildren, who showed theircommitment by renting outtheir home in Wellington sothey could live in Marfell.

Joshua, a Western Sa-moan and trained Baptistpastor, set about getting toknow people in the areathrough a door-knockingcampaign. Through his ef-forts, an interdenominationalcell group of local Christianshas been formed.

And the dream gets big-ger! Earlier this year, theNPCBC formed a specialTrust - The Te Aroha NoaTrust (meaning "Love Un-limited") which is currentlynegotiating to buy a disusedsports stadium in Marfell.

Maori Mental Health Makes Impressionby Kathy Moriarty, BaptistAction

Te Korowai Aroha, theBaptist Actionagency formerlyknown as Baptist MentalHealth, turns 25 this year, mak-ing it one of the oldest non-government community men-tal health organisations in NewZealandandpossibly Australa-sia. It is also one of Auckland'slargest, caringfor around 1,000people each year, about 11 per-cent of whom are Maori.

The Kaupapa MaoriService offered by this or-ganisation was the subject ofa workshop delivered at theannual AustralasianTHEMHS (The MentalHealth Service) conferenceheld in Melbourne recently.

A presentation made byfour clients, four staff andthe service's kuia andkaumatua (female and maleelders) was received with

interest by the individuals,mental health staff and pro-fessionals who attended.

"Hearing clients stand upand recite their whakapapa(genealogy) and personal ex-periences with mentalillhealthstunned listeners," said pre-senter and team leader of theKaupapa service LauriePopata. "Where other presen-tations were more clinical, ourswas more 'in your face.' Peo-ple were wiping their eyes."

The Kaupapa service isan initiative which began in1994, originally in responseto Maori clients' wish to eatmore traditional Maori food.Today it caters to eight peo-ple at any one time in two ofTe Korowai Aroha's (TKA)seven residential South Auck-land homes. It also acts as anadvisory service to a further32 Maori clients throughoutTKA's total of 28 residential

Auckland homes.It offers opportunity for

clients to learn Te Reo (Maorilanguage), waiata (singing),cultural procedure and per-formance. Marae visits andan emphasis on connectingwith family as well as learn-ing family background arealso features of the service.

The service's focus on con-nection with family and sig-nificant others is an approachwhich has helped relieve theisolation which often goes withmental illness, according toLaurie. It has helped more andmore clients feel confidentenough to move on to moreindependent living, he says.

The influence of Maoriculture can also be seen inTKA's newly establishedpre-vocational centre, whereoptions of Te Reo, wood andbone carving, Maori musicand drama are offered.

Op Shop Ball a Hit With Baptist Youth GroupWho said modern young

things needed to spend a for-tune in order to have a goodtime?

The Windsor Park Bap-tist youth community knewit wasn't so. On Saturday 25September they put on theirfirst 'Op Shop Ball,' at theMairangi Bay church, attract-ing some 140 young people.The maximum anyone couldspend on clothes was $10.

"We wanted to promotethe idea that materialism isn'ta good thing and that spend-ing $150 on a dress for onenight is both extravagant andwasteful," said Jo (24), oneof the leaders of the youthcommunity. "The Op ShopBall showed you could havea great time regardless of yourbank account. It also encour-aged people also to visit opshops and see that they couldactually buy some greatclothes there without spend-ing a bundle. Also by havingit cheap, more people couldcome and enjoy the event. It

was a totally non-threaten-ing parade of wonderful cos-tumes."

"I liked the inclusivenessof it," said Natalie (21) an-other youth leader, whoseoutfit cost a total of four dol-lars from the Baptist CityMission shop in Browns Bay."Nobody was excluded be-cause they didn't have a lotof cash. People could still getdressed up, but it was great toknow the money was goingto a good cause at the same

time."Heather and Alan Ameye,

who also cut a dash in theirop shop gear, pastor the youthcommunity at Windsor Park.

"We felt this was a goodalternative to the normal ballswhich are quite costly, "AlanAmeye said. "And we areencouraging the kids to taketheir op shop clothes back tothe places they bought themfrom so they can be recycled.In this way the op shops ben-efit twice over."

A Passage to Indiaby Julie Belding

On September 30 thirteenmembers of the Windsor ParkBaptist Church in MairangiBay flew to India and Bang-ladesh for a fourteen-dayvisit. The main purpose oftheir trip, according to Pas-tor Brian Winslade who ac-companied the team, was "tobless and encourage our mis-sionaries," five of whom (in-cluding Brian and GayCochran) were serving inIndia and Bangladesh. Ateam goes to India fromWindsor Park every twoyears to visit missionarieswho have been sent out bythe church, and this was thethird such trip.

The team split up on ar-rival, with half going toMumbai and half to Dhaka.A week later they met up inCalcutta where they spent

four days as a group beforeflying home. One of theplaces they visited in that citywas Serhampore College, theBible institute founded byBritish missionary WilliamCarey in 1821.

"When you see the total-ity of what is going on inGod's world it will sensitiseyou to issues of poverty andjustice," Pastor BrianWinslade told the group ashe commissioned them be-fore the church on the Sun-day before their departure.

Jean Briggs, for whom itwas a first visit to India, saidon her return that the trip hadbeen exciting, exhausting andrevelatory.

"I sensed the hopeless-ness and the spiritual oppres-sion in Calcutta," she said."Yet I was impressed by theresourcefulness and resil-

ience of the people inMumbai. It was in thechurches in Mumbai that Iwitnessed real worship."

Jean Briggs

Victory Centre, Beaumont Street, City

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Challenging Opportunity

Associate PastorRanui Baptist Church

Beginning March 2000 we have need for a person withvision and a Calling to continue the work of Associate

Pastor in the Church and in the Community.This existing full time position carries responsibility for

specific areas of ministry.

For an application form & job description contact:

Associate Pastor Search CommitteePO Box 70 040, Ranui, Waitakere City

Phone 09 833 6794Applications close November 21 1999

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Mt Roskill Baptist Church

Children's Ministry PositionDue to the growth and potential in children's ministry we areseeking a person to enhance our current children's pro-grammes and pioneer new ones. This is a 0.6f.t.e and theperson will be part of a multi-skilled pastoral team.Do you have a heart for children, a passion for their spiritualgrowth? Are you a motivated team player, down to earthvisionary and skilled at working with children, their familiesand those that work with children? Then please apply.For an information package and job description please con-tact: CoraPhone/Fax 09 626 7755 (day), Email [email protected] close Monday 22nd November 1999

3

Heather and Alan Ameye

Tranzsending 20007.00pm

M ROSKILL BAPTIST CHURCH


Sailing the Stormy "C's"Two groups of unhappy New Zealanders tend to rise

to the surface during an election year—the Cynics andthe Complainers.

Now a certain cynicism is healthy, because if we puttoo much faith in politics to solve our problems, we willlet ourselves in for much disappointment. Better toexpect little from government (as the minimalists do)than to expect too much (as collectivists do) and then bedisappointed when it fails to deliver the happiness weexpected.

By the same token a certain complaining is alsohealthy because it shows we have a notion of what oughtto be and indignation when the reality doesn't measureup. We Kiwis have never been ones to take injusticelying down (witness the popularity of the "Fair Go"programme); nor do we accept shoddiness in politics (oranything else) as the will of Allah.

So if we are Cynics about government we won'texpect too much of it, and if we are Complainers wewon't settle for too little. Logically speaking, then, wecould either be a Cynic or a Complainer (depending onour perception of the role of government) but we couldnot really be both.

Political power is inherently corruptive. It has hugespiritual snares—especially the will to power and to thetemptation to pride. In political circles the temptationshave been called The Three G's—the gold, the girls [orthe guys] and the glitter. The perks of office have meltedthe integrity of more than one politician, as we all know.But having acknowledged these real risks, we still needthe country to be governed somehow, and we willalways need a bunch of imperfect human beings to do it,unless we prefer a dictatorship on the one hand oranarchy on the other.

Unfortunately, both cynicism and complaining, whenthey become a way of life, will shrivel the soul. Farbetter, I believe, to choose a third option—one we mightcall Cautious Optimism.

Our country will never be a Utopia, no matter whichparty wins the election. With the extraordinary capacityof human beings to stuff things up (just as Adam and Evedid), the best we can hope for is a degree of wisdom,justice and mercy in our elected representatives. (Andwe have only ourselves to blame if we do not check outtheir credentials before voting, remembering that themost competent persons for the job may not necessarilybe our best friends.)

Cautious Optimists, unlike Cynics or Complainers,recognise both the potential and the limitations of hu-man government. Unlike some Complainers, they donot demand more of "the system" than the system canrealistically provide, but unlike some Cynics, they dobelieve in the capacity of good people to make a positivedifference. Cautious Optimists know that laws alonecannot make a good society. But they also know that justlaws can inhibit the spread of evil.

And one last thought: which of the three types wouldyou rather be around?—Julie Belding

The New Zealand Baptist is the newspaper of theBaptist Churches of New Zealand.Published by the Communications Division of the Baptist Union andMissionary Society of New Zealand, 8 Puhinui Road, Manukau City.PO Box 97543, South Auckland Mail Centre.

Editorial and lettersPO Box 65275, Auckland 1330, Phone 09 479 7603, Fax 09 479 7819Email [email protected], Subscriptions and AccountsPO Box 97543, South Auckland, Phone 09 278 7494, Fax 09 278 7499Email [email protected]





Copy Deadline: 12th of the month prior to month of issue.Publication Date: First Sunday of each month except January.Distributed through local Baptist Churches in New Zealand, anddependent on their contributions.Subscriptions and postage for othersNew Zealand: $20.00 (incGST); Overseas surface: $25.00; Overseasairmail: Australia & Sth Pacific: $29.00; Asia & Nth America: $35.50;Europe, Sth America, Africa, Middle East: $38.00Registered at POHQ as a newspaper ISSN 0027-7177A member publication of the Australasian Religious Press Associa-tion. Articles and advertising in the NZ Baptist are the opinions of theauthors, not necessarily the editors or publishers. Every effort is madeto ensure the correctness of facts and information; however we cannotaccept responsibility for errors. The publishers reserve the right toaccept or decline any advertising. Fundraising appeals areaccepted for Baptist causes only.

CreationThe writer of the letter to

the Hebrews makes two arrest-ing observations about Creation.First, the writer says what canbe seen was made from whatcan't be seen. (Heb. 11:3).Albert Einstein dispelled the'scientific' myth that matter can-not be created or destroyed.Certainly his mass-energy equa-tion has been taken on board bynuclear scientists who destroymatter (that can be seen) to cre-ate energy (that can't be seen.)

Nuclear reactions are as oldas the sun and stars. The writer,however, is referring to the muchmore profound and complexcase of reversing this process,making matter from nothing,creating energy and turning itinto matter made up of atomsand sub-atomic particles—a taskman has not even begun to con-sider possible.

Secondly the writer says:"God's Son, by his mighty word,holds the universe together." (1:3)

Isaac Newton observed anapple falling from a tree and thendescribed 'gravity' as the force(as the writer says) that 'holds theuniverse together,' keeping themoon in its orbit—a force scien-tists can describe in its effects butcannot fathom the cause of.

When this 'word' that 'holdsthe universe together' is withdrawn,biblical characters like Elijah andJesus have left this planet.

Science, however, does notprove Scripture. Like so manyother fields of thought, histori-cal and otherwise, it confirms it.

—Christopher Willy,Dargaville

The matter of creation andevolution has come into recentdebate because of increased sci-entific study. There appears tobe division between advocatesof both explanations regardingGod's initiatives. Can these becomplementary? Might Godhave applied science in the proc-ess of creation? Could evolu-tion be the structure and se-quence of events?

It seems arguments on theseissues do not come to definite con-clusions as the viewpoints oftenbecome sidetracked and confused.

Whatever happened, onlyGod could totally master scien-tific principles and practice.

—Ed Hamer, Mairangi Bay

APECRegarding your editorial in

October—while free trade ofitself might not be the problem,it is a major lever in the globalistagenda to smash the sovereign



Care of the elderly


Wellington Central Baptist has placesavailable in its youth orientatedaccomodation for 2000. If you want to bepart of a dynamic and supportive Christiancommunity write or phone now for anapplication form:




Applications for people intending to workcan be considered at any time.

nation states under a UnitedNations world government.

Free trade in reality meansthe transfer of third world debtto the western world and thetransfer of western industry tothe third world countries.GATT, the "free trade" Bible,allowed four billion workers tocompete for your job at 30 centsan hour in many cases.

The 1992 Rio Earth Sum-mit, who propose a world popu-lation of one billion people, bio-diversity treaty will eliminatethe family farm world wide andgive the same rights to spiders,apes and humans.

The UNDevelopmentOrgani-sation has zoned New Zealand forforestry and tourism. A countrythat swaps productivity, primarilyfood, for an entertainment-basedeconomy (tourism) is akin to build-ing a house upon sand.

—Ron Pearce, Pakuranga

nic backgrounds come togetherfor a safe, friendly, fun filledNew Years Eve, and New YearsDay event. There will be culturaldisplays, bands, personalities, anda communication link into whatis happening in New Zealand overthat time. The event will run frommidday on the 31st to the dawn ofthe new millennium. We havebooked the Manukau Sports Ve-lodrome as a venue.

Billy Graham ministries issending out an Indian evangelist,Robert Cunville, free of cost. Weneed sponsors for promotions,staging, sound, lighting, and com-munications equipment. This isan event for those who are pas-sionate about Manukau andCounties' friendly, hard work-ing, and talented people.

—Peter Conaglen,Manurewa


If this sounds like you, please contact

Pastor Andrew Brown

Ph. 09 576 8403 Fax 09 576 7631

or write with your CV to PO Box 51 538, Pakuranga, Auckland.


Wherever you are in New Zealand we offerdegrees and diplomas in Theology and a new

Master of MinistryYou can:

• Acquire knowledge• Share discussion• Study full-time or part-time• Study from your home or in Dunedin

Enquiries to: The Secretary,Theology and Religious Studies,P.O. Box 56, Dunedin.

Phone: 03 479 8901 Fax: 03 479 5158Email: [email protected]

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4


Baptist PO Box 65275. Auckland 1330. Letters of more than 200 words will betetter without explanation. Your full name and address must be supplied.

BorehamBooks

I have a number of books byFW Boreham whichI understandare becoming sought after: TheSilver Shadow, Mountains in theMist, The Other Side of the Hill,Faces in the Fire, and Mush-rooms on the Moor. I am happyto give them to someone who hasa particular interest in Boreham.Please write to me c/o theDunedin City Baptist Church,PO Box 50038, Dunedin.

—Fred Brunell, Dunedin

MillenniumCelebrations

Some local churches, co-ordinated by a team from theManurewa Baptist Church, arekeen to see families from all eth-


By Graeme MurrayThe days of my Presi-

dency are fast running out. Itseems such a short time sincewe began in New Plymouthand now in a few days I handover to Angela Cossey. Ithas been a very enjoyable,challenging and stimulatingexperience to travel widely,to meet with people from allsorts of backgrounds, and torealise again what diverse,dedicated, thoughtful,prayerful, loving and sincerepeople are found in our Bap-tist churches and fellowshipseverywhere. Although I havespoken on educational andcross cultural mission issuesat times, my general themehas been the relationship ofthe local church - a group ofChristians gathered in a spe-cific locality - to the Churchworld-wide with all its hugevariety of cultural expres-sions, rich history and tradi-tions, but united in acknowl-edging the Lordship of Jesusand seeking to give expres-sion to that faith in new andeffective ways of proclama-tion and service. It is good toreport that within our unionof churches there are manyexpressions of that enthusi-asm in action among congre-gations both small and large.In particular it is great to notethe number of churches tak-

ing detailed, careful stock of wherethey are at, what their resources are,and how they should effectivelymove forward into the new century.This is also true at the national level,withtranzsend/NZBMS, Carey Col-lege, Baptist Care, Maori Ministriesand Assembly Council taking timeto examine their roles and functionsin the leadership of our denomina-tion.

HighlightsThere have been two major

highlights for me during this year.First was the opportunity to meetwith fellow Christians from aroundone hundred countries at the an-nual Council meetings of the Bap-tist World Alliance, held in Dres-den. In previous years I had beento BWA meetings in Chennai (Ma-dras) and Hongkong, but this waseasily the most challenging andinspiring. Dresden was a majorcity in the former communist Ger-man Democratic Republic, and weheard many stories of the miracu-lous (as it seemed to the partici-pants) end of that regime just tenyears earlier. To the German sto-ries were added those from other countries - Bulgaria,Roumania, Rwanda, Kosovo for example - which hadsimilarly suffered but were now free yet still facingenormous problems, social and economic, in the rebuild-ing of their societies after horrific experiences in therecent past.

The second highlight has been the very strong affirma-tion from so many different sources - long establishedchurches and missionary societies as well as much newerinter-church and para-church groups - that (to quote from the

American Baptist Board of Inter-national Ministries) "the localchurch is the fundamental unit ofmission". Nowthisofcourseisasold as the church in Antioch whichsent out Barnabus and Paul. Butover the centuries centralised au-thority has often taken the edgefrom this basic concept, so that theenthusiasm, creativity and energyof local churches has not alwaysbeen actively encouraged. Now, aswe look to the years ahead, there isalmost universal agreement that anyvision for the work of the Kingdommust be based on the resourcing,networking and encouraging of in-dividual congregations, within andacross denominational boundaries,in order to more effectively "pro-claim Christ and serve the world".There is just one vital component inall this that must be present: oureyes have to turn outwards to oth-ers' needs, as well as inwards to-wards the concerns of our own localcommunity.

Looking ForwardAnd what of our family of

churches in the Baptist Union ofNew Zealand? Can one give, in a brief paragraph or two,some assessment of the "state of the union"? In my earlierreport this year I promised to try, but now that the year isover I realise it's an almost an impossible task to generaliseabout a tremendously diverse group. We have a commonhistory going back more than a century, but our society,both Christian and secular, has undergone enormouschanges, especially during the last 20-30 years. There aremany wonderful things happening, and one is mightilyencouraged. Churches are working together most effec-

tively in many places, acrossdenominational lines as wellas within our own fellow-ship. But there are also un-resolved tensions whichneed to be addressed muchmore creatively and sensi-tively, such as the ongoingdebates over "styles of wor-ship" and "philosophies ofleadership". Far too muchpain has been inflicted, attimes, when a particularstance has been imposed byan individual or a group uponachurchorfellowship. True,change is very much part ofour lives, but its introduc-tion and management mustbe "Christian" in every senseof the word (see James 3 13-15). So I long to see a greatersensitivity to the needs ofothers when matters such asthese are being addressed.Ways must be found to in-clude, and not exclude, peo-ple within the fellowship.

But overall I end my yearfeeling very positive. Patriciaand I have experienced allover the country so many in-stances of individuals, smallgroups, fellowships andchurches who love their Lordand seek to serve him in theircommunity, and in the widerworld. Thank you for theopportunity to have served.Grace and peace be with youin the years to come.

By John NorthRecently I attended a service in an old style church in the

city. The architecture, stained glass windows and pipe organwere inspiring. But for some reason, the doors opening outonto a four lane street were left open and sometimes therevving motors outside drowned out what was happeninginside. I found it quite irritating until a second thought came.For the world around was insisting that it be heard. Whateverwas said, sung, prayed or thought had to happen in thecontext of the noisy, busy, anxious world outside.

It was a reminder that there are hungry and poor familiesin our land, massacres and cruelties around the world,murderous earthquakes, human ambition and prejudice... onit goes.

I find no trace of Jesus teaching a religious faith whichcould be a cheap sedative. Christianity is not about shuttingour eyes or doors to evil or pain in the world. Any religionwhich takes a cross for its symbol cannot be escapist. Readand ponder the words of George MacLeod:

"I simply argue that the cross be raised again at the centreof the marketplace as well as on the steeple of the church. Iam recovering the claim that Jesus was not crucified in acathedral between two candles but on a cross between twothieves; on the town garbage heap; at a cross road socosmopolitan that they had to write his title in Hebrew and inLatin and in Greek... at the kind of place where cynics talksmut and thieves curse and soldiers gamble. Because that iswhere he died. And that is what he died for."

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Whatever we do in worship must happen in the con-sciousness of what is going on around us. Our churches arenot to be sheltered cloisters, insulated from the stresses andpains of life. If God is going to be real to us, it cannot be inescapism but rather in encounter with the noisy world outthere.

"Opiate of the people" was how Karl Marx described therole of religion last century. This expression was not just acriticism of religion in general or Christianity in particularbut about how religion could be used by the powerful tooppress the weak. The slaves of the plantation or of industryhad little hope of a better life on earth. But religion promisedthem a better life beyond the grave and kept them submissivein the meantime.

5


Without rhythm, music is dead. Melody and harmonymust unfold together and rhythm makes this possible. Therhythm of a healthy music performance does not dominate orovershadow the melody and harmony. Just as a personwhose heart was pulsating so much that you could see hiswhole body throbbing would be in desperate need of medicalcare, music whose main sound is a driving beat urgentlyneeds balance and artistic repair. Rhythm is there to keep themusic flowing, not to dominate the sound. The principle hereis that music needs to exhibit a flow, an overall feeling forcontinuity that moves progressively and irresistibly frombeginning to end. It is not intended to hammer and drive amusical pulse in the mind.

Does it really matter? Yes, researchers have measuredthe physiological effects of music in relation to excessivevolume and rhythm and the damage is real. This includeschanges to the chemical and electrical systems of the brainand nervous system. Driving rhythms of rock are proven tostimulate the adrenal and sex glands. The body tries tocorrect the imbalance of hormone discharge by driving bloodsugar from the brain. This affects decision-making ability.

There are some rock rhythms that create a mix-up in thealpha waves between the two hemispheres of the brain,resulting in what researchers call 'switching'. A person'sbrainwaves in both hemispheres must be synchronized to

We don't always realise the advantages of maximizingthe use of acoustic instruments. Acoustic instruments (onesyou don't plug in) can produce harmonics. The harmonicseries (discovered by Pythagoras) is evident when a singlenote of an acoustic instrument is sounded. The vibration ofthe string produces a fundamental note, which sets up har-monic overtones of 24 notes, all of which harmonize with thefundamental one.

That's why acoustic music can penetrate our souls witha rich tapestry of beauty. The harmonics can be displayed intheir true splendour only when combined with sympatheticvibration and acoustic resonance. This occurs in the soundbox of the instrument where the air space and wood vibratein multiples of the original frequency. There is an acousticalphenomenon in which sound can set in motion any objectaround it which is compatible. Electric and electronic instru-ments, unfortunately, cannot do this. However, if they areplayed and amplified with intelligence and sensitivity theycan be a useful asset in orchestration when combined withacoustic instruments.

Some say we need to reach people musically by givingthem music that matches their idiom. It seems the laws of themarket place—supply and demand—are becoming the guidefor what should be produced. After all, a popular assumptionof democracy is that the majority opinion should rule. Thesecular rock industry has determined that sensuality sells.The contemporary Christian rock industry claims it is meet-ing the needs of young people by giving them 'their ownmusic' — an experience- orientated sound with lots ofphysical appeal.

This raises the question, however: does the industryrespond to a demand or create it? In every age, discerningobservers detect a pattern in the relationship between the artsand the society at large. Art reflects the attitudes of peoplewhile simultaneously functioning as a catalyst for newattitudes which will express the coming era.

by Arthur MetcalfeThey had been singing all the songs they could think

of and as the night wore on they began to settle down totry and sleep on the hard pavement. They came from alldirection on the nights when the air raid sirens soundedover London and they poured in like ants from all direc-tions into the safety of the underground railway plat-forms.

This particular night they had been in a particularlyhilarious mood and at one stage someone began asking forthree cheers for different public figures. It went very well.Everyone joined in. "Three cheers for Winston Churchill- Hip hip hooray!" then "Three cheers for Gracie Fields -hip hip hooray!" This carried on for ages with countlessheroes and singers being honoured.

Dr. William Sangster was amongst those seekingrefuge. He was minister of the Central Methodist Churchin London. Conspicuous in his dog collar he approached

the self appointed leader as things began to quieten down andasked, "Would you allow me to lead the people in a fewmoments of worship before we settle down for the night?

The extrovert leader asked in a voice loud enough foreveryone to hear, "Hey Guv! What's worship?"

As quick as a wink, Dr Sangster made the most of thesituation and announced "It's is a bit like saying 'Threecheers for God!'"

An attentive group heard him out with a suitable devo-tional talk and a prayer to close the day.

Worship can be explained to children by dividing theword and saying "Worth-ship," —appreciating the worth ofour God. We sometimes sing "Thou art worthy..." That'sworship.

Heaving a sigh of deep appreciation to the great Creatorwhen we reach the summit of a hill to reveal a magnificentview, is an act of worship. To hold a new baby and say"Hasn't God made her perfectly?" is an act of worship. We

are appreciating the worth and wonder of God."Worship" is more than the song selection in the

middle of the church service. We dare not say, "We arenow going to have a time of worship." What have we beendoing already?

We have worshipped God by bringing our tithes andofferings. The main element of worship when Jesus wasa boy was to climb the steep road to Jerusalem to bring anoffering. Nobody left worship saying "Well I didn't getmuch from that service today." They had gone to give.

Today we go to worship God primarily to give. Weworship him by giving our time for ninety minutes in hishouse of prayer. We offer our concentration. We givehim our obedience as we ponder the message and give himthe benefit of making new decisions in our hearts aboutsome area of our life his Spirit has spoken into. We giveour tithes, and we make a "sacrifice of praise" by singingsome of the songs which may not be our favourites".

6

By Gabrielle CorbettGod created music. He created us to respond to him

through music and reach our potential in him; to have healthybodies, minds and spirits without the damaging physiologi-cal and psychological effects which prevent that potentialbeing reached. Creative law is immutable.

As most of us will agree that the issue of music standardsis a sensitive topic in Christian circles. Why is this? Becausemost Christians believe the kind of music they listen to andenjoy is merely a matter of preference. 'My taste is important- your taste is important and each person is the best judge ofwhat he likes. Apart from any standard of measurement eachis as valid as the other.'

So begins a 17-page paper that I wrote recently called"Music: is there an Absolute?" (c) 1998. This paper, whichhas sought to present an objective, non-emotive approachand aimed for factual accuracy, covers basic music compo-nents such as rhythm, melody, harmony, volume, orchestra-tion, harmonics, acoustics, electrics, electronics, musictherapy, creative law and more. In this brief article I shall tryto summarise its arguments.

achieve normal development. When rhythm is dominant anddriving, learning and memory difficulties occur because ofstructural changes in the brain cells where the neurons showwear and tear from stress.

But despite the common perversion of rhythm, if it wereall removed it would kill music as we know it, for rhythm, asdenoted by the time signature, is the heartbeat of music. Inorchestration we need to take care in balancing rhythminstruments with melody and harmony instruments so thatthey give life but stay subordinate to melody and harmony.Often a subtle difference can have a major effect.

tions hour after hour, the result is stress, fatigue, labouredbreathing, impaired sleep and consequent health damage.Since we have receptor sensors all over our bodies, earplugsonly save eardrums

Excessive volume causes deafness. A decibel level of 85is the maximum before ear damage occurs. The noise of arock concert, however, can easily exceed 120 decibels.

Regardless of age, people risk more than their hearing.Studies show they can suffer elevated levels of cholesteroland more stomach and intestinal ulcers, higher blood pres-sure and more heartbeat abnormalities than other people.Loud noise triggers the body's 'fight or flight' response - arise in the level of adrenaline, and subsequent increase inblood pressure, dilation of the pupils, and contraction ofmuscles. For our ancestors, noise often signalled danger, andbiologically these responses helped them cope with emer-gencies. But now, when incessant noise prompts the reac-

Intelligent people are supposed to get the facts beforeforming judgements. If we have the facts then we aremorally obliged to walk in the light of that knowledge. Ourviewpoints, personal taste and preference are of no value inevaluating music without an absolute. The best we can hopefor is tolerance for one another. But if we conclude there isan absolute in music, then our whole premise for decisions inmusic changes.

When relativity rules, the average music director has ano-win task of trying to cater for varying opinions andpreferences. There will never be unity in church music unlesswe move beyond rationalization. If we conclude there is anabsolute in music, then we have a common base of unity onwhich to build.

There will be room for diversity in style, expression, tasteand preference, within the absolutes. There will be securityin our music formation which reaches beyond traditional andcontemporary and extracts the threads of gold from every eraand genre.Gabrielle Corbett is a member of Mt Albert Baptist Church.Her study is available in its complete form to anyone inter-ested in Christian or secular music. Send $5 to GabrielleCorbett, Riverland Rd, R.D.2, Kumeu, Auckland. Ph/Fax412-8296.


"What is the REAL Value of Assembly

As a denomination, one of ourstrengths is supposedly our principleof congregational democracy. AtAssembly ourcombined work is scru-tinised. For the few hundred whoattend it should be significant. Re-ports are received from staff, boardsand committees, blessings shared, is-sues debated and elections held.

Its value is in the outworking ofcongregational democracy and the factthat every church can be representedand exercise a vote.

The sadness is that every church isnot represented, thousands of our peo-ple are not informed of the issues andhave no opportunity for input throughtheir local church. Congregationaldemocracy or pastoral supremacy? Iwonder.—Miss Jan Bowman, Auckland Bap-tist Tabernacle

I've had the opportunity of attending 9assemblies. For me personally, I havevalued these opportunities to• celebrate what God is doing amongst us

and in our church communities• feel for and pray for church communi-

ties that are suffering• be inspired and built up through the teach-

ing input, the worship, the creativity• share a meal, renewing links with friends

from other places• gather new songs and resources for min-

istries back home(Last year, amongst other things, I came

back with a design for a Christmas wall-hanging, and a marvellous children'sstory.)

What I really struggle with is helpingthe church community I am part of share inthe value of Assembly!—Rev Ann Marshall, Mt Albert BaptistChurch

TITLE

ADDRESS

CITY/TOWN

CHURCH

FIRST NAMES SURNAME

STD PHONE

$100 $60 $30 $ per monthI can contribute

This total MONTHLY amount will be paid:

Monthly

7

I personally love assemblies.Their biggest value to me is achance to catch up with friendsand colleagues from all over thenation; to hear of the good thingsthat are going on. We tend to bean underground movement andthe profiling of these good thingsis great.

It doesn't seem to be the deci-sion making body of the past. Theshape and style of our currentassembly structure is like an earlyadolescent, where we are nolonger achild and not yet an adult,so we're unsure, clumsy and a tadshy of who we are and the changeswe are experiencing. But as weemerge we will be proud of whatwe have become.—Pastor Mike Dodge, St AlbansBaptist Church

162 Stoddard Road,Mt Roskill, Auckland

Phone; (09)6291111Fax: (09) 629 0300

Email: [email protected]: 0800 629 111

DESlGN & PRINT

Annually

ChequeCash Direct Credit

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The de VriesThe Corletts

I enclose a special gift oftowards there ministry.

$

I can't support them at the moment,but please put me on their PrayerLetter mailing list

Please post to...tranzsend/nzbmsTeam Support Ministries,PO Box 97543, South Auckland

This is a good question. It cutsright to the heart of what we as aBaptist people are all about. Thereal value of Assembly is about re-lationship. A severely overworkedword.

It is about the relationship that weas churches have together in thisthing called Baptist Union, and it isfor me as a minister about the rela-tionship that I have with my brothersand sisters who are involved in thiscrazy business along with me. Someon a more intimate level than others.On a church level its value is ingetting together. Sharing breathingspace and sometimes, very occasion-ally, ideas. On a ministerial and moreimportantly personal level for me,it's a gathering of the family.—Rev Scott Malcolm, PonsonbyBaptist Church

Quarterly

By


Future New Zealand Party1. What does your party stand for?

The central value for Future New Zealand is that thecornerstone or the "DNA" of society is the family. If you getthat DNA right, then everything flowing out of that will beaccording to original design.

We believe in those family values of integrity, honesty,community. We have a policy of character-based education,where life skills include things like safe relationships, notjust safe sex.

We can't assume, for instance, that young people knowwhat's meant by things like "forgiveness" or "generosity".Citizenship skills, how to use your finances, understandingmoney and also understanding parenting. We want to teachthose things. Family is the building block of society.

2. What difference is there between yours and the other"Christian" party?

We think that a party with the name "Christian" in it willnever achieve a result. We're a party that's serving all NewZealanders. We believe we're more inclusive, willing towork with people out there of different persuasions. I don'tsee us as a lobby group. My own view is that CHP are perhapsmore of a lobby group as opposed to a broad-based party.That comes back again to family, because of course one ofthe most supportive things you can do for families is to getthe economy right, and get the content of education right.

3. Why should Christians support a "Christian" party ratherthan Christian individuals within one of the bigger parties?

Politics is about leadership. You can't throw policy at afamily and expect that family to grow and develop. The bestpolicies in the world, without the right people, won't come tomuch. We've got Jan Bowman, the founder of World Visionin New Zealand, we've got people who've served in the socialarea including myself as the leader. I've been involved inRomania Child Aid, we have a Body and Soul communitycentre where we have counselling, foodbanks and the gym.

We have people from school, the Blind Foundation,coming down and using that. We're not just a party of words.Our people have give their own volunteer time and they'releaders in their own right.

4. If you found yourself with the balance of power (as NZFirst did last time), with whom and under what conditionswould you form a coalition?

We'd sit down and listen to both parties, really workingthrough whether they'd support our agenda. We'd choosethe party that would best suit the issues we feel passionateabout. And beyond that we'd look at the party that was goingto be best for New Zealand. If we felt that going into coalitionwas a responsible thing to do to give stability then we'd dothat. But we could also, equally, do the other.

5. How will you deal with those of homosexual orientation?First of all I don't call them "homosexuals." I say they're

people and we want to serve them, though we don't agreewith it as a lifestyle. We believe we should be in relationship,in a serving sense, and rationally working through some ofthese issues with them on points where we disagree.

When it came to things like the promotion of homo-sexuality in schools, we would stick with teaching what'sbiologically obvious. The two parents, a male and female,who have brought children into this world are generallyheld responsible.

A reporter from The New Zealand Catholic recently interviewed the leaders ofthe two Christian parties. We publish the results here, since little informationabout either party has been published in the secular press.

6. How will you deal with those living in de facto relation-ships?

We don't see de facto relationships as the best environ-ment for children. One Australia survey claims that oneparent plus a de facto are 700 times more likely to abusechildren than two natural, married parents.

We believe there needs to be stronger commitment there.We want to build policies that will support families —parents staying together and committing themselves to eachother.

"We don't want to

throw stones. We

want to work with

families."

7. What is your position on the current abortion laws?We are very concerned at the high rates of abortion and

want to see those lowered. If there were 15,000 baby whalesbeing aborted there'd be a huge outcry. I can't understand theshift in values when it comes to the issue of aborting humanchildren.

We believe there are as many potential parents in NewZealand who want to adopt a child as there are children beingaborted and we'd like to see adoption become a far strongeroption presented to women. I think they see abortion, at themoment, as their only option if they can't keep their baby.

8. What will your party do to support solo parents?I'm pretty saddened by some of the DPB "bashing" that's

been going on. It shows a cold, hard "economic" approach.They're forgetting that there's actually a father involvedthere too. I think the best way we can help those women, andsociety as a whole, is to hold those fathers a.little moreresponsible. Eighty per cent of broken homes are headed bya woman and 50 per cent of the fathers of those children havenothing more to do with them.

We don't want to throw stones. We want to work withfamilies. We want to institute a Ministry of Family Affairs toassess the impact of all legislation on families ... to reassessthe benefit and see if they're existing on a livable income; tosee what the needs actually are.

9. Won't a so-called "Christian" party simply echo thedivisions that exist between Christian denominations?

Media often interview Graham Capill and they say,"Well, that's what the 'Christians' think." Now peoplehave often phoned me to say, "Well that's not what wethink" (or "that's not the spirit in which we want to put itacross.")

The name means "Christ-like" and it's quite a label thatwe pin on ourselves. I feel it's better not to have the name"Christian" in the party title. Also we want to serve all NewZealanders, even non-Christians.

10. Any final statement you believe Christians should con-sider?

New Zealand is not a corporation, it's a community. Andif you get the family values right, then the economics willcome right. What we've got is a preoccupation in govern-ment, and even in society at large, with the economic end ofthings.

Leadership is the big issue and I believe we've got theright leaders. It's the big factor for a company or a church orany other organisation; you've got to have the right leaders.They have to be people with not just words and ideals butwith a background in the areas they'll be working for —business, education, environment, health, social welfare andpeople's spiritual needs.

I believe we're a party that has that background. We haveoutstanding Maori leaders. We have Joshua Avia, who headsthe Pacific Islands wing. We have a youth wing.

Without strong leadership, the open market is like achicken with its head cut off. It's very dangerous and lots ofpeople get hurt.

We need to recognise "future industries" like biotechnol-ogy and tourism. We have to align our education system.

One of the most compassionate things we can do for thefamily is to create work, and create a healthy economy.That's our primary focus.

8


Surely a key Christian value you would want to associate with your party would be integrity? Yet your sole currentparliamentary representative broke a solemn, indeed written, promise not to abandon the Alliance before the nextelection. Why?

Frank Grover was the leader of the Liberal Party which was part of the Alliance. But during this parliamentary term itdropped below 500 members and has been de-registered, so he was left, effectively, not having a party of his own. (TheAlliance is not a party in its own right.)

Increasingly he found his Christian convictions clashing with what the Alliance was expecting him to support, mostrecently the "conscience" vote to support its line on lowering the age at which people can buy alcohol. He said that inconscience he couldn't.

Legalistically, yes, he broke a pledge. But in substance he stayed with the Alliance right up to the last ten weeks ofParliament. We offered the Alliance our proxy vote to keep faith with the voters who put him in. What we wanted was toallow him to go out and campaign now for us and he couldn't do that wearing two hats.

Christian Heritage Party1. What does your party stand for?

The core direction of the party is summed up in ourslogan: "Christian Heritage for family values and princi-ples." We're focused on family life. If you build strongfamilies you'll have a strong nation. We're also concernedabout Christian principles such as thrift, honesty, hard work,respecting those in authority, helping one's neighbour. Thesehave bee neglected as we've been drive along by "themarket" and liberal ideology.

We want to foster care for one another, and we feel that'sbest done in families.

At the moment we spend something like two billiondollars on the consequences of marriage breakdown and yetonly 0.6 per cent of that two billion gets spent on preventativemeasures to stop marriage breakdown.

2. What difference is there between yours and the other"Christian "party?

Non-Christians want you to be open and up-front withthem as to where you're coming from. We think the ChristianCoalition failed last time because we tried to fudge on thingslike homosexuality and abortion.

We're unashamedly pro-life and do not have anysecret agenda. What you see is what you get. The diffi-culty with the other party is that they double-speak on alot of key issues. They've indicated to SPUC that they'revery pro-life and almost identical to us. But if you havea look at the policy statement in the August Crosslink,it's so loose and wishy-washy that you get the feelingthey wouldn't make a stand for anything. Even theirdropping the name "Christian" is not without signifi-cance. Why have a Christian party if you're half disown-ing it?

3. Why should Christians support a "Christian" party ratherthan Christian individuals within one of the bigger parties?

We think it's time for Christians to stop their grizzlingabout what's happening in government when they've got theopportunity of having some men and women in the Houserepresenting their views.

Why shouldn't Christians have their representativesputting in a family perspective, a pro-life perspective, in theHouse daily? We missed out on that last time by just 12,000votes. There's no reason why we can't achieve it this time.It's time for a party in Parliament that's honest and consist-ent.

4. If you found yourself with the balance of power (as NZFirst did last time), with whom and under what conditionswould you form a coalition?

We will not enter a comprehensive coalition like NZ Firstdid. We'll support either of the main parties on supply andconfidence, to ensure a stable government, but on everythingelse we'll vote on that issue's own merits.

We're not in this for power. We want what's best for thecountry and for families in particular.

5. How will you deal with those of homosexual orientation?We believe the homosexual community has a definite

agenda to break down family norms. We would not re-criminalise it, but we'd try and stop the promotion ofhomosexuality. For instance "Hero" parades and using sexeducation classes as a way to force those sorts of morals onyoung people who are trying to find their way. We're

certainly opposed to homosexual marriage and the adop-tion of children to such "couples."

6. How will you deal with those living in de facto relation-ships?

Our emphasis is to encourage marriage. We have a policycalled "Covenant Marriage" which would be a option opento couples who would like to be more committed to marriage.It would involve having pre-marital counselling, promisingthat if they run into marriage problems they'd seek help, and

"Many of them do

an incredible job

and they actually

need more help."

having pre-parenting courses. And along with that we'dattach things like tax incentives (such as income-splitting) toencourage more people to enter a married state and establisha stable relationship for life. Prevention is better than cure.

7. What is your position on the current abortion laws?We're distressed by the current laws. They're far too

liberal, using a pseudo-legal ground to justify abortions.We'd want to see that loophole closed. We're draftinglegislation to amend the Guardianship Act to require parentalconsent prior to a girl under 16 years of age having a abortion.We think it's ludicrous that Parliament should be consider-ing legislation requiring parental consent for a tattoo onsomebody under 18 and yet a schoolgirl can be take out ofschool during the day, given an abortion, and the parentsdon't even know about it.

We believe that life should be protected from conceptionto natural death. If we don't respect life, how can we respectone another?

8. What will your party do to support solo parents?We're not trying to judge those people. Many of them do

an incredible job and they actually need more help. But whatwe want to do is strengthen their hand and encourage themand encourage their kids to go for the ideal.

One of the difficulties that faces solo parents is thatthey're disadvantaged at every step of the way, disadvan-taged financially ... and their children are disadvantagededucationally. And often they end up dropping out of school,only to get in trouble with the law.

We're saying, "Look, you need a strong government thatactually helps you in your parenting, setting decent standardsin schools... making sure kids are given moral guidelines asto how they should live rather than the amoral "neutrality" sooften being promoted, which leaves them confused.

9. Won't a so-called "Christian" party simply echo thedivisions that exist between Christian denominations?

We don't claim to be "the" Christian voice with answersto everything. But there is a body of concerns we do repre-sent, which haven't currently got a voice in Parliament.Again I come back to the family as one of those things givenlip service by other parties. For them it often comes down topoliticians kissing babies at election time, instead of substan-tive measures to actually bring cohesion to marriage andassistance to young people.

We've got Pentecostals; at least twelve Roman Catholiccandidates; two Presbyterian ministers and almost everyother denomination represented among the candidates sothere's a very wide range of people we're representing. Ourparty is a grassroots one, so ordinary members can vote tochange the policies as they see fit.

10. Any final statement you believe Christians should con-sider?

Finally, I'd want to stress... the importance of our pro-life position. To me it is totally unacceptable that the equiva-lent of all the New Zealanders who were killed in World WarI are aborted every year here. We need to stand up for theunborn child and speak for the people who can't speak forthemselves. We are committed to that cause and need Chris-tian to give us their party vote.(Reprinted, with permission, from the October issue of TheNew Zealand Catholic.)

9

10 NZ Baptist November 1999

by Julie BeldingBaptists are becoming increasingly active, politically! At least eight Baptists are running for

parliament this month — either as electoral candidates, or list members, or both. We interviewed sixof them and found, not surprisingly, that they represent a broad spectrum of political views.

Gordon Duncan (Long Bay Baptist and former editor of the New Zealand Baptist) is a list memberfor Labour; Andy Davies (Cambridge Baptist) is the Act candidate for Karapiro; Phil Heatley(Whangarei Central Baptist) is representing the National party in Whangarei; Tricia Cutforth(Whangarei Central Baptist) is the Alliance candidate in the same city; David Simpkin (HowickBaptist) is representing Christian Heritage in Manukau East; and Larry Baldock (Greerton Baptist) isstanding for Future New Zealand in Tauranga.

We asked each of them their reasons for supporting their chosen party.

Gordon Duncan

Labour"Today I heard a business

motivator declare: "If you'vegot ability and leadership, whywaste them going into poli-tics?" He's so wrong! I'mstanding for Labour because:such cynicism is undermin-ing our society; it's a servant-leader role which Cathy and Ibelieve hasn't opened by ac-cident; it builds on my earliertraining and experience; to bechosen after a rigorous proc-ess is a great honour; I agreewith Labour that the countryshould be managed wisely tocompete better internationallyand that all citizens shouldhave affordable access to goodquality housing, healthcareand education. We've got to

Andy Davies

Act"All ACT's policies are

based on the time provenprinciples of private prop-erty rights, the rule of law,personal responsibility, re-warding hard work, thrift andenterprise and helping neigh-bours through tough times.ACT believes the role of gov-ernment is to stand alongsideits citizens and not over themand that when people areempowered by freedom andchoice they will take moreresponsibility for themselves,their families and their com-munities than when politi-cians and bureaucrats are tell-ing them what to do and as-suming their responsibilitiesfor them."

improve on these basics!"Footnote: Two other Baptist candidates were not interviewed-DavidParlour(Tauranga Baptist) standing for CHP in Coromandel, and Julie Belding(Windsor Park Baptist) standingfor Future New Zealand on the North Shore.

Phil Heatley

National"Traditionally, the Na-

tional Party has been NewZealand's foremost conserva-tive party and therefore thenatural home for Christianvalues. Fortunately, the partyis returning to its roots andfocussing on strengtheningfamilies. The National partyis my natural home because Ibelieve in "equal opportunityfor all" rather than "equalityfor all". All individuals, fami-lies, businesses and volunteerorganisations need the oppor-tunity to prosper both eco-nomically and socially. Theyshould then be rewarded forcommitment and effort. I amstanding for parliament be-cause I want to make a mean-ingful impact in the politicalarena. As far as I am con-cerned, the more Christiansin parliament, the better."

Tricia Cutforth

Alliance"I'm standing for the Al-

liance because I'm concernedabout the direction of ourcountry. I believe the phi-losophy of the free markethas been tried and failed.

Economic policies haveseen tax cuts that have left atleast 80% of the populationworse off than they were 15years ago; regions locked intoa cycle of decline with inter-generational unemployment;third world health standards;a pattern of educational un-derachievement; the sale ofpublic assets that have beenbuilt up over the generationsfor all to benefit from.

The Alliance offers itselfas the heart of the new gov-ernment, and I am offeringmy talents as part of its team."

David Simpkin

Christian Heritage"I am standing for the

Christian Heritage Party be-cause I have a deep concernabout poverty New Zealand.I have a law degree and adegree in political studies.Strong family life will ad-dress some long term causesof poverty and state depend-ence that have placed increas-ing burdens on our economy.

I support Christian Herit-age policies because they pro-mote positively the Christianvirtues that will rebuild strongfamily life in New Zealand.These policies include suchconcepts as a homemakersallowance, covenant mar-riage, family support tax ad-vantages, and a Ministry ofFamily Affairs combined witha Family Protection Act tomonitor the effect of govern-ment policies on families."

Larry Baldock

Future New ZealandI joined Future New Zea-

land because here was a newparty that was totallycommited to a biblical worldview yet contemporary inculture and style. St Francisof Assisi said at all timespreach the Gospel, and ifnecessary use words. If weare going to impact society,especially in the politicalarena, we'1l have to do it withactions that speak louder thanwords. New Generation Poli-tics is demonstrates a newway of going about the busi-ness of governing. FutureNew Zealand's focus on thefamily as the most importantpart of a healthy society isreally what is needed to turnour country around socially.

Statement fromFuture New Zealand

Future New Zealand's policy has always been clear and hasbeen unchanged since the foundation of the party, namely that:

Future New Zealand has a non negotiable policy to uphold thesanctity of life ethic from conception to natural death.

It endeavours to promote this policy in a relational andpersuasive manner, recognising that other political parties,other MP's and New Zealanders generally require convincingof the destructiveness of abortion rather than expecting them torespond to a confrontational and judgemental approach.

Our party and our candidates have published this positionwidely throughout New Zealand.

This policy is identical to SPUC's national policy and, in fact,Future New Zealand is the only political party whose policy isidentical.

Statement fromSPUC National Office

The New Zealand Society for the Protection of the UnbornChild Inc., is pleased to encourage voters to support politicalparties which have a policy to uphold the sanctity of life ethicfrom conception to natural death, namely, Christian HeritageParty and Future New Zealand.

Although it may appear otherwise in a pro-life voting guidepublished elsewhere in this issue, The Society is fully aware ofthe commitment of Future New Zealand to life issues and thisinformation has been relayed to and discussed with thePresident of the Christchurch branch of The Society on anumber of occasions.

It is important to The Society that the readers of "NZ Baptist"are given sufficient detail to make a fully informed decision ifthey wish to cast pro-life votes. In our view, the articlesubmitted by the Christchurch Branch fails to provide this.

November 1999 Advertising Feature paid for by SPUC Christchurch branch 11

Pro-life voting guide '99

On the 27th November wehave the duty and privilegeto elect a new Parliament togovern and order the affairsof this nation for the nextthree years. New Zealandurgently needs a strong pro-life Parliament.

The great Americanstatesman, Thomas Jefferson,wisely said:

"The care of human lifeand happiness and not theirdestruction is the first andonly legitimate object of goodgovernment."

Parliament thus has a se-rious and moral duty to pro-tect the right to life of allNew Zealanders, includingthe unborn who are theweakest and mostdefenseless members of thehuman family. For a voterconcerned for the right tolife, there is a well-knownprinciple that overrules partyaffiliations or allegiances;Any candidate who woulddeny the human rights of the

Pro-Life PoliticiansUrgently Required

unborn is unfit to sit in Par-liament. This is because themost fundamental responsi-bility of a nation's leaders isto protect the lives in theircare; so candidates who arenot committed to protecthuman life disqualify them-selves.

God has not willed to re-serve to Himself all exerciseof power. He entrusts to everycreature the functions it iscapable of performing, ac-cording to the capacities ofits own nature. The way Godacts in governing the world,which bears witness to suchgreat regard for human free-dom, should inspire the wis-dom of those who govern

human communities. Theyshould behave as ministersof divine providence.

Life is a precious gift fromGod, every human being is achild of God created in Hisimage, a unique and un-repeatable miracle of His lov-ing creation, created to loveand be loved and endowedwith talents to enrich ourcommunity.

Under the Crimes Actabortion, the killing of theunborn child, is a seriouscrime, it is legally permittedsupposedly only under ex-ceptional circumstances.

The Royal Commissionon Contraception, Sterilisa-tion and Abortion declared

in its 1977 report to Parlia-ment that it accepted the bio-logical evidence that estab-lished that life begins at con-ception.

It said, however, that ex-ternal proof of pregnancydates only from implantation.For this reason, the Commis-sion said the child from im-plantation has a status whichentitles it to preservation andprotection.

From implantation tobirth, the report said, changesin the unborn child are of adevelopmental nature only.

There is no point betweenimplantation and birth of abiological kind which ena-bles a particular point of time

between implantation andbirth to be accepted as theone at which the status of theunborn child is changed.

The Commission said theright to life is a sacred princi-ple of civilisation.

"It is an indispensableguarantee of the individualworth of the persons withinit. Its universal denial wouldthreaten civilisation andwould fail to recognise thedignity of man."

A similar tradition, pri-marily Christian in origin,exists with regard to the un-born child.

The Commission alsostated:

"... If the child has no sta-

tus other issues resolve them-selves, certainly no questionconcerning the rights of thepregnant woman will arise,in that if the unborn child hasno rights, no obstacle will bein the path of the mother'srights other than considera-tion of her health."

Under the Crimes Act achild does not become a hu-man being until it is born.There is, thus, an urgent needfor the status of the unbornchild, as a human being, tobe recognised in law and thechild's human rights pro-tected.

The statement of theRoyal Commission was pro-phetic. It was the dehuman-ising of the Jews that permit-ted the holocaust, the denialof the humanity of the Ne-groes that permitted slaveryin America. Failure to estab-lish the full legal status of theunborn child has resulted inour own silent abortion holo-caust.

While respect for human life and human dignity may be expressed by a variety of policies, there isa bottom line for the pro life voter: securing the right to life of every human being from conceptionto natural death.

In this and the following three pages information is offered to help those who wish to use theirtwo votes in this election to try and maximise the number of MPs committed to the right to life.In some cases the candidates commitment will be strong, in others weak.

12 Advertising Feature paid for by SPUC Christchurch branch November 1999

This guide lists electorate candidates' attitudesto protecting New Zealand's unborn children.

The listings have been compiled by the Soci-ety for the Protection of the Unborn Child,Christchurch Branch, from responses to a ques-tionnaire sent to all the candidates of the mainpolitical parties and from past voting records andstatements.

Candidates were asked three questions concern-ing abortion. They were asked if elected to Parlia-ment at this election would they:1. Support increased legal protection in New Zea-

land for children before birth?2. The Crimes Act states that an unborn child does

not become a human being until it is born. Wouldyou support legislation that would recognise thehuman rights of a child before birth as with achild after birth?

3. Females under 16 years of age may have anabortion without the knowledge or consent oftheir parents. Would you support an amendmentto the Guardianship Act to require that an abor-

Pro-Life VotinALBANYMcCully (N)Questionnaire not returnedMcCracken (L) Questionnaire not returnedCorbet (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Steeneveld (ACT) Questionnaire not re-turned

McConachy (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.Wheeler (FNZ) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.

AORAKIMarriott (N) Questionnaire not returned.Sutton (L) Questionnaire not returned.Would poll electorate on key votes.Simpson (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status forthe unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Richardson (ACT) Does not support in-creased legal protection for the unbornchild or legal status. Supports parental con-sent. Would not oppose euthanasia legis-lation.

Simmons (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

AUCKLAND CENTRALPoulsen (N) Questionnaire not returned.Tizard (L) Supports choice and easier ac-cess to abortion.Holland (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Huata (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Lee (A) No response to questionnaire - seeconscience voting this page.

BANKS PENINSULACarter (N) Declined questionnaire. Sup-ports increased protection for unborn child.Dyson (L) Accepts current situation.Francis (CHP) Supports increased legalprotection and legal status the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.King (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Watson (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Hadfield (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

BAY OF PLENTYRyall (N) Questionnaire not returned.Hughes (L) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Also supportssex education in schools and contracep-tion. Not opposed to limited euthanasia.Stevens (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Cooke (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Bennett (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Brown (NZF) Supports increased legal pro-tection for unborn child.

CHRISTCHURCH CENTRALStringer (N) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status forthe unborn child.Supports parental consent. Opposed toeuthanasia.Barnett (L) Questionnaire not returned.Bryant (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Sillars (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Gordon (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Gregory (FNZ) Supports increased legalprotection and legal status for the unbornchild. Supports parental consent. Wouldoppose euthanasia legislation.

CHRISTCHURCH EASTKnox (N) Supports increased legal protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Dalziel (L) Refused to complete question-naire. In 1990 election survey she ex-pressed belief that in the first three monthsof pregnancy abortion was a decision for awoman and her doctor.Phillips (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Beecham (ACT) Questionnaire not re-turned.

Piesse (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Stiles (FNZ) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status forthe unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.

CLUTHA-SOUTHLANDEnglish (N) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Soper (L) Supports increased legal protec-tion , and legal status the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Opposed toeuthanasia.

Bradfield (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.White (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

COROMANDELMcLean (N) Questionnaire not returned.Hawkeswood (L) Questionnaire not re-turned.Palour (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Bird (A) No response to questionnaire - seeconscience voting this page.McDonald (NZF) Questionnaire not re-turned.

DUNEDIN NORTHRich (N) Questionnaire not returned. Sup-ports present legislation and govt initiativeson sex education.Hodgson (L) Questionnaire not returned.Supports abortion.Harris (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Calvert (ACT) Opposed to increased legalprotection and legal status for the unbornchild. Undecided on parental consent andeuthanasia.Findlay (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

DUNEDIN SOUTHKeast (N) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child, Sup-ports parental consent. Opposed to eutha-nasia.Benson-Pope (L) Questionnaire not re-turned.Streekstra (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Opposed toeuthanasia.Martin (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Ryan (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Bloxham (NZF) Questionnaire not returned.

EAST COASTParkinson (N) Does not support increasedlegal protection forthe unborn child or legalstatus and opposed to parental consent.Would oppose euthanasia legislation.Mackey (L) Questionnaire not returned. Hasvoted to support abortion and euthanasia.Rangihuna (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Swan (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Maclean (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.

EPSOMWorth (N) Supports in principle increasedlegal protection for the unborn child, legalstatus and parental consent. Opposed toeuthanasia legislation.Jacobs (L) Questionnaire not returned.McQueen (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Hide (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.O'Brien (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

HAMILTON EASTSteel (N) Questionnaire not returned. Con-cerned at abortion toll.Yates (L) Refused to complete question-naire. Supports abortion.Flannagan (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Denby (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Jamieson (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.Seddon (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.Woolerton (NZF) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status forthe unborn child.

HAMILTON WESTSimcock (N) Refused to complete ques-tionnaire. Accepts current situation.Gallagher (L) Accepts current situation.Goodall (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.

Supports parental consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Mallet (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Macpherson (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

HUNUAKyd (N) May support increased legal pro-tection for unborn child, opposed to status.Supports parental consent and opposeseuthanasia.Schofield (L) Questionnaire not returned.Supports abortion.Andrew (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Thompson (ACT) Questionnaire not re-turned.Graham (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Henderson (FNZ) Questionnaire not re-turned.

HUTT SOUTHRadomske (N) Questionnaire not returned.Mallard (L) Refused to complete question-naire. Supports abortion.Thomas (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Milne (ACT) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status forthe unborn child.Supports parental consent. Unsure on eu-thanasia.

Parr (A) No response to questionnaire - seeconscience voting this page.Owen (U) Questionnaire not returned.Ogden (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

ILAMBrownlee (N) Questionnaire not returned.Supports increased legal protection andlegal status for the unborn child. Supportsparental consent. Would oppose euthana-sia.Wilkie (L) Refused to complete question-naire.Francis (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Mattison (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Griffiths) (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.Harper (FNZ) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status forthe unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.

INVERCARGILLRoy (N) Supports increased legal protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Peck (L) Questionnaire not returned. Ac-cepts current position.Zwies (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation,de Ruyter (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.

KAIKOURAScott (N) Questionnaire not returned.McNamara (L) Questionnaire not returned.Moore (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Hewett (ACT) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would not op-pose euthanasia legislation.Rooney (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

KARAPIROTisch (N) Questionnaire not returned.Cronin (L) Questionnaire not returned.Hockly (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Davies (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Pemberton (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

MANAThomas (N) Questionnaire not returnedKelly (L) Questionnaire not returned. Con-cerned at abortion toll but would not like toreturn to "days of back street abortions".Maclachlan (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Ward (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Lawler (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Butterworth (U) Questionnaire not returned.Huxford (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

MANGERETaylor (N) Questionnaire not returned.Field (L) Questionnaire not returned. Seeksincreased legal protection and legal statusfor the unborn child.Panapa (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent and legal statusfor the unborn child. Would oppose Eutha-nasia legislation.Kolo (A) No response to questionnaire - seeconscience voting this page.

MANUKAU EASTYee (N) Questionnaire not returned. Seeksgreater legal protection forthe unborn child.Robertson (L) Concerned at abortion toll.Pro-life voting record. Opposed to euthana-sia.Simpkin (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Lowndes (ACT) Supports increased legalprotection under certain restricted circum-stances for unborn child. Supports legalstatus only after 24 weeks gestation. Op-posed to parental consent. Undecided oneuthanasia.

Holm (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Parkash (U) Questionnaire not returned.

MANUREWAAuva'a (N) Questionnaire not returned.Hawkins (L) Questionnaire not returned.Concerned at abuse of abortion law andineffective supervision. Has pro-life votingrecord.Levi (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports parental consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Beltowski (ACTQuestionnaire not returned.Lucas (A) Supports increased legal protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Opposed gen-erally to euthanasia.

MAUNGAKIEKIEVernon (N) Questionnaire not returned.

Concerned at abortion toll.Gosche (L) Questionnaire not returned.Paki (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Opposed to eutha-nasia.Robson (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Keiller (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.Myles (NZF) Questionnaire not returned.

MT ALBERTBuckland (N) Questionnaire not returnedClark (L) Believes that abortion is a moralissue on which each individual must exer-cise their own conscience. Does not believethat the law should impede a woman mak-ing her own moral choice on abortion.Taylor (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.King (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Ovens (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Vyas (U) Questionnaire not returned.

MT ROSKILLRaffills (N) Supports increased legal protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Goff (L) Questionnaire not returned. Ac-cepts current situation.Paterson (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Whitehead (ACT) Questionnaire not re-turned.

Martin (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Qureshi (U) Questionnaire not returned.

NAPIERTolley (N) Questionnaire not returned.Braybrooke (L) Supports increased legalprotection , and legal status for the unbornchild. Supports parental consent. Opposedto euthanasia legislation.Davis (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.

Chandler (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Gwynn (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Hiha (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

NELSONSmith (N) Supports increased legal protec-tion for the unborn child and parental con-sent. Opposed to status. Opposed to eutha-nasia.Fraser (L) Supports current abortion legis-lation, would welcome amendments to makeabortion more readily available.Barber (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Gully (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.O'Connor (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.

NEW PLYMOUTHJury (N) Questionnaire not returnedDuynhoven (L) Questionnaire not returned.Supports increased legal protection for the

November 1999 Advertising Feature paid for by SPUC Christchurch branch 13

ing Guide '99nder the age of 16 may not bethe knowledge and consent

that would give Doctors thesist in the suicide of theira)?vited to make a written state-sponse to the questions.First party and the Greens

ide a list of candidates,the candidate list for Futurenately, provided insufficientes to respond to the question-dline for publication of this

s' attitudes are not shown,ontact them direct. Candi-with the fact that there have,000 abortions reported inhe Contraception Sterilisa-ct was passed in 1977 byintention of stopping abor-

tion on demand and protecting the unborn childand their mothers from abortion.

With respect to the important list or party vote,there is only one party that has a public, non-negotiable, policy to uphold the sanctity of humanlife from conception to natural death and that is theChristian Heritage Party. The Party has alsopledged that, if elected to Parliament, it will vigor-ously promote increased legal protection for theunborn child.

A Parental Consent Bill, requiring that an abor-tion may not be performed on a female under the ageof 16 years of age without the consent of the parents,has been presented to the Speaker of Parliament bythe Christian Heritage Party and awaits presentationto the House of Representatives.

Party abbreviations are: A, Alliance; ACT, ACTNew Zealand; CHP, Christian Heritage Party; FNZ,Future New Zealand; L, Labour; N, National; NZF,New Zealand First; U, United New Zealand; MaP,Mauri Pacific. Sitting MPs' names are shown inbold type.

Party stances on protection of the Unborn ChildCHRISTIAN HERITAGE PARTY

The first plank of the Christian Herit-age Party concerns the family and thefirst point under that heading is "respectfor life".

The Christian Heritage Party would:• Uphold the sanctity of life from con-

ception to natural death.• Vigorously uphold the legal rights of

the unborn child. As an initial steptowards that goal, we would amendthe Contraception, Sterilisation andAbortion Act by removing the "men-tal health" clause under which morethan 98 per cent of all abortions areperformed.

• Encourage community support forwomen and their families in crisispregnancy situations.

• Provide new funding for research intopost-abortion trauma.

• Promote adoption as an alternative toabortion.

• Amend the Bill of Rights Act to rec-ognise the human rights of unbornNew Zealanders.

• Ensure the availability of full coun-selling services, independent of abor-tion clinics.

• Oppose any form of euthanasia, in-cluding assisted suicide.

• Make it illegal to destroy, experimenton, or sell embryos resulting from invitro fertilisation (IVF).

The Christian Heritage party is com-mitted to upholding the sanctity of hu-man life from conception to natural death,as one of its eleven non-negotiable policyprinciples.

NATIONALThe following statement was received

from the National Party:"The National Party is concerned at

the level of abortion in New Zealand andwishes to reduce the incidence of un-planned pregnancy and abortion. We arepleased that the latest Statistics New Zea-land figures show the number of abortionsin New Zealand have decreased. Abor-tions in the year to December 1998 weredown 1.2% compared to the previous year.This compares to an increase of 2.7% in1997 and an 8.4% increase in 1996.

National has introduced a number ofinitiatives that aim to reduce the numberof abortions performed in New Zealand,reduce the incidence of unplanned preg-nancy, and to educate people about theirsexual health. These include the SexualHealth Strategy and the Booklet forwomen facing an unplanned pregnancy."

The National Party does not have apolicy to seek increased legal protectionfor the unborn child.

ALLIANCEThe following statement received from

the leader of the Alliance, Mr Jim Anderton:Abortion

The Alliance recognises that preg-nancy termination is a highly personalissue. While we will support choice, wealso give the highest priority to minimis-ing the need for abortion. We believe thatimproved housing, health and educationalopportunities will lead to a fall in thenumber of abortions.

The Alliance does not want to returnto the days of highly dangerous illegalbackstreet abortions and recognises thatthe alternative is a free, legal and acces-sible service and the provision of freecontraceptives. The Family Planning As-sociation currently plays a key role ineducation and service delivery and theAlliance will adequately resource itswork.Voluntary euthanasia

The Alliance recognises that volun-tary euthanasia is a highly personal andcontraversial issue and we currently donot have any official policy regardingthis issue. We would support any inquirythat allowed free and open public debateon the subject.

Whether a conscience vote would beexercised on voluntary euthanasia wouldbe a democratic decision to be taken bythe Alliance Caucus and the AllianceCouncil, the governing body of the Alli-ance. In my view it is almost certain that

on such an issue a personal vote would beexercised.

All Bills before the House are scruti-nised and discussed by the Alliance Cau-cus and a democratic position arrived at asto whetherthey should be supported throughto Select Committee or not. Whether a Billon voluntary euthanasia would be so sup-ported would be dependent on its form,content and intentions."

MAURI PACIFIC"The Party has no policy on legal pro-

tection for the unborn child. This questionis a conscience issue for each member ofParliament. The Party is concerned at thehigh representation of Pacific Island womenin abortion statistics."

FUTURE NEW ZEALANDThe Christchurch Branch of the Society

for the Protection of the Unborn Child at thistime has not been able to discern the publicpolicy of Future New Zealand on this issue.

LABOURLabour has no policy on legal protection

of the unborn child. It supports the objec-tives of the current Government's contra-ception strategy and will seek to make allcontraceptives free and paid for by the State.

Policy statements have not been re-ceived from other Political Parties at thetime of publishing this guide.

unborn child under existing law.Starrenburg (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Irving (ACT) Concerned at abortion toll.Believes it is women's right to choose. Sup-ports more education and contraception.Supports parental consent. Would not op-pose euthanasia legislation.Johnstone (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

NORTH SHOREMapp (N) Questionnaire not returned. Ac-cepts current situation.Duncan (L) Questionnaire not returned.Gladwell (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Henry (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Belding (FNZ) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.

NORTHCOTERevell (N) Pro-life voting record. Unhappywith abortion toll. Supports more counsel-

NORTHLANDCarter (N) Opposed to abortion. Pro-lifevoting record. Declined to complete ques-tionnaire. Opposed to euthanasia legisla-tion.Robertson (L) Questionnaire not returned.Jack (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Gray-Lock (ACT) Supports increased legalprotection and legal status for the unborn

ling and adoption option.Hartley (L) Questionnaire not returned. Sup-ports present position.Munroe (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Wong (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Gillon (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Callister (U) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Perkin (FNZ) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.

child. Supports parental consent. Wouldoppose euthanasia legislation.Wilson (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

OHARIU-BELMONTBest (L) Questionnaire not returned.Salt (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Asare (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Matthews (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.Dunne (U) Supports present abortion lawas it stands. Concerned at lack of account-ability to Parliament of Abortion Supervi-sory Committee. Does not favour euthana-sia.Chapman (FNZ) Supports increased legalprotection and legal status for the unbornchild. Supports parental consent. Wouldoppose euthanasia legislation.

OTAGOHerlihy (N) Supports increased legal pro-tection for the unborn child and parentalconsent. Opposed to legal status. Wouldoppose euthanasia legislation.Dearman (L) Questionnaire not returned.Ferguson (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Eckhoff (ACT) Refused to complete ques-tionnaire.

Holvey (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

OTAKISowry (N) Questionnaire not returned.Supports increased legal protection andlegal status for the unborn child, has pro-life voting record.Keall (L) Questionnaire not returned. Ac-cepts current situation.Corner (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Ambler (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Franklin (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.

PAKURANGAWilliamson (N) Questionnaire not returned.Accepts current situation.Hine (L) Questionnaire not returned.Pepperell (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Quax (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Barnard (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.

PALMERSTON NORTHHalligan (N) Questionnaire not returned.Maharey (L) Questionnaire not returned.Accepts current situation.Tonson (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Opposed toeuthanasia.Kidby (ACT) Supports increased legal pro-tection , status and parental consent for theunborn child. Would not oppose euthanasialegislation.Hehir (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page. Supportsabortion.Bowater (FNZ) Supports increased legalprotection and legal status for the unbornchild. Supports parental consent. Wouldoppose euthanasia legislation.

PORT WAIKATOHutchison (N) Questionnaire not returned.Ryan (L) Questionnaire not returned.Hayward (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Carline (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Pokere-Phillips (A) No response to ques-tionnaire - see conscience voting this page.Knight (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

RAKAIAShipley (N) Refused to complete question-naire. Accepts present position.Schurgers (L) Questionnaire not returned.Reid (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Power (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Taylor (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

RANGITIKEIPower (N) Questionnaire not returned.Walsham (L) Questionnaire not returned.Jarvis (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Thompson (ACT) Questionnaire not re-turned.

Martin (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Howard (U) Questionnaire not returned.

RIMUTAKARoddick (N) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status forthe unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Swain (L) Refused to complete question-naire. Accepts present situation.Vermeulen (CHP) Supports increased pro-

tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Opposed toeuthanasia.Dance (ACT) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent.Tracey (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page. Seeksreview of abortion law.Hounsell (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

RODNEYSmith (N) Questionnaire not returned. Con-cerned at abortion toll.Domney (L) Questionnaire not returned.Brebner (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Webster (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.McEnaney (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.Wills (FNZ) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.

RONGOTAIBoag (N) Questionnaire not returned.King (L) Questionnaire not returned. Con-cerned at abortion toll.Shierlaw (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Franks (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Tile (A) No response to questionnaire - seeconscience voting this page.

14 Advertising Feature paid for by SPUC Christchurch branch November 1999

Coalition governmentand pro-life influence

98 per cent of abortions are authorised on the groundsthat the pregnancy represents a serious threat to themental health of the mother. In 1988 the Committee, inits report to Parliament, alluded to potentially normalpregnancies being terminated on pseudo-legal grounds.

We live in a Parliamentary democracy where thosewho govern do so with the consent of the governed. Itis anticipated that during the three year term of the nextParliament there will be 50,000 abortions. Do you giveyour consent to this?

The first victim of abortion is the unborn child, thesecond victim is the mother, as abortion hurts women.

In 1970 the World Health Organisation publishedthe results of its study in relation to the incidence ofbreast cancer. It showed that in 25 out of 31 epidemio-logic studies worldwide that even one abortion in-creases the risk of developing breast cancer in laterlife. Is it any wonder that in less than half a century,while abortion became legal and common, the inci-dence of breast cancer in the industrialised world hasmore than doubled? The link between abortion andbreast cancer was also recognized by the first WorldConference on Breast Cancer in 1997.

Among the potential physical effects of abortion aresterility, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, stillbirthsand infections. No less than 90 per cent of womenexperience moderate to severe emotional and psychiat-ric distress following an abortion. Among these areguilt, suicidal impulses, sense of loss, self destructivebehaviour, lower self esteem, anger and rage.

We can help mothers by protecting their unborn babies.

This advertisement authorised by: K. OrrPresident, Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child, Christchurch Branch Inc.

PO Box 668, Christchurch.

It is expected that no one political party will gaina majority and be enabled to govern by itself, this willresult in a coalition government.

It is the view of the Branch that the ChristianHeritage Party is the only political party that has apublic non-negotiable policy to up hold the sanctity ofhuman life from conception to natural death If thisparty attained 5 percent of the list vote, that partycould have six or more members of Parliament. Theycould, as members of a coalition government, exerciseconsiderable influence in promoting legislation toprotect the unborn child and promote the family.

New Zealand needs statesmen because politiciansare concerned with the next election; statesmen areconcerned with the next generation.

The most important issue facing our nation todayis respect for life. We live in an increasingly violentsociety with domestic violence, child abuse, murderand assaults at disturbing levels. If we accept the legalviolence of state sanctioned and funded abortion,should we really be surprised at the level of violencein the community?

Albert Schweitzer, the famous medical missionaryin Africa said; "If we lose respect for a section ofhumanity, we lose respect for all."

Since the Contraception Sterilisation and Abor-tion Act was passed in 1977 there have been more than200,000 abortions reported under a law which wasintended to protect the unborn child. This represents amassive violation of human rights.

The Abortion Supervisory Committee reports that

TITIRANGIHasler (N) Questionnaire not returned.Cunliffe (L) Questionnaire not returned.Peck (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Steinijans (ACT) Supports increased legalprotection and status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent.Belich (A) Questionnaire not returned. Seeconscience voting this page.Drake (FNZ) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation..

Bright (U) Questionnaire not returned.Dring (FNZ) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.

ROTORUABradford (N) Questionnaire not returned.Accepts current situation.Chadwick (L) Questionnaire not returned.Prichard (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.McKerrow (ACT) Questionnaire not re-turned.Parrington (FNZ) Questionnaire not re-turned.

TAMAKISimich (N) Questionnaire not returned. Sup-ports increased legal protection and legalstatus for the unborn child.Pillay (L) Questionnaire not returned.Grubi (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.

Swney (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Romanovsky (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

TARANAKI-KING COUNTRYArdern (N) Questionnaire not returned. Sup-ports increased legal protection for the un-born child.Young (L) Supports increased legal protec-tion , and legal status the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Opposed toeuthanasia legislation.Jones (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Jennings (ACT) Supports increased legalprotection for unborn child.Campbell (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.

TAUPOSteele (N) Questionnaire not returned.Burton (L) Questionnaire not returned. Ac-cepts current situation.Van der-Zee (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Steele (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.McFarlane (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

TAURANGAO'Regan (N) Questionnaire not returned.Supports abortion.Wilson (L) Questionnaire not returned.Grover (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Wicks (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Peters (NZF) Questionnaire not returned.Supports increased legal protection througha referendum.Baldock (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

TE ATATUNeeson (N) Questionnaire not returned.Supports increased legal protection and le-gal status for unborn child. Strong pro-lifevoting record.Carter (L) Questionnaire not returned. Sup-ports abortion.Pirret (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Harris (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Harre (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Hubscher (U) Questionnaire not returned.

TUKITUKI

White (N) Questionnaire not returned.Barker (L) Questionnaire not returned. Con-cerned at abortion toll.Burgess (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Ormond (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Alchin-Smith (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

WAIMAKARIRICouper (N) Questionnaire not returned.Cosgrove (L) Questionnaire not returned.Williams (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Spark (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Wright (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Palmer (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.Mark (NZF) Questionnaire not returned.

WAIRARAPAHenry (N) Supports increased legal protec-tion for the unborn child and, in principle,legal status and parental consent. Wouldoppose euthanasia legislation.Beyer (L) Questionnaire not returned.Lloyd (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Booth (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Casey (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

WAITAKERENeeson (N) Questionnaire not returned.Hunt (L) Questionnaire not returned.Rumble (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Howat (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Treen (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Hunt (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.

WELLINGTON CENTRALNo candidate (N)Hobbs (L) Questionnaire not returned.Prebble (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Bunkle (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Clark (U) Supports increased legal protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Does not support parental consent. Wouldnot oppose euthanasia legislation.

WEST COAST-TASMANO'Beirne (N) Questionnaire not returned.O'Connor (L) Questionnaire not returned.Supports increased legal protection for theunborn child.Blight (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose eu-thanasia legislation.Cox (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Sinclair (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Jackson (U) Questionnaire not returned.

WHANGANUIBorrows (N) Supports increased legal pro-tection and status for the unborn child. Sup-ports parental consent. Opposed to eutha-nasia.Pettis (L) Questionnaire not returned. Ac-cepts current position.Donoghue (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Hey (ACT) Supports increased legal protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Opposed toeuthanasia.

Frederikse (A) No response to question-naire - see conscience voting this page.

WHANGAREIHeatley (N) Questionnaire not returned.Jelicich (L) Questionnaire not returned.Harris (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent.Newman (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Cutforth (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Phillips (U) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent.Donnelly (NZF) Supports increased legalprotection and legal status for the unbornchild. Supports parental consent. Wouldoppose euthanasia legislation.

WIGRAMMcKay (N) Questionnaire not returned.Mora (L) Questionnaire not returned.Moore (CHP) Supports increased protec-tion and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Cowie (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Anderton (A) Questionnaire not returned.Concerned at abortion toll. See consciencevoting this page.

MAORI ELECTORATES

HAURAKIKahi (N) Questionnaire not returned.Tamihere (L) Questionnaire not returned.Vahaakolo (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Jackson (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.

IKAROA-RAWHITIHoromia (L) Questionnaire not returned.Amor (CHP) Supports increased protection

and legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Robin (ACT) Questionnaire not returned.Ratima (A) No response to questionnaire -see conscience voting this page.Blake (FNZ) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Would opposeeuthanasia legislation.Waitai (MaP) Questionnaire not returned.

ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Samuels (L) Questionnaire not returned.Prime (CHP) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-ports Parental Consent. Would oppose Eu-thanasia legislation.Rata (ACT) Supports increased legal pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports parental consent. Opposed to eu-thanasia legislation.Henare (MaP) Questionnaire not returnedHenry (A) Questionnaire not returned. Seeconscience voting this page.

TE TAI HAUAURUPatuwairua (N) Questionnaire not returned.Mahuta (L) Questionnaire not returned.Shramka (CHP) Supports increased pro-tection and legal status for the unborn child.Supports Parental Consent. Would opposeEuthanasia legislation.Puketapu (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.Morgan (MaP) Questionnaire not returned.Supports increased legal protection for theunborn child.

TE TAI TOKERAUMurray (N) Supports increased protectionand legal status for the unborn child. Sup-

TE TAI TONGABedwell (N) Questionnaire not returned.Okeroa (L) Questionnaire not returned.Winitana (A) No response to questionnaire- see conscience voting this page.Murray (FNZ) Questionnaire not returned.Wylie (NZF) Questionnaire not returned.

WAIARIKINgatai (N) Questionnaire not returned.Ririnui (L) Questionnaire not returned.Tahana (A) Questionnaire not returned. Seeconscience voting this page.

November 1999 NZ Baptist 15

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Christian Action


"Why did we have toleave our friends and family,the familiarity and comfortsof New Zealand to comehere?

"It is such a contrast towhat we are used to. Youknow I am a country personbut here there are people eve-rywhere. There are two mil-lion in our suburb alone. Thetraffic is chaotic - the onlyrule we canmake out is 'who-ever toots loudest has rightof way.'

"Alan has learned to honkhis way across town like therest of them. The constantheat, the smells - this timelast September I was prais-ing you for the scents fromthe blossom on the orchard atRoxburgh. This month thewind is blowing from thehuge rubbish dump just alongthe road. I cannot praise youfor that smell, Lord. I sup-pose I could praise you that Idon't have to scavengeamong it like I see many peo-ple doing, just to find paper,rags, or plastic to sell, simplyto stay alive. Yes, Lord I can certainly praise you for that.

"Then there are the beggars. How would you deal withthem Lord ? They are everywhere; several tap on our windowat every traffic jam. Old men, young boys, old woman,mothers and babies, young children - many of them de-formed in some way. I felt sorry for one old man with a stickwho staggered up to our window - as I was getting my moneyout, the traffic started moving, so our car moved too. I wassurprised to see how fast this 'old man' could move as he ranto catch up with our car before we took off completely!

"Last year we were horrified to see these tarpaulinshelters against walls, just everywhere, with families livinginside. But last month the government, had a clean up in theslums, and with police and bulldozers they flattened many ofthe slums and left these people homeless, their "home" auseless bundle of rubbish after the bulldozer moved past.Thousands of people were affected; they say about 25,000 inour suburb alone. Now we see families sitting on the foot-path, cooking their meal, sleeping on the ground. We passseveral each time we go to the office from our flat. In fact aswe walk the footpath we are walking through their "livingroom." I watched a baby crawling; he only wore an amulet

tied round his naked body to protect him from evil spirits. Ithought of my grandson Jacob—they are about the same age,with same thoughts and feelings—yet Jacob has his ownnursery, toy box, overflowing wardrobe, car seat, etc. Howwould I feel to watch him in these circumstances? Where dothey go in the rain?

"Lord, this place is so hard. Help me to cope with myfeelings. I read in the Psalms yesterday, "The poor man criedto the Lord, and he heard him and helped him in his troubles."Does that apply to here as well, Lord, and not just NewZealand? Please help me understand.

"We came here so Alan could be the administrator for themission staff, and handle the finances. He is looking forwardto doing that, and also helping with the trainees as they learnoffice and computer skills so they can have a better chanceof a job. I want to help in the Telegu clinic, and I've done aTESOL course so I can teach English. But first we have tolearn the language. Lord, Bangla is so hard. Did you inventthis one at Babel? All these guttural breathy sounds aren'tmade for my female voice. I get a sore throat just trying. Alancan make them okay. Please help us with our language study.There's so much to learn and remember. "Lord, please put a

stop between my two ears, sowhat goes in one, can stayinside!

"Even moving into ourflat was difficult. Nothing issupplied here. We needed toput up fans, insect screens,light bulbs (and as you re-place them, you see whatwiring doesn't work), no hotwater cistern, no kitchenbench, no sink, not even asit-down loo. My knees do adouble crack every time I usethe squat one, but I thoughtmaybe we could at least get aflush for it. So Alan boughtone, but the workman put itin the wrong way and triedtightening it so tight to fixthe resulting drips that hebroke the pipe completelyand we can't use it. Was thatjudgement on me for want-ing a flush loo?

"I thought new curtainswould make the lounge looklike home, so bought thislovely self-embossed mate-rial and gave the tailor sim-ple instructions to make fourcurtains, each 1 + widths. I

almost cried when I saw a flatfell (trouser) seam down eachcurtain, but the seams were at least in the right place for thefirst three we hung. The fourth one had the seam on thewrong side, which means one curtain has the extra piecesewn on either back to front or upside down! At least youcan't tell which from the doorway.

"As I was heating the hot water for my wash yesterday,I watched one lady from the lean-to corrugated iron shackson the edge of the swamp just below our building. With theyucky swamp water lapping at her feet, she managed to haveher cold wash from the bucket and outside tap. She wore ablack wraparound, and discreetly managed to wash herselfall over, and wriggle into her sari before removing the wetcloth, and she emerged looking beautiful. She won't havea flush loo. In fact, looking at the number of people that livein that tiny shack, does she even have any loo?

"Lord, I know you are teaching us many things throughthis settling in period. We know you called us, you have ledand guided us to this point. Lord, please use us in this placeand help us to live and love as Jesus would. Thank you forthe privilege you have given us.

"P.S. Lord, did you have to make the cockroaches so big?"

A campaign over "sweat shop slavery" has caught the headlines in Britain. The focus isCambodia where 168,000 workers produce label clothing costing more than $60 in the shopsbut receive half the Cambodian living wage and get about 60 cents per garment! Some areunder the minimum age of 15 and they only survive because several from one family worktogether and pool resources. They are forced to work twelve hour days with a half-hour lunchbreak and no paid holidays. Outside the locked factory gates they live in hovels. The UKcampaign is calling for a boycott of the goods, but is this the best or only response? Whatwould you do?• Boycott the stores selling those labels.• Buy other goods but not the ones you know to be produced by "sweat shop slavery".• Sign a petition demanding better wages for the workers.• Buy the products as they are providing jobs in a poor country.• Give money to an aid agency to improve workers' houses.• Read only romances and good news to avoid getting depressed by problems.• Go on a fast until justice is done.• Prepare a code of conduct and insist manufacturers adhere to it.• Start a fair trade shop to compete with the exploiters.

Dave Askin -Brian & Gay Cochran -Stu & Ruth Corlett -Steve & Lyn Davis -Rosemary Eyres -Pat Lightbourne -Delsie Guy -John & Helen McMullan -Ross & Cindy Meyer -Alan & Jan Smith -Richard & Sally Smith -Sharon Scarrow -Graeme & Christine Taylor -Paul & Adrienne Thompson -Beulah Wood -

For information about people165 Weymouth Rd, Manurewa

New ZealandDhaka, BangladeshNew Zealand (heading to Thailand, 2000)MacauLae, Papua New GuineaChandpur, BangladeshTripura, IndiaChandpur, BangladeshDhaka, BangladeshDhaka, BangladeshDhaka, BangladeshNew Zealand (Home Assignment)Chandpur, BangladeshNew Zealand (Final Leave)Bangalore, India

working for Marketplaces International, please write to

h t t p : / / w w w . t r a n z s e n d . o r g . n z / y 2 k . h t m


Lord, give me patience! I decided to go into the telephoneaccounts office and pay the phone bill. Here in Bangladeshwe are not sent phone bills through the post. You have to gointo the telephone office and ask to pay your bill every threeor four months. So in I went and paid four months of bills.The operation went remarkably smoothly. It was almost toogood to be true.

Two days later the line went dead. So I went to the localline office and complained.

"Yes sir, we'1l have our man round straight away to checkthe line."

Two days later it's still dead. So I go in again."Sorry sir, the man who does your street is away at a

funeral and won't be back for a few days."I persisted, "Isn't there someone else who could do it?""Sorry sir that's against the rules."Lord, give me patience.After three days the man has come back from the funeral

and reports that there is nothing wrong with our line."It must be an exchange fault. You have to go to another

office and find out."Lord, give me patience.Sally decides she will go in and try to find out what is

happening. She has been without e-mails for ten days nowand is rather annoyed. She goes to the top man, the GM(General Manager). But she has to wait for ten minutesoutside his office as no one can go straight in. Finally she isushered in. The GM looks disdainfully at the foreignwoman.

"Yes?"Sally explains."It's a cable fault. Go and see my number two on the fifth

floor."Lord, give me patience.Sally goes to the number two."Yes Madame, I'll have it fixed within the hour."So Sally goes home feeling quite successful.But it was too easy. The line is still dead two days later.

So Richard takes a day off from the CCTB to do somedetective work. He rings another missionary to find out if hehas any "friends" in the telephone office. He does. SoRichard goes to the friend, the Assistant Regional Engineer.

"Yes Sir, I'll get my people at the exchange to check theproblem." Richard waits. We chat about New Zealand. Wechat about justice and God, righteousness, honesty and thecoming judgment. Finally the phone rings.

"I have good news, sir. There is no cable fault. Yourphone has been cut off because you didn't pay your phonebill."

Lord, give me patience.

So Richard makes another weary trek to the accountsoffice, in a different part of town. It's getting late. They'll beclosed in two hours and then closed two more days for theweekend.

"Lord please help me to get it sorted out today."I run up the four flights of stairs to see my accounts

'friend', whom I'd paid the money to two weeks ago. Hedoesn't appear to be there so I ask another man. He points tobehind his desk and there he is on all fours, his head bobbingup and down doing his Muslim prayers.

I sit down and wait. It is forbidden to interrupt a persondoing his Muslim prayers. He finishes after four or fiveminutes.

"Sorry Sir we're closed now. You'll have to come backin three days."

I plead with him, appealing to our friendship and gentlystroking his arm as a Muslim sign of trust and affection.

"No, sorry, we've locked up all the account books. It'snearly 5pm and we're tidying up."

I look at the clock. It is 4:20pm. I look around at the eightmen sitting, smoking, and reading the newspapers. Angerand frustration begin to rise up within me.

Lord, give me patience."Please, brother, please." He looks at me with a pained

expression, "Oh all right."He gets the book out and checked. "That's funny, I've

given you another person's account to pay. You have paid foranother person."

Lord, give me patience."Yes, yes, I must have turned two pages over together. It

happens now and again."I decide to persevere. "Look I need the phone on today.

You have wasted my time and taxi fares to other offices. Youought to help me."

"No, no. We are closing now, come back in three days."Lord, give me patience.I play my trump card. "Look, I could make trouble for you

with your boss. Just ring the exchange and tell them to popthe fuse back in and everything will be OK. It will only taketwo minutes."

His face turns ashen."Oh no, that's against the rules. You will have to talk to

my superior."I look at the clock. It is 4:45. We run to the superior's

office. He has a queue of four men with problems sitting infront of his huge desk. We jump the queue and quicklyexplain the problem. He doesn't even look up.

"Sit down and wait."Lord, give me patience.I don't sit down but retain my composure."I have an emergency, I must have the phone on today."He doesn't even look up. "No it's closing time. Come

back in three days." Lord, give me patience.I smile sweetly, glancing at the wall clock. It is 4:55."Please try, I will pray for you." He tells an underling to

make inquiries, and he exits.I bow my head and pray, "Lord, please keep the workers

at the exchange, please and... Lord, give me patience."After five minutes the underling returns, "No they've all

gone home but Allah willing it will be done in three days."I look at the clock. It is 5pm and the employees are all filing

out of the office. The superior smiles at me as he leaves.I return home, with good news and bad news for Sally. I

have found out what the problem was but there is still nophone till Sunday, God willing Oh and another thing,God gave me lots of patience.

"Thank you Lord".

Is this too good to be true or what? According to The Hunger Site's "Hunger Facts" page,about 24,000 people die every day from hunger or hunger-related causes. This is down from35,000 ten years ago, and 41,000 twenty years ago. Three-fourths of the deaths are childrenunder the age of five. Today 10% of children in developing countries die before the age offive. This is down from 28% fifty years ago. The Hunger Site is committed to helping YOUalleviate this world hunger! All you have to do is contact www.thehungersite.com and pushthe "Donate Food" button (not more than once a day) and they will, thanks to their sponsors,donate enough food to feed some hungry person in the world.

The site is organised by the United Nations World Food Programme and there are pages toanswer any questions the reader has about the project. The sponsors listed on the "Sponsors Page"are various American firms who can, it appears, sponsor food for a day, seven days, or longer.

The site appears to be receiving between 60,000 and 150,000 hits a day which means thatoften over 100,000 cups of food are distributed through five UN organisations mentioned onthe "Hunger Resources" page. Exactly where the people fed are, isn't mentioned but manypapers around the world have carried stories extolling the virtues of the site. Consider this fromthe September 17, 1999 edition of The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - "The Net haspushed back many boundaries, including that of human compassion. A web site that allowsanyone to donate food to the starving without paying? It sounds too good to be true, but a newUS venture, The Hunger Site, has achieved exactly that, channelling the cold, financial logicof online advertising to the wanner, social purposes of charity. Hunger Site users are met bya map of the world. Every 3.6 seconds, a country somewhere flashes black, signifying a deathdue to hunger. India ... China ... Mozambique ... country after country dims in memoriam.".

Sounds too good to be true, but worth a visit to give the old donation button a quick push!

The Hunger SitePolicy on Spamming

Link: http://www.thehungersite.com/cqi-bin/donate.pl

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Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger; 3/4 of the deaths are children under 5.When a country dims on this map, it signifies a death from hunger in that country.

Click on this button to make a free donation of food to hungry people around theworld. Our sponsors pay for your donation, which you can make once every day.

h t t p : / / w w w . t r a n z s e n d . o r g . n z / y 2 k . h t m


BUILDING FOR THE

FUTUREBaptist Pastors attend Caleb Course

tors to attend the intensivethree-week training course.

Rev Peter Evans, pastorof Petone Baptist Church,said he was not disappointed.

"I went to the course withparticular expectations," hesaid. "These had arisen outof an increasing personalconcern that churches werelooking for managementtechnique rather than leader-ship ability. I was also con-cerned that pastors were in-creasingly being cast asCEOs rather than guides andfacilitators of people's rela-tionship with God."

Peter Evans said he wastrying to understand betterthe relationship betweenmanagement and leadership,and seeking particular skillsfor himself and for the churchas a whole. He was impressedby the "wealth of content"offered and by the way par-

ticipants were given goodmodels for the task of trans-mitting these skills to others.

"We heard, we saw, andwe experienced," he said."Overall I would rate thiscourse as the best value forpractical and transferablematerial of any I have at-tended in 30 plus years ofministry. I wish I'd knownsome of this stuff many yearsago."

Rev Brian Kening, pas-tor of the Invercargill Cen-tral Baptist Church, said thelearning environment createdgave a sense of faith, hopeand optimism and he praisedthe "strategic investment" ofthe BSDS in sponsoring pas-tors.

"I believe a culture willbe created in our movementwhere faith and excellencein leadership is greatly en-hanced," he said.

GOD POURS OUT HISSPIRIT FOR A PURPOSE

Business Manager

At Carey Baptist College we are approaching the thirdmillennium with fresh enthusiasm and renewed vision.

Mission is the air we breathe and the backdrop to all wedo as we train people for pastoral leadership and for themarketplace from within an evangelical ethos.

We now need to strengthen the leadership team within thecollege by appointing a Business Manager.

The appointee will be responsible for the management ofthe administrative and financial systems within the College.Experience in promotional work and marketing would bean advantage. The appointee will know God's call to thisrole and be both a skilled communicator and a proventeam player, able to take their place alongside the Principalin helping set the direction for the College and ensuringthe destination is reached.

Applications (with CV enclosed) to:

Paul Windsor (Principal)

Carey Baptist College,

PO Box 12149, Auckland 6, New Zealand

Ph: (64 9) 525 4017, Fax (64 9) 525 4096

Email: paulscarey.ac.nz

BAPTIST C O L L E G E

Closing date for applications: Monday, November 22,1999

by Tim PaigeIn 1995 I spent a year at

the Bible College of NewZealand. In the first six monthsthe hot discussion topic wasthe "Toronto Blessing." Therewere organised forums andmeetings, and many informaldiscussions over the diningtable. But by the end of theyear it seemed interest hadwaned and Toronto hardlywarranted a mention.

This seemed strange tome, yet also consistent withmy previous experiences ofecstatic spiritual outpourings.I've no doubt God did anddoes minister through hisSpirit in dramatic and super-natural ways. I'm also suresome of God's people takewhat God is doing and try tooutrun him, creating some ofthe excesses of these events.The question is, why did theoutpouring stop?

At my home church theleaders are convinced weneed to experience more ofGod's spiritual anointing onwhat we do. Pockets of thishave happened in the pastbut they have not been sus-tained. Again, why not?

Maybe we need to askwhy God pours out his Spiritin the first place.

In the examples of HolySpirit manifestation in Scrip-ture there is a distinct pattern

of events. The most cel-ebrated of these would beActs 2, sometimes referredto as "the birthday of thechurch." The believers werewaiting on God, the power ofthe Spirit fell on them, andimmediately they began de-claring the praises of God tothe international visitors, intheir own varied languages.

One possible reason forlack of longevity in thesemoves of God's Spirit is thatwe do nothing with it. Manypeople are grateful for thisempowering, and find theirlives edified by the experience.But what happens next? Doesit result in anything more thanthe blessing of an individual?

As I look back on my life,I can see the pattern of Acts 2emerging. There have beentwo distinct occasions when Ihave been literally floored bythe power of God's Spirit.The first time it occurred waswhen I was at a meeting wherethese things were happeningto others. I'd witnessed manymiraculous things over theyears but never experiencedany myself.

Since I was about to em-bark on a short mission tripto Europe, I was being prayedfor along with some others.The next thing I rememberwas getting up from the floor,unsure how long I'd been

lying there. Looking back, Inow recognise this, and someother key events, as part ofGod's preparation for mymissionary endeavours.

This is why God pours outhis Spirit: we are being blessedtobeablessing. 1 Corinthians12 lists some of what the Spiritenables us to do. There's nopoint in receiving the gift ofteaching unless we teach.Likewise with healing,apostleship, helping and soon. God pours out his Spiritso we might be equipped forhis service. Surely if we failto respond he is going to stopthe flow. If we want to expe-rience more of the Spirit'swork in our lives, we must becontinually giving away whatwe have received.

A song we've been sing-ing recently in our fellow-ship spells out what our atti-tude needs to be regardingthe outpouring of God'sSpirit in our lives:Holy Spirit we invite youTo fill this placeFill us with your mighty

powerThat we might know your

awesome grace.May the love of Jesus be re-

vealed,That broken bodies, hearts

and lives be healed;Holy Spirit we invite youTo fill this place.

ONE HUNDRED BAPTISTS TO HELP SPREAD

TIME MILLENNIUM BUGCarey Foundation is looking for 100 people who will give $2000 each

to help spread the millennial message of the Kingdom of God.This will enable the Foundation to increase its financial base by

$200,000 as we enter the new millennium

Carey Baptist College Foundation, is already engaged in:

Financially helping in the training and equipping of Carey's staff

Providing financial support for training and preparation of men andwomen with future potential for leadership in Mew Zealand and over-

seas

Providing financial support for in-service training of current pastors andleaders of our churches

Give a one-off gift of $2000

Spread the gift over a period that suits you

Provide the gift through your estate

This exciting opportunity to be part of the provision (or ministry comesonly once in a thousand years! Catch the bug now

CONTACT: Tom Cadman38 Wolsley Ave Milford, Auckland

Phone (09) 4102958Email. [email protected]

"...he praised the "strategic investment"of the BSDS in sponsoring pastors."

by Wayne WrightCaleb Ministries is a non-

profit, interdenominationalministry which was begunby Christian leaders in Aus-tralia some nine years ago.The initial board representedleaders from Protestantchurches and mission groupswho were concerned thatmany church and missionleaders lacked the practicalskills required to developthriving ministries.

The Caleb organisationwanted to see these minis-tries transformed throughsound training in attitudes,habits and leadership skills.As senior leaders began tothink and practise effectiveleadership habits, so theywould begin to transformtheir team.

This year the Baptist Sav-ings and Development Soci-ety sponsored 23 Baptist pas-


By Rob BellinghamIn America GM stands for General Motors. In the UK,

Europe and Down Under it means "genetically modified."This may have been the issue of the year in Godzone. Ofcourse, in an election year there have been others and abusehas certainly been up there. But the GM issue erupted midyear and is unlikely to go away for some time yet.

The furore thus far has been about food, and our right toknow what we are buying and digesting. The decision tolabel all foods in New Zealand has been postponed twice sofar and is now a post-election issue. Not so in the UK,, whereit became compulsory in restaurants from the beginning ofSeptember. Despite a six month lead-in time, a month laterhalf the eating places surveyed did not know if they wereserving GM foods and many others claimed their foodcontained no modified ingredients. Only one, however,could give details to support its claim. The British attemptto guarantee consumer choice hasn't worked so far!

Essentially genetic modification of plants gives themimmunity not to pests but to pesticides. This means theycan be sold in combination with, or doused with, weedkillers to produce a uniform crop of standard quality andmaturity, for easy management, harvesting and processing.Some of the tinkering also increases growth, for betteryields and profits.

For the ecologists, the danger of this process is that non-modified seeds, the basic stock of our environment and thesource of variety, is killed off by the chemicals so we end upwith only the "improved" strains. For the consumer thequestion mark hovers over the effect the chemicals might behaving on our bodies. The dilemma is that the evidence isnon-conclusive and the changes long term.

In England, Mad Cow Disease is now part of the collec-tive consciousness. For some animals, force-fed on geneti-cally modified grain, the brain became addled, and becausethe same symptoms have shown up in humans, there isunderstandable concern.

America, where the practice is most widespread, seems lessconcerned. The reasons may include a greater trust in politi-cians, the persuasive power of the multinationals, or addictionto convenience foods. Scientists disagree over whether therecan be a link between food intake and the human cell structure.

The main beneficiaries of GM products are the multina-tional seed and chemical companies. The farmers profit also.We, the consumers, have more choices and less. Supermar-ket shelves are filled with products but we don't yet know ifthey are natural or not. Both we and our children deserve thatinformation.Rob Bellingham has discovered that the problem is global,political and solvable.

PLAYING GOD WITH DOLLYBy Daniel Walker Guido

WASHINGTON (BP)—Scottish Scientists who cloneda sheep named Dolly havediscovered there's a few prob-lems in playing God. Three-year-old Dolly, it seems, hascells that are aged 9.

The scientists had hopedcloning would allow them tocreate more youthful copiesof human beings. Instead,they found that Dolly is ag-ing far more rapidly than herbiological age, according torecent news reports.

While a molecular studyof her cells indicate she isnow 9, further tests will beneeded to see if she contin-ues to age at a more rapidpace than normal. Dolly wasoriginally cloned from a 3-year-old ewe.

"The announcement thatDolly may be older than herchronological age is chill-ing," said C. Ben Mitchell,consultant on biomedical andlife issues for the SBC Ethicsand Religious Liberty Com-mission and assistant profes-sor of Christian ethics atSouthern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary, Louisville, Ky.

Current cloning technol-ogy "may prove useful in the

future, but it's much too earlyto tell. The potential for dis-aster is so great, we mustproceed with extreme cau-tion. And we must never usethis technology to attempt toreproduce human beings,"Mitchell said.

"It's one thing to experi-ment on cloning sheep, butquite another to clone humanbeings. We know so littleabout the short- and long-term implications of cloning,we must resist in every waypossible any efforts to clonea human being," Mitchellsaid. "The announcementunderscores the necessity ofinternational regulationsagainst human cloning. Wedo not have the scientific ormoral capacity to handle thistechnology applied to hu-mans."

Dolly's dilemma sug-gests that clones inherit notonly the genes, but appar-ently also the age of the ani-mals from which they aremade.

"It sounds like the worstof our fantasies about clon-ing, combining the inexperi-ence of youth with the biol-ogy of the aged," said Tho-mas H. Murray, president of

the Hastings Center, a Garri-son, N.Y.,-based ethics thinktank and a member of theNational Bioethics AdvisoryCommission that prepared areport on human cloning forthe president, in a story in TheWashington Post May 27.

The Post reported scien-tists said Dolly's rapid agingfascinated them. Her caseraises scientific and philo-sophical questions about thegenetics of aging, the rela-tionship between biologicaland chronological time andwhat it means to grow old.

Researchers told The Postthat as a result of inheritingthe 3-year-old ewe's six yearsof genetic wear and tear,Dolly will die that muchsooner than would otherwisebe expected.

"It is like starting a tripwith a gas tank that is onlyhalf full," Calvin Harley,chief scientific officer atGeron Corp. in Menlo Park,Calif., told the Post. Thecompany is developing tech-nology to slow or reversegenetic aging. "It is not go-ing to affect the beginningof your trip, but it is going toaffect how or when the tripends."


GENETICALLY MODIFIED!


CENTRALDISTRICTS

WELLINGTON

TOP OF THESOUTH

BLENHEIMPastor Ernest Stevenson,Youth Worker Aaron Salisbury10 am, 7 pm

The EDGE fortnightly on Sun-day evenings - lively music,

CANTERBURY &WESTLAND

OTAGO &SOUTHLAND

BALCLUTHA10.30 am

Numberof church meetings wereheld here which were of a com-bined nature - AGM of BMFOtago/Southland Association,also week of lunchtime medita-tions for Christian Unity in whichpeople from other churches inBalclutha met to meditate on theeternal city (Rev. 21). During thePastor's holiday, Keith Aitken(Caversham) and Robyn Miles(North East Valley) were guestpreachers. Recent visitors FayeBlakemore (South Island Con-sultant for Baptist Care) andGraeme Murray (President of theBaptist Union) and his wife.

Baptist Care Ltd

Executive OfficerWe are looking for someone to manage our

National Office and day to day operations of theCompany which the successful applicant needsto be able to identify with and support the spe-

cial nature of this company.

Enquiries to:Netti Holm, The Chairperson,

Baptist Care, PO Box 3120, Hamilton

LEARN THEBIBLE!

CHURCHES

BELL BLOCKPastor Keith Calder

Our Youth Group hosted theSouth African Band 'MIC' in Julyand The Lads' in August. 350-400 Youth came, moshed andenjoyed good Christian music.Y-One took a Youth Service inAugust. In September 160 peo-ple attended the 1999 BaptistBall and After Ball, featuringthe band 'Convoy'. The youngpeople's verdict of the night - 'Itrocked!, Fully went off. Wealso enjoyed a visit from DawnWithers. Andrew Bedford hasbeen accepted for the 2000 Y-One Touring Team.

ELTHAMPastor David Lee

The church has been excitedabout the coming of the newPastor and welcome Dave &Beth Lee from Motueka.Church members have beenbusy upgrading the manse andmany new interior decoratingskills have been developed.The 16 months without a Pas-tor has seen a developing ofmany skills in the church, par-ticularly in the area of preach-ing. Children's Ministry-Dyna-mite Bay, is completing its newtheme 'Star Wars' - a look atthe conflict between good andevil.

HASTINGSAs a church family we havebeen greatly blessed throughthe interim ministry of Rev.Gordon Mill. Our prayers andblessings will follow him as heand Lynette leave to commencetheir work in Thames. We as achurch eagerly look forward toa new chapter in our church'slife as we welcome our newpastor, Paul & Joy Davison andfamily in October. A largenumber enjoyed the "GuessWho's Coming to Lunch" re-cently.

NAPIERPastor Graeme Birch, YouthPastor Barry Edwards10 am, 7 pm

Concert, portrait sessions andgarage sale raised funds forBethel Christian Kindergarten.Encouraging growth in severalareas of the Young People'swork. Following AGM two newElders and four new Deaconswere commissioned, making anexcellent team. Mike & HeatherHocking commence pastoralinternship early 2000. PrayerCo-Ordinator Elsbeth Patersonleading and promoting prayerfocus. Different ministry high-lighted each week. EnjoyedTRANZSEND workers, SharonScarrow, Elizabeth Jones, JoySmith and Ian Robertson.

NEW PLYMOUTHUnder Pastors Mike Enright and

Stuart Helms, numerous min-istries have sprouted in last fewyears. 1999 Annual Reportmentioned 24 separate minis-tries or church-related activi-ties. 'Mainly music' has 150families on roll. Many activitiesheld for elderly. First Alphacourse held. "Family groups"meet monthly, valuableoutreach. Most ambit iousoutreach programme been inMarfell district. Work there nowwell underway with children'sclub and Bible-in-Schools. Wel-comed Konise family who areat cutting edge of Marfelloutreach. Lorraine Goodwinappointed as Community Mis-sion Worker.

NEW PLYMOUTH WESTRevs. Andrew & Xanthia Bollen

Sermons and studies have fo-cused on the Kingdom view ofmoney and integrating ratherthan separating our world andGod's view. Developing a com-munity of hope will be our nexttheme. Our team's trip to Fijiwas great success, alreadystarted planning for another inthe future. Sonshine Gang, ourpuppeteers, provide valued in-put in services. Children ex-cited about producing a Christ-mas musical.

PALMERSTON NORTHCENTRALHave enjoyed Jim Skett's in-terim ministry with us and aredelighted he has accepted ourinvitation to Permanent Staffas Assistant Pastor. Lookingforward to David & LynMcChesney's ministry to us asSenior Pastor when they arrivethis month. Have held two greatfamily nights - an Arabian nightand an Auction night to raisefunds for a Church Camp forour Chinese Fellowship Group.Enjoyed hosting over 200women for the recent BaptistWomen's Conference.

CARTERTONThere has been a call to prayerwith regards to the financialsituation of the church. Newforms of outreach are beingsought. We hope to introducea monthly tea meeting with bi-ble study to follow in addition toregular home groups the otherweeks. Have been blessed byPartnership in Mission team.Good attendances at meetingsin schools, homes and church.The team worked very hard butsaid they had been blessedduring the weekthey spent withus.

TAWA-LINDENRev. Alan Missen, Daryl Judd10.30 am, 7 pm

Had several baptisms, wel-comed new members. Groupshave appreciated pot lucklunches at manse. Experi-enced several bereavements

WELLINGTON SOUTHRev. Bruce White10 am

Following on from "Setting YourChurch Free" process of 1998,two services of reconciliationhave taken place with previousministers. Both services werehealing and meaningful. Net-work Course proved helpful andwill be repeated. Rick & AnnWeymouth (MECO) sharedwith us while on furlough.Farewelled Barry & MargaretCharles for short term missionwork in Belarus. Kerry & AnnieHilton and children sharedabout their call to Calcutta.Church building upgrade plansprogressing. Working togetherwith local churches continues.

UPPER HUTTPastors Doug Stevenson, CraigBraun, Graham Small

Were disappointed to receiveresignation of our Pastor butwe wish Doug & Ethel well asthey travel to Seattle to take upan appointment in next year.Very successful Alpha coursehas concluded, second follow-ing. 14 members attendedseminars at SaddlebackChurch, California and Hillsong,Sydney. Michele Rodley andClaire Braakman commis-sioned Girls' Brigade officers.Karen Rodley going to work inMiddle East next year. Stu &Ruth Corlett leave in May towork in Thailand. Playgroupexcellent outreach.

RIMUTAKAPastor David Dell9.55 am

A three day Childrens Pro-gramme held over holidays withapprox. 100 children attend-ing. Girls' Brigade Companycelebrated 25th anniversaryrecently. Also held a success-ful McDonalds HamburgerNight, raising $400+. OpenTable Community Meal in re-cess for re-evaluation of theareas needs. "God's OwnChristmas" musical to takeplace over six performancesplus "Carols by Candlelight",both involving a number ofschools within the area. PastorDavid has resigned, farewelltaking place in December.

including Alison Metcalfe, wifeof former pastor Arthur. BMFspeakers included Sue & JohnOsborne, Elizabeth Jones, JoySmith. Young people enjoyedweekend sports camp and ski-ing trip. "Hot Tips for Marriage"seminar conducted by Ian &Mary Grant well attended.Wellington Male Voice Choirsang at Father's Day service.Peter Blake appointed ChurchSecretary. Liselle Woodfarewelled for missionary train-ing in England.

drama, poems, speaking, songgeared to under 21's ofBlenheim community. Focus:creative presentation of Christ,challenging commitment toGod. Opportunity for commit-ment and prayer afterwards.Three baptisms recently. Sup-portive presence of not-so-young encourages the team.The Cave, 30 years old, meetsin appropriately designed"shed", reaches unchurched YPThursdays. Games, socialis-ing, friendship attracts about30 kids, growing rapidly. In-cludes 15 minute youth-issuestalk, brings challenge from bib-lical perspective.

MOTUEKA10 am, 7 pm

Another Alpha course beingheld. Sunday evening CafeService "7 o'clock Live" bring-ing blessing to many. Sevenchildren baptised, some werededicated as babies by ourPastor and each shared mes-sage of how God had spokento follow Him in baptism. Wel-come to John & Dot Freemanand boys, also Shane Hamil-ton's fiance. Farewelled Pas-tor David & Beth Lee to Elthamafter pastoring here for 12years, laying great foundationfor future work. We thank Godfor their love and care.

STOKERev. Wayne Fraser 10.30 amEnglishPastor Tay Un Hui 10.30 amMandarinRefurbished rooms off Churchauditorium enjoyed by childrenattending "Discovery Club" dur-ing services. Third HomeGroup commenced. Two Sun-day evening workshops wereentitled "Finding Your WayAround The Bible". Coffee &Dessert fellowship eveningheld. AGM brought some con-cern re giving. Love offering forBronwyn Moore's mission tripto Philippines. Good start to4th term after school Kids' Pro-gramme. Congratulations toInge Koevoet on success atNational Gym Competitions.Aaron Galey-Young training asNavy Chef.Births

ASHBURTONRev. Ian Crawford10.30 am

Weekend of blessing, encour-agement and inspiration whenMarjory Gibson visited. Alphagroups have concluded, onebaptism resulting. Ex Alphagroup for discipling begun.Worship Seminar led by teamfrom St. Albans motivated ourWorship team to deeper com-mitment. Successful LadiesDinner held, guest speaker lo-cal New Life Pastor's wife. CobiJohns led a beautiful eveningof music and dance. Severalmissionaries have shared.

AVONHEADRevs. Chris Finlay, llene Allan,Michael Treston9 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

OXFORD TERRACERev. Scot Cadman

Church dinner held to helpDavid & Virginia with their pro-jected trip to Bangladesh andHong Kong. Number of peoplewent to Eyre Lodge near Ox-ford for a Church Camp basedon the Alpha material. A poolparty and tea was held for fami-lies with children, which wasgreat fun for all. Social evening

MALVERNPastor Roger Blakemore

Matthew Lawrence going on"Teen Mission" trip to Fiji. View-ing of his art work and bowlsevening fundraisers. At a PotLuck Tea, Kerry & Annie Hiltonchallenged us on serving thepoor. Joy Smith and ElizabethJones with Canterbury BMF leftus amazed. McArthur familywith YWAM to work in Cambo-dia. Rhododrendron donatedto Darfield Millennium Garden.Five home groups operating,being asked to take part in serv-ices. Video "The Grace of Je-sus Christ" shown at Men'sMeeting.

NORTH AVONRevs. Lindsay Lash and MikeColeman

Delta Fellowship continues tothrive with two baptisms re-cently. Kids Club is attractingup to twelve children and weare blessed with dedicated andinnovative leaders. In Septem-ber two members were mar-ried during the morning servicewhich provided an opportunityfor the church family to cel-ebrate together. Lindsay, in aninteresting series on Jeremiah,has shown that human naturedoes not change and the OldTestament has great relevancefor today.

LINCOLNInterim Pastor Rev. PeterHurricks10 am every Sunday, 7 pmevery 3rd Sunday

Property redevelopment hasgone to the Council for Re-source Consent and it looks asthough this will be granted.Pastor Peter has been with usfive months and his work isgreatly appreciated. He is look-ing for a permanent pastorate.Had a very enjoyable ChurchCamp at Woodend with guestspeaker Paul Askin. We areawaiting a reply from a CareyBaptist College exist student toa call to the pastorate.

Planning consent received andtenders let for replacement ofnon-auditorium facilities. Ga-rage sale and musical soireeamong fundraisers. MichaelTreston and Warren Judkinsordained to full-time ministry,Michael as Associate Pastor(Youth) at Avonhead and War-ren to church planting role atWanaka. Graeme Murray guestspeaker at dinner meeting forteachers and educators.Vivienne Payton accepted bySIM for short term mission op-portunity in Ecuador. FRED,our short term FM station of-fered many the opportunity totry their broadcasting skills.

held for children and others inSeptember.

PAPANUIRev. Fraser Campbell, PastorJean Bruce10 am

Creative Expressions of Wor-ship service was opportunityfor creative to share their tal-ents. Groups participating inCommunity Ministries serviceincluded 'mainly music', Dyna-mite Bay, Mission Possible andCommunity Language School.Powerful personal testimoniesare regular feature of Sundaymorning services. Men's Campheld and fortnightly men'sprayer meetings begun. Regu-lar Orientation Groups continuefor new people to church. Plan-ning for community centre beengiven longer time frame. BarnDance organised by 'mainlymusic' enjoyed by all.

PARKLANDSSenior Pastor Rev. RogerSpicer, Assistant Pastor Rev.Allastair Saunders10.30 am, 7 pm

Been in new church building 12months, proving to be realblessing, more functional andmore room. Fortnightly eveningservice has Youth Group con-tributing the music, with vari-ous guest speakers encourag-ing and challenging them. Mis-sion Task Force appointed aim-ing to heighten greater aware-ness of overseas missions, thismonth 10:40 window. Hosting"Meet The Candidates" meet-ing with six political parties rep-resentatives speaking and an-swering questions, to which ourlocal community have been in-vited.

RANGIORASenior Pastor Ivan Button, As-sistant Graham Read10 am, 7 pm

Church buildings sold at last.Plan of new church being cir-culated around congregationfor approval. Office space onmain street generously donatedrent-free. Mission interest high.Joy & Angela Johnson did theReconciliation Walk acrossEurope, culminating in a greatgathering for prayer inEphesus. Jim Wescombe andBen LeQueta to India to sup-port and encourage the DhaktiBhil people, many of whom areturning to the Lord. We areresponsible for the nationalevangelists who work amongthem.

WILSON STREETHolidays brought a bonus ofwell thought and interactivechildren's talks by volunteers.Pathfinders (Sunday School)ministry is reaching 50 or moreper week, which causes a re-assessment of future scope andexpansion of this work. Also aneed for more leaders. A NewBeginnings Outreach (Psalm34:18) for teens is underway ata favourite central city gather-ing place on Friday or Saturdaynights. Run by our young peo-ple, it seeks to provide a pow-erful witness.with guest speak-ers and music.

GORE10.30 am

Our own people continue tobring inspiring messages. Youthgroup led service recently andchallenged everyone. AnOutreach group has beenstarted, focusing on rugby. ThePastoral Search Team continueto work steadily towards findinga pastor for the church. MrsJean Hollis has been in hospitalfor several weeks.

GREEN ISLANDPastor Kelvin Tetlow

Second Alpha course celebra-tion dinner held, third course com-menced. Luncheon held everysix weeks following morning serv-ice, good time of fellowship. OurPastor and his wife about to startthird term at Bible College, wepray these studies will be encour-aging and spiritually fulfilling forthem and for us. Two of our menattended Promise Keepers andwere greatly encouraged in theirChristian walk. Home groups stillwell attended, and for those whoattend very helpful in theirchristianwalk.

OAMARUPastor Bruce McKay10 am

As we look back over the year wecanbethankfulfortheCellGroupsthat are bearing fruit in many lives.Famous annual MissionaryFundraising Sale was best yetprofit wise. After several monthsof waiting our fellowship has wel-comed theappointmentofaYouthLeader. Tony & Miriam were com-missioned in October. We give allpraise and thanks to God for hisgoodness to us this year.

SOUTH DUNEDINPastor Peter Appleton10.30 am

Two baptisms, three new mem-bers. Family service with Girls'and Boys' Brigades, SundaySchool, Youth Group and Rain-bow Day Care Centre taking part.Craft and cake stall very success-ful. Plans finalised for new halland daycare centre. Annual Re-port revealed how many involvedin various ministry areas. Lookforward to anotheryear of workingtogether for the good of theWHOLE body. Dr. Carl Wielandvisiting speaker, topic Creation - akey to Dynamic Witnessing.

In TouchTV1 Sunday 7:00am

In touch ministries is the teaching ministry of Dr Charles Stanley seniorpastor of the 1st Baptist Church of Atlanta, USA.

The In Touch programme can be heard in every nation on earth viaradio or television broadcasts. It has been broadcast on TV1 sinceApril last year and has been a source of blessing to hundreds.

An early wake up call or a recording on your VCR is well worthwhile.

Mission StatementTo lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and tostrengthen the local church.


BirthsCarter, to Julie and Mike(Papanui) a son, Matthew Rich-ardCoulter, to Belinda and Tim(Taupo) a daughter, HannahJudithCoulter, to Charlyn and Peter(Wilson St, Timaru) a daughter,Annabel MayDobson, to Helen and Neil(Palmerston North Central) ason,MatthewEdwards, to Linda and Bruce(Mt. Albert) a daughter, RebeccaKateGreen-Willms, to Noelle andAllan (Papanui) ason, NathanaelGalenHaysham, to Joanne and Jeremy(Taupo) a son, Jarryd DavidLove, to Caroline and David(Avonhead) a son, BenjaminMartin, to Jay and Al (Northcote& missionaries with Interserve) ason, Zac MarshallMills, to Diana and Roy(Palmerston North Central) adaughter, FlorencePreston, to Lewis and Julie(Napier) a son, Calvin ThomasRobertshaw, to Tim and Adele(Rimutaka) a daughter, HollyIsabelle Grace

Rowan, to Noni and Jeff(Palmerston North Central) adaughter, EmmaRyan, to Jane and Haydden (BellBlock) a daughter, KaitlynWadsworth, to Robyn and Peter(Wellington South) a daughterWallace, to Carolyn and Ross(Rimutaka) a daughter, CaitlinWaller, to Louise and Glen (NorthAvon) a daughter, Isabell RoseMargaret

EngagementsBirch-Goodwin, Darren to Cheri(Taupo)Boswell-Palfreyman, Ritchardto Louise (Manurewa)Cameron-Toop, Scott to Erica(Palmerston North Central)Hutchinson-Caterer, Adam(Papanui) to Colleen (in Cambo-dia)Shaw-Hey, Eric (Tapanui) toBarbara (Chiangmai - Stratford)Whitmore-Smith, Mark toVanessa (Bell Block)

MarriagesBaker-Taege, Gary to Luana(Papanui)Burgess-King, Tony to Sandy(Ashburton)Comrie-Fraser, Brian to Pauline(North Avon)Farr-Rutherford, Arthur toBeatrix (Manukau Central)Jones-Kelly, Larry to Pauline(Manukau Central)McDonald-Searle, Hamish(Timaru) to Janine (Tawa) inAucklandNoble-Rasiah, Peter to Ishani(Wellington South)Pritchard-Matthews, Craig toSusan (Palmerston North Cen-tral)Richards-Telfer, Anthony toAnke (Kawakawa)Saywell-MacCarthy, Vaughanto Christine (Taupo)Smith-Roberts, Andrewto Helena(Palmerston North Central)

WeddingAnniversariesAinsworth, Bill and Betty(Avonhead) - 59 yearsAllan, Stuart and Vida (Gore) -60 yearsGaraway, Eric and Flora(Whakatane) - 57 yearsGrubb, Frank and Branda(Napier) - 54 yearsHawkes, Trevor and Beverley(Ashburton) - 25 yearsMiller, John and Beryl (Napier) -57 yearsMills, Fred and Jean (Northcote)- 40 yearsOlding, Lindsay and Gilian (Mt.Roskill) - 25 yearsSmith, Howard and Beryl (Tawa-Linden) - 50 yearsTodd, George and Marion (BellBlock) - 40 years

SpecialBirthdaysBrown, Frank (Whakatane) - 80yearsBrown, Lynne (Milford)Burgess, Jean (Milford)Collis, Ed (Oxford Terrace) - 70yearsCope, Tom (Milford)Dyet, Miriam (Whakatane) - 85yearsFarnath, Pam (Mt. Roskill) - 80yearsHartnell, Dorothy (Milford)Jennison, Rachel (Avonhead) -96 yearsLaw, Joan (Whakatane) - 76yearsMcCann, John (Milford)McLaggan, Grace (Timaru) - 95yearsPeapell, Doris (Upper Hurt) - 88yearsPoulgrain, Trevor (Milford)Puddle, Mary (Kaiapoi) - 80years(wife of the late Rev. Roy Puddle)Read, Graham (Milford) - 70yearsSmith, Marie (Upper Hutt) - 80yearsThompson, Win (Asburton) - 88yearsTipper, Bernice (Wanganui Cen-tral) - 70 yearsWhitten, Jean (Thames) - 80years

DeathsBaldwin, Cath (Palmerston NorthCentral)Boman, Vera (Palmerston NorthCentral)Bowman, Martin (Taupo) - aged39 yearsBrewer, Jean (Palmerston NorthCentral)Burt, Dorothy (North Avon)Campbell, Jack (Northcote) -loved husband of Lyn who diedlast monthCarey, Raynor John (Taupo) -aged 89 yearsCaswell, David (Timaru) - lovedhusband of JennyCotgrove, Doris Violet(Wanganui Central) - aged 79yearsDonovan, Lorna (Mt. Albert)Gould, Arthur (Levin)Linton, Muriel (Rangiora) - be-loved wife of TomLong, Dulcie (Levin)Matheson, Frances Helen



Kiwi Prison Workers Meet in Bulgaria

(Taupo) - aged 39 yearsMeiklejohn, Doug (Tawa-Linden) - loved husband ofDorothyOrmsby, Murrey (Manurewa)Rosindale, Wilf (Rangiora) -loved husband of LizStewart, Bill (Palmerston NorthCentral)Tibbo, Margaret (Taupo) - aged61 years

BaptismsAshburton: Colleen WederellAvonhead: Ingrid Komen, Allan& Colleen WillardBell Block: Tim Bedford, MichelleJudge, Craig Leathley, LeanneParis, Merryn Rutherford, KellySmithBlenheim: Steve Folster, MikeJohnston, Jenny WoodDelta Fellowship (North Avon):Patricia Dry, Andy Kurawaka-CroweManurewa: Gerard Atkinson,Michelle Duffy, Saan WhitakerMotueka: Hannah Fenemor,Nathan Hall, Sarah Hall, PeterMoore, Thomas Newton, WilliamNewton, Michael Partridge, KenSquires, Ricci Squires, VivienneTodNapier: Christopher Beaven,Martyn GibbsPalmerston North Central: AlexBevan, Mr & Mrs Lin, Shi WenMo, Shelley McDonnell, AmyOlson, Stefan Olson, Mike WebbPapanui: Mike Beckingham,Benjamin Burgess, Kelly Davis,Daniel Heginbotham, TimothyNikita, Tinara Nikita, KatePatersonRangiora: Sascha Armstrong,Gregory Brown, Lucy Ferris,Oliver Ferris, Lena Moore,Tamara Phimmavanh, IanVosperRimutaka: Graeme TodTawa-Linden: Melvin Critchley,Ngaire Holden, Stephen Holden,Michael StewartWanganui East: Sylvia Yan

By Graeme TaylorTake 760 people from

109 countries, a widevariety of ethnic groupsand many different lan-guages. Find a commonpassion for Christianministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims andtheir families, and youhave a recipe for a spe-cial event.

Fifteen New Zea-landers recently travelledto Sofia, Bulgaria for aconvocation of PrisonFellowship International.PFNZ Chairman IanElliott and PFNZ Trus-tees Judge Stan Thorburnand Kim Workman werejoined by National Di-rector Graeme Taylorand Senior Prison Chap-lain Rev. Ian Dodge,along with several otherPFNZ volunteers.

Why Bulgaria, a na-

tion emerging from fiftyyears under a Commu-nist regime? One reasonwas to honour a signifi-cant development inprison ministry in theformer Eastern bloccountries. Largelythrough relationshipsgenerated with the Or-thodox Churches in thesenations, God is restoringspiritual ministry to pris-ons in Eastern Europethrough volunteers andmore recently throughofficially appointedchaplains.

Seminar topicsranged from "Alpha" inprisons to treating alco-hol and drug relatedcriminal behaviourthrough to the release ofnew programmes by theJustice Initiatives depart-ment of PFI. Here theNew Zealand content

was most noticeable aswe shared with PF min-istries worldwide one ofthe three Sycamore Treepilot programmes run atArohata Woman's Prisonand the results of this andother pilot programmes.

In many ways NewZealand is a leader in thecriminal justice field, andinitiatives developedhere tend to attract world-wide interest.

As he was about toleave Sofia, Rev. Dodgeasked, "How do you cap-ture all that we have ex-perienced here thisweek?"

Some said they hadbeen blessed to witnessthe amazing breadth ofthe Body of Christ asCatholics, Eastern Ortho-dox, Anglicans,Pentecostals and everyother expression of the

Body of Christ gatheredin unity to worship, prayand celebrate.

Everyone had beenchallenged by the mov-ing stories of forgivenessand reconciliationthrough Christ that werepart of the five-day pro-gramme. Individuals andgroups of people who hadbeen badly hurt had beenbrought to a place of heal-ing and wholeness fromwhich they would ulti-mately impact the livesof people from all overthe world.

PF volunteers andstaff went home moti-vated to continue serv-ing God in the darkest ofplaces - prisons - serv-ing the ones whom thebulk of society wouldrather forget - prisoners,ex-prisoners, victims ofcrime and their families.

Jesus said GOWhy not YOU

Why not NOW?"A pastor from the North called andasked for a missionary to come andhelp with training some of the pas-tors there - We have no one whocan go!" - Vaughan Telfer, OMSmissionary Mozambique.200 vacancies! Has He givenyou permission to stay?Ask - Seek - Knock - Write....

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Heroes will dominate the news over the next fewmonths. The media will spotlight the best players of theRugby World Cup and chart the build-up of the Ameri-ca's Cup. New Zealanders are proud of their sportingheroes. We love to follow their lives, their career andeach contract signed.

Positive heroes and role models are an important partof forming who we are in our youth, where our interestsare and what we may want to do when we grow up. In atelevision interview with the younger and newly chosenmembers of the All Black World Cup squad, many playersremarked that as school boys they had watched MichaelJones rugby career and had wanted to be like him.

There are, of course, extremes in hero following. Andwearing your underwear on the outside only worked forSuperman.

A hero of mine is a man called CTStudd. I was givena book about him a few years ago. The book was quiteold and didn't attract my attention. However, Scottish

winters did, and while hibernating from the cold I decidedto read this book.

CT Studd was an English cricket player who lived a fewdecades ago. He played for England at a young age and setrecords in cricket that weren't broken for many years. Inthose days he was the Jonah Lomu of his sport: when hewent out to play, people noticed. In his personal life hecame from a wealthy upper class family and was destinedto inherit his father's estate and title.

But for CT Studd the fame, wealth and sporting talentwasn't a purposeful life. Through a friend's influence Studdbecame a Christian and he knew that in doing so he had tobe obedient to God.

In seeking God's will for his life, Studd is credited withthese words:

"Some want to live within the sound of church andchapel bell.

I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell."For him that meant giving up his cricket and inheritance

to be a missionary in China.For CT Studd the urgency of following God's will was

more important than anything else in hislife. He showedme that to be a true hero was to follow God's eternalpurposes for my life.

The band Delerious sing about being a hero in theirsong History Maker from the CD King of Fools:

"Is it true today that when people pray, we'll seedead men rise and the blind set free?

Yes it's true and I believe it. I'm living for you."We may never score the tries that Jonah Lomu has.

We may never have the wealth and fame to give awaythat CT Studd had. But God wants our performance asChristians to be obedient to his eternal goals and to lastthe full innings.

With Delerious we can say:"I 'm gonna be a history maker in this land,I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind.I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run into your arms."


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Larry's Back!I know this is supposed

to be music reviews, butthere's an all new VeggieTales video that I have to tellyou about... It's called LarryBoy and the Rumor Weed.

Our favourite Super Herois back in the latest installmentof children' videos from BigIdea. This time Larry Boyhas to battle a mutant weedthat draws its strength frompeople spreading rumours.How will Larry Boy save theday? Well, you'll just have towatch the video.

As is the norm with VeggieTales, Larry Boy is a greatvideo for the whole family.

Even my one-year-old wasglued to the TV. If anything,these videos only get better.The technology has comealong way since Veggie Talesfirst started, and this is evidentin the visual details. Anotherhigh point is the theme songby the Ws, done in their trade-mark wacky style.

Anyway, enough aboutvideos. What about music?First up is Power Jams (Fore-front), a collection of famil-iar songs from such greats asRebecca St. James, AudioAdrenaline, Newsboys etc.,given the dance makeover!Some of the songs sound to-

tally different, while othershave just been made moreupbeat. A word of warningthough: don't judge a book(or CD) by its cover. ThisCD has a sports theme, andthe cover is less than inspir-ing. And interspersedthroughout the CD are songsor chants that give it anAmerican sporting event feel.I didn't really see the needfor this. It must be an Ameri-can thing. The good thing isthat it doesn't detract fromthe usefulness of this CD forparties or aerobics! Pick ofthe album: AA's Free Ride -the full throttle mix.

Finally, Geoff Moore hasjust released his first solo al-bum since leaving his band(Geoff Moore and the Dis-tance). The self-titled CD isan acoustic-driven search forsimplicity. Moore has set-tled down into a groove thatsuits him, and has producedan easy listening album ofgreat quality. Familiarity forhis old fans will comethrough his distinct voicewhich shines through.—Reviewed by JonathanRead

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Pressing On Toward The Goalby Angela Cossey

Christchurch was mybirthplace in December 1966,but we lived in Invercargillfor some years during mychildhood. My mother was aChristian and Dad wasn't, butmy younger brother Andrewand I were never preventedfrom going to church. I wentto the Oxford Terrace BaptistSunday School for my firstfive years (having been dedi-cated by Angus MacLeod.)In Southland we attended theNorth Invercargill church, andI believe I got my passion forGod's mission during thoseearly days in Ropeholders.

After leaving CashmereHigh School I worked for twoyears as a secretary atBallantynes. Then, at eight-een, I moved to Nelson to bepart of the first BYM 'Ap-ples' ministry.

Returning to ChristchurchI worked part-time in old peo-ple's home while waiting forthe start of the DiscipleshipSchool of Creative Ministriesin Auckland in August 1986.This new school trained Chris-tian young people to be effec-tive in their youth groups andchurches, and my group wasthe second intake.

During the six-monthcourse we studied disciple-ship as well as creative minis-

tries Under the direction ofthe late Mike Irving, I spe-cialised in music and dramabut we also learned suchthings as puppetry, dance, andart. One of my fellow stu-dents, Warren Judkins, wrotea musical that year which wetook on tour round some ofthe North Island churches.

I made many friends, andgrew in my faith that year. Itwas such a wonderful experi-ence.

One of the twelve studentswas Paul Cossey who hadcome from Papakura Baptist,and a common love of mis-sion drew us together. Wetalked about this a lot, andbefore the course had endedwe knew we both wanted toserve God in some full-timecapacity. Marriage followeda year later, in August 1987.

Beginnings of ChristianService

From the start we neverintended to minister fulltimeinNew Zealand, and pastoringa Baptist church certainlywasn't on our agenda. For atime, however, we ran theyouth group at Papakura, andI worked as a pay clerk in thePapakura Military Camp.

Then we went to Tasma-nia for two years of full-timemissionary training at the

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WEC International College.We started with the goal ofdoing overseas missionarywork, and the vision was justas strong when we graduated.France had always attractedus because we'd heard manymissionary speakers and weknew that despite its sophisti-cation it was quite a secular,even pagan, country. We hadalso talked several times withMurray and Linda Bean, theNZBMS missionaries whowere serving in Toulouse atthat time. So we felt Godmight be calling us to serve inFrance with the NZBMS.

By the time we returnedto New Zealand, in May 1990,I was pregnant with our firstchild. We planned to do fur-ther training at Baptist Col-lege to equip us for overseasservice, but Paul took a cou-ple of years off to work for theHousing Corporation andsave some money. MeanwhileI had our second child andwas busy at home.

We moved into our homeat Randwick Park in Novem-ber 1991, mid-way throughthat period. We still had over-seas mission in our sights butbefore Paul started at BaptistCollege we were asked toplant a church at RandwickPark. We saw God's leadingin this, and at the time it wasalso seen as good training forus. After all, how could weplant churches overseas if wehad not developed these skillsat home? But in our eagernessI don't think the enormity of achurch planting project wasapparent to us!

Paul started at BaptistCollege in 1993, and we con-tinued the church plantthrough his student years. Iattended the College Wom-en's group and the M groupson a Wednesday, so was fullyinvolved although I did nottake any papers.

By the time Paul finishedhis BTheol in 1995 our plansto go to France had been de-railed because of NZBMS'sdecision to pull out of thatcountry. Disappointed, we atfirst considered applying toother mission agencies. Butwe came to realise God mightbe saying "Not now."

A New TaskWe did a lot of soul search-

ing, and started to recognisethe journey that God had uson was a bit different from theone we had planned. We were

also deeply committed to theBaptist Churches of New Zea-land by this time and felt Godwanted us here. In September1996 our third child Matthewwas born.

A few months later, prin-cipal Brian Smith asked me ifI would consider conveningthe College Women's courseat Carey in 1997.I could thinkof nothing I would rather do.For me it was a wonderfulopportunity to give back tothe college a little of what Ihad received, and I've beendoing it for three years now.The job, which I thoroughlyenjoy, entails organising thecalendar for the year, work-ing with the churches whoprepare the evening meals,running a retreat, and facili-tating the evenings through-out the year.

In December 1997 I wasco-opted onto the AssemblyCouncil, which meets fivetimes a year for a two-daybusiness session. It was dur-ing one of these sessions lastyear that my name was putforward for vice president, andin due course I was elected.And this month, at the ripeold age of 33, I'll become theyoungest-everpresidentoftheBaptist Union of New Zea-land! I feel overwhelmed atwhat God has done and isdoing.

One of the challenges I'llface will be balancing familypriorities with travelling aspresident and still continuingto coordinate the CollegeWomen's course. Plussqueeze in my part time job.

Our children, Matthew,Luke and Hannah, are nowaged 3, 7 and 9. The churchhas released Paul for a numberof weekends next year, and soevery school holidays we'llleave Auckland and drivearound New Zealand, stop-ping off at Baptist churchesalong the way. During termtime I'll probably do morelocal things, plus the occa-sional day trip.

What will I enjoy mostabout being president? Beingwith people, getting to knowthem and their families; en-couraging the churches whereand when possible; and rep-resenting the Baptist familyof churches at special events.I am really looking forward toit all!

Thirteen years ago theCreative Ministries Schoolhad given me practice in pub-

Matthew (3), Paul, Luke (7),

lic speaking. But it was theCaleb course last year (a three-week intensive leadership andmanagement programme)that encouraged me evenmore. The course had beenheld in Papatoetoe, and I wasthere just as a wife and ob-server for the first day, whichwas fascinating. A day later,owing to a cancellation, I wasoffered a space for the entirethree weeks and jumped atthe opportunity. AlthoughPaul and I had to jugglebabysitters for three weeks, Ibelieve it was a divine ap-pointment, for it gave me newtools for public speaking aswell as renewed confidence.It was difficult and challeng-ing, but I have gone on to doother things since then that Iwould never have attemptedotherwise.

Paul and I love being inministry. We've been atRandwick Park eight yearsthis month, and continue tosee God working and beingfaithful. It certainly hasn'tbeen easy and the learningcurve has been huge. I enjoybeing part of the creative min-istries team and continue totake part in the Sunday school.

At the recent women'sconference in PalmerstonNorth I preached for the firsttime and enjoyed it im-mensely. I am amazed at theway God is using me becauseI feel such an ordinary per-son. I think, "Why me, Lord?"

Looking AheadHow can I predict the fu-

ture? God has shown me that

Hannah (9) and Angela

any dreams I might have hadin the past he has far sur-passed. I believe he has somegreatthings in store. Both Pauland I feel incredibly blessedand are looking forward withanticipation to all that Godhas on offer.

I am a great believer insaying yes to God, even whenI feel totally inadequate, be-cause when God calls you toa task he also provides youwith everything you will needto fulfill it. So I'll be countingon God's strength and wis-dom and time managementfor next year.

In the future, post presi-dency, I'd like to do somepapers from Carey BaptistCollege, although I'll prob-ably wait until our youngestchild is in school.

From our earliest years ofmarriage Paul and I have en-joyed renovating run-downhomes, and have poured a lotof creative energy into them.We're on our sixthhome now.I don't suppose I shall be do-ing much renovating over thenext twelve months. But hav-ing said that, there's nothinglike a paint brush in my handto help relax me!

A favourite Bible passageis Philippians 3:13-14, whichI've held on to over the years:

"Beloved, I do not con-sider that I have made it onmy own, but this one thing Ido: forgetting what lies be-hind and straining forward towhat lies ahead, I press ontoward that goal for the prizeof the heavenly call of God inChrist Jesus."

to find out more about advertising in the NZ Baptist phone Jonathan on 09 278 7494NZ Baptist Savings

& DevelopmentSociety Inc.

Phone Maurice on

Ph 09-377 9141PO Box 8936, Auckland,

1st Floor. 130 New North Road, Mt Eden. Auckland,Fax 09-379 6516, Email: [email protected]

annual reports p e c i a l f e a t u r e

baptist union and missionarysociety of new Zealand

An ancient chroniclerrecords that on the last nightof the year 999 crowds of peo-ple thronged the streets ofRome. They waved burningtorches and palm branches,waiting with fear for the ines-capable and dark night of theend of their era.

As the church bells chimedout the passing of the millen-nium, the crowds stood trans-fixed, barely daring to breathe- "not a few dying from fright,giving up their ghost then andthere".

When the fearful moment passed and tragedy did notstrike, the people broke into joy and jubilation and "the bellsof every church on the Seven Hills of Rome began to ring witha singing voice".

"The bitter cup passed and the world was reborn!"

Though not the same, there is a strange climate abroad inNew Zealand. It also has to do with the changes to a newmillennium - with its anticipation and excitement, its fear ofY2K and a renewed emphasis on spirituality - of the broadspectrum kind!

Ourtelevision programmes have carried a large number ofwhat have been called "millennium moments" capturing flashbacks to the past of New Zealand characters and events.

It is true, as particular advertisments have often remindedus, there is no future without a past - or as one elderly womanhas frequently declared on the TV commercial "I can see thefuture more clearly than many because I have spent more timewatching it arrive!"

She then recounts in a delightful way, the many changesand inventions she has been privileged to see and enjoy.

Our Baptist congregations have much to be grateful forfrom their past. In many cases the investments into people'slives and into a very wide range of ministries within andwithout the churches have seen fruit in the past year. Werejoice with our churches in that blessing.

Each of those "returns" will have in one way or anotherbeen noted within the context of the local church over the last12 months.

Likewise, the Baptist National Centre, together with thenational ministries, working on behalf of the churches, have allenjoyed significant support and use by a good number ofchurches over the past year.

In many various ways over the past year we have sought toinvest resources of time, prayer, leadership, finance and carein the churches and their leadership teams.

The most obvious reason why we do this is because we areall part of the same family on a journey together into thefuture.

In spite of all the good things we do together and for eachother, I struggle to understand why some churches holdattitudes of indifference or even mistrust towards "the BaptistUnion". It is almost as if they are questioning themselves!

The Baptist Union, working through the Baptist NationalCentre and reporting regularly to the Baptist Assembly ofchurches, is probably one of the most accountable and permis-sion giving national church agencies in New Zealand!

I am firmly of the belief that the work of our churches andthe commitment of the National Centre, Superintendency,Carey Baptist College and other national ministries, places usvery favourably as a movement of churches to manage andtake advantage of - for the sake of God's Kingdom - thechanges being presented by the arrival of the new millennium.

Together we have invested so much prayer, human re-sources and ministries in our past that we must have an openheart to those changes of direction and ministry that God mayhave for us in the future.

The way in which we handle God-gifted resources andrelease them for his mission in the world will be very importantin the coming years.

This report is simply a headline for all of the reportsprovided by other people and groups in our national forum ofministries, but I need to comment briefly on aspects of ourwork that will not be mentioned elsewhere.

Assembly CouncilI have real admiration and gratitude for the work and

commitment to Baptist life shown by the members of Assem-bly Council. I regularly thank God for their discernment, hardwork, love for Christ and his people, and friendship. It is awonderful group to belong to!

During the year the Council has dealt with a number ofissues, including:• A review of the 1998 Assembly decision on WCC member-

ship;• Continued discussions with the Tauranga South Baptist

Church re its desire to cede:• Assisting in the development and support of Regional

Youth advisers;• Encouraging the Superintendents in their ministries;• Working with Maori Ministries on Treaty of Waitangi

issues viz a viz church and Union activities;• Legal issues of various kinds pertinent to the churches and

ministers;• Developing draft documentation "Values We Affirm Re-

garding Marriage and Sexuality";• Continued discussions on topics related to the develop-

ment of Ethnic Ministries in New Zealand;• plus a lot more!

Pastors' RetreatsAs well as organising retreats for pastoral leaders in both the

South and North Islands - both of which were excellent in contentand appreciated by those who attended - the Superintendentsand I arranged three leadership retreats during the year.

The purpose of the leadership retreats is for the Superin-tendents to spend 24 hours together with a group of approxi-mately 8-10 pastors in order for them to share with us thegood and the difficult things happening for them in theirministry.

These have been very helpful to us in several ways,including:• Continuing to learn what our churches and pastors are

creatively doing in their ministries - what things areproving successful or otherwise;

• Sharing ideas with them of what is happening in otherparts of the country;

• Praying for each other and together for our churches.

A Word About SuperintendencySuperintendency is not an easy task. Part of our hope for

Superintendency was that it would offer some degree ofpastoral care/advice to pastors and other church leaders. Wealso believed Superintendency could give leadership whichencouraged churches to audit their:• Spiritual health and growth• Focus on mission/evangelism goals• Activities

A lot of this has been happening, but so also haveoutbreaks of conflict within some churches. This year someSuperintendency resources have gone on very difficult issuesof disagreements within churches. Some have been low key,others flowing over and affecting the congregations. Thepain and long term legacy of some of these scenarios areconsiderable.

Some of the experiences of this past year will need to beaddressed by Assembly Council and ultimately by Assembly asthey touch on issues of our ecclesiology (our way of beingchurch, methods of calling pastors and congregational au-thority and responsibility).

These issues also touch on the essence of what it means tobe part - not only in membership of a Baptist congregation -but of the wider Baptist network.

New DirectionsThis continues to be a call to churches, pastors and

ministries of the Union to examine their activities to ensure afocus and vision on what are "the main things", i.e. their reasonfor existence.

"New Directions" has been taken by a significant numberof churches and groups to give serious thought and reflectionto what they exist to do. That done in the appropriate way canonly prove to be very helpful.

Churches Broadcasting CommissionThe Baptist Union's continuing involvement with this

interchurch commission has been through its representative,Mr Grant Dixon. The Commission has a significant role inlobbying Government on the Christian content of broadcast-ing and in helping to provide seasonal TV advertisements.

Church ClosuresDuring the past year, two of our congregations chose to

conclude their ministries; Wellsford in Northland and West-ern Heights in Auckland City.

The Loss Of Family And FriendsThis is a regular part of all my reports because I am mindful

that each year there are many within our churches who havedied. Most of those have made significant contributions, inone way or in many, within those congregations and beyond.Only heaven in its full "assembly" of the saints will reveal whathas been given and sacrificed "in Jesus' name" through ourlocal churches.

So for the pastors, family and friends we have lost this yearwe offer gratitude and love to God for the gift of their lives tous and for the season they lived among us.

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!• To the staff of the Baptist National Centre who have

contributed their time with love and grace to the demandsof a very busy office.

• To those who pray for us in our various roles.Your prayers and support of us is appreciated more than we

can ever express.

h i g h l i g h t s

Ian BrownExecutive Secretary

The Baptist Union working through the Baptist National Centre

and reporting regularly to the Baptist Assembly of churches,

is probably one of the most accountable and permission giving

national church agencies in New Zealand!

annual reporth i g h l i g h t s

Yes, we are still here...andNo, we are not contemplating a name change!!BMF is the silent partner to tranzsend/NZBMS. Our role is

to support, prayerfully and financially, our tranzsendlNZBMSworkers. (We have little say in the policies of tranzsendlNZBMS.)

Proverbs says "without a vision the people perish". Whatisourvision? Prayer support for all our workers, their childrenand the growing church. To put it in the language of the KingJames Version "Ye also helping together by prayer" 2 Cor.1:11

The BMFyear really started with mytripto BangladeshandTripura for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the TripuraBaptistChristian Union. I renewed contact with their women'sministries on behalf of BMF and learnt more of the problemsthey face. It was a time of catching up with what is going onmission wise in Bangladesh, renewing old friendships, joiningin their meetings and being inspired.

Judy Harvey, our president this year has clarified the newname of tranzsendlNZBMS to BMF branches. All who heardJudy's explanation reacted most positively. Judy was an en-courager as she met folk in their different situations. Sheemphasised the fact that each person is important, and theirindividualities combine to be part of the total plan - "wethough many, are one in Christ..."

Paddy Millichamp continues to work hard as our treasurer.We are grateful for all the work she does on our behalf. We metour budget of $57,000 for tranzsend/NZBMS. The specialoffering collected last November for discipling new Christiansin Tripura reached $17,000. BMFs also contribute to TeamSupport and give personal gifts to our folk overseas. Thespecial offering this year will form a scholarship to train twowriter/editors for the Christian Literature Centre in Chandpur,Bangladesh.

BMF 2000+: What is going to happen to BMF? We havebeen told for years that we are dying but we still manage tomeet our budget! Des Jones wrote a paper on this that is beingdiscussed widely. Hopefully discussion will turn into actionand we will see more new folk being enthused to support,prayerfully and financially, the extension of God's Kingdom.

A big thank you to district and branch presidents, secretar-ies and treasurers and all members who pray faithfully andthus fulfill our vision.

"Today we watch in awe

as the church there

baptises thousands

each year."

Baptist Care continues to support local Baptist Churches intheir social services and community ministries. The need forsuch ministries continues to grow but complications createdby growing competition between providing organisations andcontinuing change in workplace and employment legislationincrease the difficulties faced by churches. The need for helpin this environment, together with the size of the work (almost2000 volunteers and 1200 paid part-time and full-time staffare involved) establishes the need for the Baptist Care nationalsupport network.

In the North Island Andrea Page has been involved in muchwork at the level of setting up of trusts. The development ofnew ministries has been slower this year than previously. Itseems that there is so much pressure on churches that ofteninitiatives get put aside or left to individuals. This can leavesome who are working tirelessly in their community feelingisolated and alone. In general, due to the focus of manycourses, such as the Spreydon Leadership Conference, the ideaof community programmes is gaining a considerable amountof kudos. The more people that catch the vision of reachingtheir community for Christ the better.

Number wise, Baptist churches predominantly operateministries to children, by way of Kindergarten and DaycareCentres, playgroups, mother support groups and the variousmusic and movement groups. We also have a considerablenumber of Senior Fellowship Programmes. While these arevital ministries, it would be great to see more ministriesamongst the poor, the at risk youth and for people withphysical and mental disabilities. Andrea Page has been veryblessed serving and helping North Island churches to carry ontheir work.

From Christchurch, Faye Blakemore reports that it hasbeen very encouraging for her to be able to visit ministries firsthand. By the end of October she will have visited 85% of thechurches in the South Island. She sees it as an exciting time,with people keenly aware that the old remedies have notworked and seeking new alternatives. A great opportunityexists to fulfil both the great commission and the greatcommandment.

Faye has identified as key issues the need for prayer andmore prayer (which also is an assistance to ministries to keepfocussed on their set goals), an emphasis on listening skills(absolutely essential if we are to truly care and to bring peopleinto the Kingdom) and the need for Christians to know how toeffectively minister to their fellow Christians.

Andrea and Faye thank so many who have providedencouragement, hospitality, time, thought provoking discus-sion and support in prayer. They are keenly aware of the Lord'sprovision.

This year we have published a revised and much improvedBaptist Care Employment Guidelines Manual. Resource mate-rial has been transferred to the Carey College Library for easieraccess for users. Insurance availability has been improved atlower cost through the move of the Baptist Insurance Fundinto Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance.

We again thank the ministries and churches that havemade our work possible by contributing during the year.Additional support has been received from the McKenzie Trust($4000), The Canterbury Trust ($13000), and the Children'sHomesUnited Council ($37903). We acknowledge these grantsand donations with grateful thanks.

while such training for pastoral leadership is our core business,it is not our only business. We need to define what the otherniches will be. All will be revealed in the new Prospectus...

(b) completing the teamCarey has been a bit short-staffed. So, in 1998 we added

Nancy Squire as our first Director of Ministry Training. She isbringing together an infrastructure that will bring an excel-lence to our non-classroom training. Carey is more than atheological college - it is a place for ministry formation. InDecember George Wieland joins the team as a New Testamentspecialist. At its August meeting the Board approved theappointment of a Business Manager, a new position designedto further strengthen the college's management team. Then,later in 2000 we will look to create a '.6' position in PracticalTheology. God-willing, we should arrive at 2001 with a com-plete team in place which can deliver on the emergent vision.

(c) cementing the trainingThis will take the full three years! For a variety of reasons,

the Board has decided to move Carey more intentionallytowards becoming two 'schools' within the one college - onebuilt around the Auckland University/BTheol programme andthe other built around the NZQA/DipMiss programme. Cur-rently, we have roughly 120 EFTS ('equivalent full time stu-

dents') at Carey, split evenly between these two programmes.But further developments are in the wind. Within that first

programme, the year 2000 will see the addition of a GraduateDiploma in Theology, which will appeal particularly to Chris-tian professionals. To the second programme, we have addeda DipMiss (Mandarin). We are in conversation with Te WhareAmorangi and YouthTRAIN about adding a Certificate that canserve their requirements. We also have our sights on a Bach-elor of Applied Theology, which will build on the DipMiss. Andthere's more... The cement is still wet - but not for forever.

If you have given to the Home Team Appeal, one in fourdollars comes Carey's way. On behalf of the staff and students,thank-you! If you pray regularly for us, an even bigger thank-you. It is important to us that you are proud of what ishappening at your college. May it be so!

Paul Windsor, PrincipalCarey Baptist College

I am told that I did not learnto walk until I was half-way tothree. A bit slow! If that is thecase, then itisabitofdeja vu inmy role as Principal at CareyBaptist College. Having reachedthe eighteen month mark I ambeginning now to find mystride.As we move towards that threeyear mark, we are looking tobuild a foundation for the fu-ture by bringing a focus to:

(a) clarifying the vi-sion

New leadership is in placeand a new millennium approaches. Now seems a ripe time torevisit why we exist, what we should be doing, and how we aregoing to get there. Last year's Assembly approved a freshconstitution for the Board, elected a new Board, and gave itthe mandate of establishing the vision of Carey. Sparked by atwo day retreat with the staff in May, that is what is happen-ing. Personally, I will be content to spend the rest of my lifeinvolved in training people of humility, integrity, and passionto love, feed, and lead the people God gives them to serve. But

Raewyn GarwoodBaptist Missionary Fellowship

Rob KilpatrickNZBMS

At the end of a century ofenormous progress in worldmission, fronzsencf/NZBMScanlook back at the part it hasplayed with a sense of grati-tude to God. Sixty one yearsago we responded to the call toTripura. Today we watch in aweas the church there baptisesthousands each year. There aremany similar stories from otherfields.

While there is much to cel-ebrate we need to look forwardtoo. The 2.5 billion who havenever heard the gospel deserve

an opportunity to do so. Struggling churches and churches inplaces where believers are oppressed, marginalised and perse-cuted need help. TranzsendlNZBMS has a particular responsi-bility to ensure that those people get the bulk of missionresources of our churches. It is our job to remind us all of thetask yet to be done. We've made some hard decisions on thebasis of the resource we have available.This year we've greatlydiminished our input into Hong Kong and PNG. Staff havesuffered considerable pain because of that. We pay tribute totheir work.

We continue to be encouraged. Things like expertise andleadership support to help the growth of youth work in theBangladesh Baptist Fellowship, teaching new leaders trainingin the Christian College of Theology of Bangladesh, andtraining people to run the Christian Literature Centre, will allhave great benefit We have a team of four couples who arefocused on an area of South Asia, trained, prepared and ontheir way, with a higher level of Team Support than we'veaimed for previously. They've got regional support networksand focused prayer groups that will give them the kind ofbackup they need. This last year we've prepared the Corletts forThailand to work with the ABMS in targeting a very smallproportion of the 65 million Thai Buddhists in that country.They leave soon. Our team in Macau continues to help 'do'Church in new ways in that part of the world. They work hardto ensure that community ministries have the kind of'cuttingedge' that encourages people to faith in Christ.

New Zealand Baptists continue to support the work oftranzsend/NZBMS. The Self Denial appeal is a common expe-rience that many of our churches share. The Christmas AngelAppeal receives wide support. For all this we are grateful.Generally it has been a good year. The only perplexing note tothe whole operation is the financial shortfall. We believe thatwe have got something of the heartbeat of God in our order ofpriorities. We think we have set a level of operation that shouldbe easily obtainable for us as a group of churches - about $30per person in a Baptist church on an average Sunday. We knowwe have top rate personnel. It is frustrating to come up shorton funding for a third year in a row.

Much has been attempted. Much has been achievedthrough the grace of God and the sacrifices of the saints. Thereis still much to do. May the God who has brought us this farby His grace lead us on into a new millennium of mission.

Board of DirectorsBaptist Care Limited


Alistair McLayBaptist Savings and Development Society

The key to the Society's ability to provide loan finance andother resources is our depositors. Without them, all that is nowbeing achieved would be "but a dream". "Churches helpingChurches" is our theme and also our reality - people andchurches investing in the BSDS, then churches using thesefunds for God's work.

During the year deposits grew by 18% to $17.8M. Loans,including those approved but yet to be drawn, totalled $11.1M,an increase of 25°/o over 1998. Loans approved during the yearnumbered 27, with an average amount of $198,000, a far cryfrom the $30,000 maximum we used to lend a mere ten yearsago.

Churches this year borrowed for the purchase of equip-ment, repairs and maintenance, land for expansion and exten-sion of facilities. Other churches have sold existing propertiesand started all over again.

Included in our lending were six loans totaling $542,000for social services, a school classroom and upgrading andextension of camp facilities etc.

Our operating surplus was a healthy $231,000 whichremains reasonable considering the amount of funds undermanagement. To this we added a one-off gain from the saleof an investment plus donations/legacies.

Ministry again included thesponsorshipofpastorsattend-ing the Caleb Course - a management course especiallydesigned for pastors. It has been so successful that the BSDShas agreed to sponsor a further 20 pastors next year and placeshave almost been booked out.

As an organisation we look forward to another year duringwhich we can provide our churches and other Baptist organi-sations with loans, financial assistance and support for theirministry - Churches helping Churches.

The Baptist Savings ft Development Society is able toconfidently move into the next millennium in its servant roleto the denomination.

Richard Hunt

Richard HuntFinances and Resources

This is my fifth report to Assembly.

The Baptist UnionOnce again I am happy to report that the financial per-

formance of the Baptist Union in the year just concludedoffered no surprises to our budgeted expectations. Expendi-ture, at the national level continues to be fairly constant. Theone disappointment of the year was that the CommittedChurch Giving (CCG) was about $43,000 light of budget.Fortunately we were able to partially address that incomedeficit by other means but I would be happier to see all of ourchurches taking up the challenge to meettheirallocated shareof costs. After all, we all take up our share of the benefits!

Notwithstanding, our philosophy remains that Baptistdollarsare best used in the local church or through expressionsof national ministry (such as Carey) rather than in a centraladministration. However, the nature of our movement and theinter-relationship of our churches do demand the existence ofa well-run, fiscally responsible and tightly managed nationaloffice. The National Centre is just that. It does a great job forour churches.

I think we are poised to look the coming millenniumsquarely in the financial eye, but that is not intended to signalcomplacency - quite the reverse. It means that we have somewherewithal to address the theological, relational, structural,and legal challenges that are just ahead of us.

There is of course nothing of eternal significance inclocking over to another millennium, but the act of doing sodoes give a momentum towards a reappraisal of who we are,the nature of our calling and how we should discharge thatcalling. Perhaps there has never been a more appropriate timeto stand on the others' ground and listen, rather than shoutfrom the presumed security of our own patch. Goodness me,I feel a sermon coming on! Back to finances.

The Baptist Missionary SocietyUnfortunately it has been another difficult financial year

for tranzsend/NZBMS. The total income exceeded a deliber-ately conservative budget by $120,000 (and there were somesignificant swings and roundabouts among the individualincome categories). But expenditure blew out by $160,000.As we have now accrued to Reserves a sum sufficient to coverour gratuity liabilities, tranzsendlNZBMS's accumulated fundsare now all spent. A serious situation.

TranzsendlNZBMS has produced a balanced budget forthis present year. However, this has been achieved by de-manding swinging expenditure cuts throughout the opera-tion. Judging by past performances, I am uncertain about thesustainability of this action. We have set tranzsend/NZBMS'sincome at about the level of last year which demands a greaterthan ten percent increase in Team Support and Self Denial, areliance upon Trusts to make grants and $60,000 in legacies.

With accumulated funds now gone and most of theremaining reserves represented by trust funds, tranzsendlNZBMS has absolutely no room for error. It will be a challeng-ing year.

Baptist Union of NewZealand -Provisional Figures

NZBMS-Provisionai Figures

Expenditure (000's)

Sam EmeryBaptist Maori Ministries

Our focus this year has been two fold; firstly to build astronger network with our pastors, leaders and churches, andsecondly to serve and resource the church leaders to createhealthier growing ministries through the local churches.

We have spent most of our time and energy in thefollowing areas: Kawakawa, Russell, Panmure, Waiuku, Clendon,Ngaruawahia.Putaruru.Taumarunui, Whanganui, Kaiti.Opotiki.We have maintained communication with our leaders JackTeepa, Mike Subritzky, Quentin Duff, Hayward Norman, BenSkudder, Darren Brown and are networking with Hosanna'sJoshua Avia, Chris Sola and Mark Lau Young, as well as withMurray Beck, the Regional Superintendents, Paul Windsor andthe staff at Carey. We have already reached our target of 10registered Maori pastors before the end of this year with a goalof adding at least five more next year.

We have been encouraged with the progress that has takenplace in the churches we have been working with. We havebeen helping with vision, direction, mission, administration,planning, equipping of leaders, strategies, goals and assess-ments, support, encouragement, affirmation as well as in-creasing their awareness of being part of a wider network.

The HARVEST is coming and we pray that we will seeleaders develop and become fruitful.

The Te Whare Amorangi training course this year has not

been without its challenges. We have been pleased with mostaspects of the first regional training centre in Whanganui andgive thanks to God for the support and cooperation ofWhanganui Central, especially Dave Cameron our Kaiarahi,Gavin Brooks Kaiako forTe Reo and the training komiti led byRob Thompson. Thanks to you all for the time, commitmentand sacrifice you have given to help to make this happen. Weare looking at the possibility of a similar course running inPutaruru next year.

The men's and women's hui have been a highlight for usthis year and we are all looking forward to the National EasterHui in Gisborne next year.

We want to acknowledge all those who have faithfullyprayed and financially supported the ministry thisyear, as wellas those who have written notes of encouragement. The Lordbless and enrich you all for blessing us. We give thanks to ourfaithful Lord for the many answers to your prayers.

Alma and I have kept in excellent health thisyear and havebeen safe in his everlasting arms of protection. We want toacknowledge the staff team of Rewai, Josie and Janet for theirtireless efforts this year and the Komiti Matua, Kaunihera andthe new leadership team that is forming to take us into the 21st

Century.

"...to serve and resource the church leaders..."

Avis ScoonesBaptist Women's Ministries

1999 has seen us focus on the National Conference held27-29th August 1999. 200 women from Dargaville in thenorth to Timaru in the south gathered in Palmerston Northwith the theme, 'Women of Impact & Influence toward 2000'.Marjory Gibson and Anne Knox were the impact speakers andtheir sensitivity and honesty certainly ministered to many.

Whether you were 'Just a Mother' or a 'ProfessionalWoman' the aim at the end of the weekend was that you wouldknow that 'Who you are and what you do is significant toJesus. 'As a Boardwe were blessed by the way God ministeredto so many.

Thisyear we also re-instated the "Gold Coin" offering aftera break of 2 years. This is the only funding that we receive tocarry on the national work. Thank you to those who havecontributed.

We have also seen the need to encourage the wives ofpastors who have concluded their ministry by recognising thecontribution they have made with thanks and encouragement

Shirley Prestidge (Balclutha) resigned from the Boardduring the year because of work commitments. I thank her forthe contribution she has made to Women's Ministries over anumber of years.

My thanks to the members of the Board for their hard workand support. This year's Board consists of Avis Scoones,Chairperson, (Hokowhitu, Palmerston North), Vicky Cockbum,Secretary/Treasurer, (Hokowhitu, Palmerston North),Jan Dewar,(Wilson Street,Timaru), Alma Emery, (Franklin), Liz Fitzmaurice,(Taupo), Helen Simes, (Manurewa) and Luai Tiatia, (HosannaWorld Outreach, Taita).

Expenditure(000's)

Income (000's)Church GivingInterestOther

78712390

National LeadershipTraining MinistriesNational MinistriesOverseas MinistriesNational Centre

235225197163197

Income (000's)Team SupportSelf DenialChristmas AppealBaptist UnionLegaciesBMFOther

488264671636074174

Overseas SupportMissionaries at HomeAdministrationCommunications

75421735090

Total 1000

Total 1017

Total 1290

Total 1411


t thought that by now I would have a handle on Auckland.I have to confess that is not the case. The more I have lookedat what our churches are like, and what they do in ministry inthis region, the more jumbled the picture becomes. In fact, it'snot a picture- nor is it an integrated mural - it's a multi-mediaart gallery, where lots of different pictures and presentationshang side by side, all on the theme of establishing the Kingdomof God in this city.

We have a clearer picture of ethnic ministries, thanks tothe work of Murray Beck and his growing team. I want tocommend them. What they are doing is strategic and in God'stiming for us.

The Northland picture is taking good form, under thedirection of Barry Denholm. It is good to have the contributionof such an experienced leader/pastor.

The South Auckland canvas has some sketchy outlines onit at present, with Chapel Downs, Eastview, Botany Downs,Clendon and Randwick Park considering major issues.

The church planting wing has not made a great deal ofprogress but there are some new concepts being consideredfor next year.

Of course the continuing moving picture of churches andpastors facing pastoral shifts has been screening all year.Albany, Auckland Chinese, Birkenhead, Glenfield, Glen Eden,Henderson, Kamo, Kerikeri, Manukau Central, Northwest,Orewa, Otahuhu Samoan, Pakuranga Chinese, Papakura, RoyalOak and Whangaparaoa are some of the churches that havebeen, or still are, involved in these change processes.

The community or neighbourhood church picture revealshow uniquely important these churches are in our mission tothe city. We are working on defining how to enhance theministry of these churches.

The inter-church picture has become larger, with Baptiststaking an initiating role in many suburban and regional inter-church co-operative ministries. I have been involved in agroup working to define how this inter-church co-operationcould be encouraged, under Vision Auckland.

Unfortunately we have also still had a few ripped can-vasses, needing careful worktorepairand restore them. That'san ongoing task for Superintendents.

Again, I have appreciated the support of the regional eldersand staff team, and subject to the annual meeting of theAuckland Association, anticipate a further term of service.

The learning curve continues. Being a Superintendent cannever be called 'boring.' New challenges lie around eachcorner. I am grateful for the friendship and support of IanBrown and the other Superintendents, who form a great team.

My 'patch' highlights the difference between rural andurban churches. Half the churches are in the Wellington areaand the others are in the Provincial City and rural areas ofCentral Districts. Depending on where they are located, churchesthink and operate differently.

I continue to be impressed with the quality of Christianleaders in our churches. They serve willingly and sacrificiallyfor their Lord. It is a privilege to get to know these people andto develop friendships. Some of the churches they serve areseeing good results. Others do not have the same momentumor are forced to concentrate on time consuming in-housematters, which prevent their being focussed on their mission.

Pastoral settlements in the last year include those at ZionChinese (Paul Lee), Whitby (Peter Foster) and Bell Block (KeithCalder). Central Districts has several other pastorates com-mencing around the time of this Baptist Assembly-PalmerstonNorth Central (David McChesney), Raetihi (Russell Watts),Eltham (David Lee), Hastings (Paul Davison) and Levin (FredBrunnell). At the time of writing this, only one other church inmy region is seeking a full time pastor. The number of vacantchurches, nationally, is low.

Recently I have been puzzling about the low number ofpeople showing the gift of evangelism. Scripture clearlyidentifies this as an important part of the church. Conven-tional wisdom says that, worldwide about 10% of Christianshave this gift. That number is not evident in our family ofchurches. Why is this? I want to find some answers about this.

My goal is to equip churches, in any way I can, to bepowerful and fruitful bodies of mission and care. The worldaround us is in deep need. God has set us the task of bringingthe answer to that need. May we be effective in that vital role.

Last year I had the privilege of attending an excellent BWAConference on Worship in Berlin. You can't look around Berlinwithout being deeply moved by its history, especially WorldWar II, the years of the East-West separation and the comingdown of the wall.

It was the church that led the way in peaceful revolution.Four churches in Leipzig began holding prayer meetings.Numbers grew and after each meeting the people walkedthrough the city with banners and candles. Things came to ahead on 9 October 1989. Police and army units moved intoLeipzig in force, and no one knows why they held theirfire thatnight. A week later numbers reached 500,000, nearly theentire population of Leipzig. Then on 9 November, a gapopened up in the Berlin Wall.

Everyone credits the prayer vigils in Leipzig for kindling theprocess of momentous change. In that year alone ten nations,comprising more than half a billion people, experienced non-violent revolutions. Several weeks after the 9 October turningpoint, a huge banner appeared across a Leipzig street: Wirdanken Dir, Kirche (We thank you, church).

It is wonderful when churches are responsible for thedemolition of walls that once divided, whether in people'slives, families or communities. That's the gospel (Ephesians2:14), and that's what most of our churches are about.

The Midland region has approved in principle the appoint-ment of a Youth Consultant to encourage youth ministry in allour churches and we are now looking for the right person. TheSuperintendents recently arranged a series of symposiums forthe leaders of rural and small churches. We had a great turn outfor ours in Putaruru, and the feedback has been very positive.

We are planning more targeted events to bless and assistpastors and church leaders.

Imagine your community putting up a banner saying,"Thank you Church"!

Last year I reported on some signs I had observed in the lifeof our churches. These were positive signs of growth andhealth and it is good to say that I believe this trend iscontinuing.

I have mentioned on a number of occasions that it seemsGod is moving on two parallel paths. On one hand he is in aquite sovereign way drawing people into his kingdom. Peopleare turning up in churches almost "out of the blue", drawn bythe Holy Spirit. There is the joy of celebrating baptisms and inthis respect I have heard of a number of older people beingbaptised. There is "fruit" from the Alpha courses, which manyof our churches are using. People's needs are being met by anumber of effective community ministries churches havebegun.

On the other hand there is a continuing shaking within thechurch. It would seem that individuals are being challenged asto the reality of their relationship with God. What does it reallymean to be a Christ follower-a disciple of Christ? There is alsothe challenge of relating to one another as brothers and sistersin Christ - not just in our fellowships but relating to those inother denominations. There is a continual need to review,evaluate, question and challenge what we are doing as "church"so that we will be better prepared and equipped to minister tothe people whom God is bringing to us. I am convinced thereis a reformation taking place and we need more than ever to"hear what the Spirit is saying to the church."

I have been encouraged to hear of the ways in which someof our churches are facing the issues of the day and beingprepared to take some risks for the sake of the Kingdom. Iwould need to add that this sort of move is not always withoutits problems and pain but we do need to be reminded that thejourney of Jesus was a difficult one at times. I pray that therewill be the courage to step into the unknown for the sake ofthe Kingdom!

Robyn and I have appreciated the warm support we havereceived and are grateful we have been given the opportunityto serve the South Island churches for another term. We wantto be good servants so would appreciate your prayer for us aswe continue in this privileged role.

Baptist Youth Ministries will reflect on 1999 as one ofthose "good news / bad news" years.

At the 1993 Baptist Assembly BYM presented its concernsabout the state of youth ministry in Baptist churches. Theresult was a series of forums held over the following threeyears that led to two main recommendations. Firstly that BYMextend its efforts at leadership training and development, andsecondly that a team of regional youth consultants be estab-lished to foster effective youth ministry and support youthleaders.

The good news from 1999 is that increased funding wasmade available to make possible the second of these recom-mendations. Dawn Withers commenced her role as regionalconsultant for the Central Region in April and along withWarren Henton (Northern Region), Mike Dodge (southernregion) and Randal Scott (Otago/Southland) forms a strongand experienced team. An appointment is yet to be made forthe Midlands region although the process of establishing thisposition is well underway at the time of writing.

A small but highly visible part of these consultants' role isto facilitate the running of an Easter camp in their region.Northern and Midlands combined for their first camp this yearand attracted 700 young people. The South Island camp goesfrom strength to strength with 1700 in attendance this year,including a number from Wellington who will next year joinwith Central Districts for a Central Region Easter Campexpected to attract 500. These camps are bearing real fruit inyoung lives with their emphasis on worship, music and rel-evant preaching of the gospel.

The bad news from 1999 is that funding has been reducedfor leadership training and development, just at a time whenwe were in a position to expand our activities. In the past fouryears numbers on the Youth Pastors Course have increasedfrom 14 to 40 and an annual Youth Leaders' Convention inRotorua hasbeen established, growing to 270 people thisyear.BYM was keen to employ the services of Merrilyn Withers whowould, among other things, provide training in the vital areaof adolescent counselling. This increase in leadership trainingwas designed to have a flow on effect to youth ministries butthe ground gained in recent years is now in jeopardy.

In response to this alarming situation BYM has had littleoption but to establish an independent trust. The YouthTRAINTrust employed Merrilyn Withers in April and at the time ofwriting I have resigned my position with BYM and henceforthwill also be employed by theTrust. Not that this has solved theproblem. Lack of funds makes the future of the trust veryprecarious yet this was a step in faith we felt called to make.

Both Merrilyn and I are available to continue serving ourchurches. Merrilyn is currently involved in a comprehensivesurvey of young adults to identify the reasons why this agegroup is experiencing the highest rate of church dropout ofany age group from our denomination. This is surely one of themost important tasks we could undertake as Baptists con-cerned about local mission. Her findings will have thepotential to shape how we work with this age group for yearsto come.

We are grateful to the churches who contribute to thenational cause. We endeavour to use our share of the fundswell.

Jonathan RoadBaptist Communications8 Puhinui Road, Manukau CityPO Box 97543, South AucklandPhone 09 278 7494 - Fax 09 278 7499Email: [email protected] Site: www.baptist.org.nz

Eric KingSuperintendent, Southern

Murray CottleSuperintendent, Central

Trevor DonnellSuperintendent, Northern

Paul GrimmerSuperintendent, Midlands

Murray BrownBaptist Youth Ministries

vol 115 no11

"a virgin will get pregnant"

NZ Baptist December 1999

Alas Smith and JonesElizabeth Jones and Joy

Smith, as many churches willknow by now, have been tour-ing New Zealand on deputa-tion, bringing local Baptistcongregations up to speedwith the work in Tripura, In-dia. This rather differentphoto was taken when theyvisited the Whakatane BMFa few months ago.

"If you know these twowomen you will see why thephoto is different!" saysWhakatane BMF secretaryEileen Bamford.

Bible Societies LaunchRecord Scripture Distribution Project

Church and City CouncilCooperate in Housing Project

Twelve years ago Davidand Shirley Fenton, of Co-lombo Street Baptist Church,dreamed of providing hous-ing for the marginalised peo-ple in the Beckenham com-munity. Why couldn't thechurch provide the land be-hind its own building? theywondered.

The church bought a cou-ple of adjoining houses withthis possibility in mind, butthe original vision languishedand the houses fell into dis-repair. Then Darcy Haliday,who was pastor at the time,began to promote the causeagain, seeing the need forhousing for some of the peo-ple who were being helpedby the church's other socialministries.

In 1995 the project wasrevived under the leadershipof Derek Willis, apsychothera-pist whose work brought himin contact with needy people.

Why not achieve theirgoals through a partnershipwith local government? hesuggested.

The church approachedthe city council who agreedto build eleven units on 1800square metres of church-owned land. For its part thechurch will clear the site,which is still currently occu-pied by the two old houses,and contribute towards thesiteworks, chattels and land-scaping.

The Beckenham Com-munity Housing Trust, whichwill oversee and manage the

project, believes this jointventure is unique in NewZealand.

"This is not upmarkethousing," said Mayor GarryMoore at the official signingceremony last October. "Werequire low financial returnon capital but expect a highsocial dividend through aprocess like this."

Colombo Street's con-nection with city politics goesback as far as World War I,when the new minister, RevJ.K. Archer, as acondiiton ofhis appointment, requestedtime out to attend City Coun-cil meetings. Five years afterhis appointment as ministerat the Colombo Street church,he was elected Mayor ofChristchurch.

Preaching Out the Millennium in ManukauDr Robert Cunville from

Shillong, India, an associateevangelist with the BillyGraham Evangelistic Asso-ciation, will visit ManukauCity this month. He willpreach from Friday Decem-ber 31 to Saturday January 1(7pm to lam) at a millen-nium celebration at the city'sSports Velodrome.

Some 149 South Auck-land churches have been in-vited to participate, repre-senting the 109 culturalgroups in Manukau. Manywill take part through songor testimony, explainingwhat Jesus Christ means tothem and their culture. Prepa-ration is being made for coun-selling and follow-up, and

requests for prayer have goneout to various networks.

The Celebration 2000committee, which is organ-ising the event, is chaired byRex Booth, senior pastor ofManurewa Baptist Church.The event will also serve as abuilding block in preparationfor meetings led by FranklinGraham in March 2001.

Scripture Unionin New Zealand

National Co-ordinator: Scripture Union in SchoolsThe person appointed will lead a team of seven field workers and beresponsible for the maintenance and development of all ScriptureUnion in Schools' work in New Zealand.

Ideally, the applicant should have some understanding of, and visionfor, the scope of the Schools' work, preferably with a recent history ofinvolvement. A travelling component is involved and the successfulapplicant will be based at the National Office.

For a job description and further information contact:The National Director

P O Box 760Wellington

Ph (04) 385-0485; Fax (04) 385-0483Email: [email protected]

Application close 14 Janaury 2000

As 2000 A.D. ap-proaches, there is mountingevidence that more and morepeople are turning to God foranswers to troubling ques-tions about life and death.Many of these seekers arereading the Bible in search ofhope for the new century.

Across Asia, Africa, andLatin America, people areresponding to the claims ofChrist in record numbers.Yet, just as the growingchurch prepares to celebratethe 2000-year anniversary ofChrist's birth, there is a criti-cal shortfall in the availabil-ity of Bibles.

The increasing numbersof Christians have outpacedthe world's supply of Bibles,and last year 67 million re-quests for Scripture wentunmet in nearly 80 countries.

That, however, is aboutto change.

To respond to the need inthe new millennium, theUnitedBible Societies (UBS)have announced the largestScripture distribution projectin history: a US$90 millioninitiative involving more than60 countries in all parts ofthe world.

Kick-started with aUS$15 million MacLellanFoundation grant, the UBShave launched the new pro-gramme this month to meetthe growing worldwide de-mand for God's Word.

"This three-year cam-paign," said Colin Reed, chiefexecutive of The Bible Soci-ety in New Zealand, "is de-signed not only to provide abreakthrough in the transla-tion and distribution of theScriptures, but also to lever-age the ability of all BibleSocieties to expand their re-sources for the cause. Our

goal is to bring the powerand promise of God's Wordto a spiritually searchingworld."

Opportunity 21 will alsostimulate Bible translation,and provide Scriptures inaudio and video formats.Studies show that more that70% of all people will not bereached with the printedpage. Almost half the world'speople in the world are non-literate, and with the emerg-ing electronic culture, grow-ing numbers are becomingpost-literate.

Stage One begins in theBible lands, deliberately.

"As the world celebratesthe 2000th anniversary of Je-sus' birth," said Colin Reed,we will help to fund Bibleprojects in these areas so thatall people there can focus onthe true significance of themillennium celebrations."

Fourth Summer Bible School at WhangamataFrom 16-19 January the

Whangamata Baptist Churchwill hold its fourth SummerBible School for the benefitof both the local people andvisiting holidaymakers. Lec-turers at the school, whichwill be held each morningfrom 9 to 12:30, are Brian K.Smith, ex-principal of Carey

Baptist College; MarcusArdern, an itinerant evange-list and teacher; and JamesDoak, a criminal justice psy-chologist and Scriptureteacher. The cost per adult is$40. Programmes are alsooffered for children duringthe morning sessions, and inthe evenings discussions and

forums take place.Ross Horton, the pastor

of Whangamata BaptistChurch, says they hope toorganise the sun for a varietyof afternoon activities includ-ing bush walks, mountainbiking, surfing and golf. Formore details ring him on (07)865-9345.

Nelson Baptist Wins AccoladePeter Bryan of Richmond

Baptist Church, project man-ager of World Vision's workwith street children in Mon-golia, has won a "Good Serv-ice to the Children of Mon-golia" award from the Mon-golian government.

The medal was presentedto him at the Mongolian Po-lice department's 50th anni-versary celebrations in rec-ognition of the work carriedout by Peter and his wife

CHRISTIANBOOKS

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Phone 0-9-626 2256Fax 0-9-626 3467

Sue.The Nelson couple have

lived in the capital,Ulaanbataar, for two yearsand have established two cen-tres where street childrenhave been able to find shel-ter, food, education, love andguidance.

The work with street chil-dren has been supported bythe World Vision Forty HourFamine for two years now,and will be part of next year's

effort as well.The tradition of the Forty

Hour Famine will be 25 yearsold next year, and from smallbeginnings it has become anational institution. Over theyears it has raised millions ofdollars for World Visionwork and impacted New Zea-land in the process. About110,000 people (mainlyyoung) are expected to takepart in the annual fundraisingfast next March.

CHRISTIANSINGLES



PO Box 1087,Nelson

Ministry PositionsSt John's-in-the-City Presbyterian Church, Rotorua is look-ing for adventurous Christians prepared to put themselvesinto God's hands and serve in a voluntary ministry capacityin the mission field that is Rotorua.Intern and voluntary positions available for those studying orwilling to give of their time and support themselves in a 'tentmaking' capacity. Part-time employment for suitable applica-tions in a local Christian business can be arranged.Areas of service: youth, children's ministry and outreach intothe community.

Interested?Inspired?

Contact: Rev Jim Wallace, Phone 07 348 2954, fax 07 3482507orwritec/oStJohn's-in-the-city, POBox2403, Rotorua.

The Baptist Union of Victoriainvites applications for the position of

General SuperintendentExpressions of interest including resume

by 15 December to:

Mr Stephen Morton,Chairman Executive Council,

PO Box 204,Blackburn, VictoriaAUSTRALIA 3130

Position description available from:The Administrator, BUV, 63-3-9818-0349

2

December 1999 NZ Baptist

Fifteen Baptists Respond to PNG ChallengeThroughout the 35-year

history of the Christian Lead-ers' Training College in PapuaNew Guinea, many New Zea-land Baptists have played sig-nificant roles.

CLTC serves the churchesof the South Pacific throughits interdenominational, evan-gelical and missions-basedtraining programs.

Established in 1964 atBanz, in the PNG highlands,the college is on the wave ofnew development. It providesbiblical training for more than7,500 distance learning stu-dents, more than 200 full-timeresidential students at Banz,and more than a hundred ur-ban ministry students in PortMoresby and Lae..

The New Zealand CLTCreps Garth and Ruth Morgan(Mt Albert Baptist and previ-ously Glen Eden Baptist) havebeen involved with the col-lege since 1964, includingeighteen years on site. Theyleft last month for PortMoresby where they will ori-entate Don and Bev McInnes(also of Mt. Albert Baptist).Don is an experienced Auck-land project manager who willoversee construction ofCLTC's second stage of de-velopment in the capital, PortMoresby, where a three-leveltraining centre will compriselarge seminar rooms, alibrary,research facility and offices.

Afterwards the Morganswill move up to the residentialcampus in Banz to relieve for

the New Zealand financialcontroller who is on furlough.

Paul and RosalieChristensen (Putaruru Baptist),a previous farm manager atCLTC also left in Novemberfor Banz, for four months asbusiness manager. Andrewand Michele Mock(Palmerston North Central)leave in January to staff thetwo-teacher internationalCLTC primary school at Banzfor two years. John Leman(Mt. Roskill Baptist), who oncetaught at CLTC for eight years,leaves in January to teach forsix months at the Port MoresbyCentre. Matthew and LouisePepper (Putaruru Baptist) willleave in March to take up theposition of farms operationmanager at the college. Maxand Mary Edwards (Tokoroa

Christian Leaders'Training College

C.L.T.C.'s 413 acre residential campus is near Mt Hagen inthe Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Established in 1964this interdenominational Bible College is home to 200+resident adult students, 200+ children, 170+ PNG staff and20+ expatriate missionaries (the majority from N.Z.). Afurther 100+ students are in Lae and Port Moresby, plus7,500 doing extension studies with the College. C.L.T.C.supports its training programmes through agricultural pro-duction in poultry breeding, hatchery, layer farms, pigs,cattle and gardens.Early in 2000 we need to recruit people with astrong Christian commitment to the aims ofC.L.T.C. for the following positions as C.L.T.C.continues to expand to meet the training needsof PNG and the South Pacific.

Bible TeachersWith masters level qualifications are required forour Degree and Diploma level training programmes.

Business ManagerWith energy, leadership and business skills. Re-sponsible for the oversight, management, purchas-ing and sales functions of the agriculture and sup-port programmes. A background in agriculturebusiness would help but not essential.

Financial ControllerTo follow on from the present FC in 2001. Supervi-sion of six PNG staff and Accpac/Accounting Com-puterised systems.

Technical SupervisorRequires building experience with mechanical un-derstanding to coordinate the building, engineeringand property programmes as the College is in aperiod of significant growth and development.

Accommodation and living allowances areprovided with a limited amount of financialsupport required to be raised from N.Z.For more information contact:C.L.T.C. Advisory Council - Kay Liddle15A Pounamu PI, Cockle Bay, Auckland.Phone/Fax 09 537 4195

Baptist) will return to PNG inJanuary after furlough in NewZealand. Max is the collegeregistrar and Mary has beenthe head teacher at the interna-tional primary school.

Two teachers from CLTC,Gwen Lay (New PlymouthBaptist) and Margaret Street(Papatoetoe Baptist), are cur-rently home on medical leave.

The Port Moresby devel-opment is being funded byselling day-old chickens andeggs.

"CLTC s agricultural sup-port programs are a testimonyof God's faithfulness," GarthMorgan says. "For 35 yearsthe Lord has blessed the dedi-cation and leadership of thefarm, business and financialmanagers, most of whom havecome from New Zealand."

LEARN THEBIBLE!

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If you can help, or for informationphone 0800 4 BIBLE (0800 424 253)

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Enclosed with this issue ofthe NZ Baptist is a brochuredetailing Scripture Union'srange of Bible Guides for allages.

A hot air balloon, flyinghigh in the sky, is featured onthe front cover. It is most ap-propriate, given the recent cir-cumnavigation of the globe inthis way. While circling theworld in a basket is not some-thing most of us will ever do,

we can circumnavigate theworld of the Bible with thehelp of Scripture Union Bibleguides. Each day's landing canbe a visit to a refreshing oasisrather than to a remote spot inthe desert.

TheseBiblereading guidesand more copies of the bro-chure are available from Scrip-ture Union Direct, PO Box760, Wellington or from yourlocal Christian bookshop.

New InterchurchSocial Ministry Started

United Christian Minis-tries, a non-denominationalChristian organisation, an-nounce their intention to set upa national fund and help-lineto support the homeless andunder-privileged.

The Tauranga group,headed by Mr Gary Wilson, isgoing public on its intention togain support from as manychurches and individuals aspossible. Mr Wilson is hopingthat at least 200 churchesthroughout New Zealand willjoin forces to raise cash for amassive, 12-month, nationaltelevision campaign bringingthe scheme to the attention ofthe needy.

"This national supportnet-work is a means by which allchurch groups and caring peo-ple can come together and col-lectively achieve somethingsignificant," he said.

An initial target of

$750,000 will promote andestablish a network throughexisting churches to coordi-nate help for the homeless on adaily basis. An 0800 numberwill be publicised, and volun-teer churches in each area willarrange for people who needshelter to stay with Christianfamilies in their homes for oneor more nights while longerterm solutions are sought.

"After we have met theirimmediate need, church coun-sellors will assist in findingways for them to become self-sufficient again," Mr Wilsonsaid.

Mr Wilson, who has abackground in business man-agement, is self-supportingand is working from hisTauranga home with the helpof volunteers. He attends theFaithway Christian Centre andcan be contacted for furtherinformation on (07) 576-1568.

Bell Block Baptist Church is seeking to appoint a Full timeYouth Pastor with experience in producing and implement-

ing programs for the development of youth leaders andyoung people in Christian service and Evangelism.

We are seeking a person with a passion for disciplingChristian youth and with ability in providing pastoral care

and counselling for youth and young adults.For an information pack and job description please contact

the Senior Pastor.Bell Block Baptist Church

PO Box 7086New Plymouth

E-Mail: [email protected]

Upper Hutt Baptist Church

SENIOR PASTOR VACANCYAre you:-• a good Preacher/Teacher• an Encourager with good people management skills• a Visionary with proven leadership skills• a Leader with proven ability to build and lead a team• being stirred by God for a new assignmentFor further information contact Alistair Hill on (04) 526 7308

after 6pm or send your application with your full CV to:CM.Box 34, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt

Applications close 28 February 2000

Helping people know, love and serve God

ACCOUNTANT - AfghanistanPakistan AUDITOR Nepal

BUSINESSPEOPLE - CentralAsia CARPENTER - Jordan

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER -Bangladesh Nepal. Central Asia

Gulf. Middle East DENTISTCentral Asia, North Africa

DIETICIAN - Mongolia DOCTOR /SURGEON - Asia Middle EastENGINEER - Pakistan Middle

East ESL TEACHER -Bangladesh Nepal Central AsiaGulf Middle East LABORATORY

TECHNICIAN - BangladeshNepal. Gulf LIBRARIAN -Bangladesh. MECHANIC

Bangladesh.Mongolia MENTALHEALTH CARE WORKER -

Afghanistan NURSE / MIDWIFE -Asia Middle East

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST -Asia PHYSIOTHERAPIST -

Afghanistan. Gulf Middle EastNepal Pakistan

PLUMBER - Middle EastPSYCHOLOGIST - Middle East

RADIOGRAPHER - PakistanSOCIAL WORKER Pakistan

SPEECH THERAPIST - NepalBangladesh TEACHER -Afganistan BangladeshCentral Asia Gulf India

Nepal Middle EastVETERINARIANS - Mongolia

X-RAY TECHNICIAN- AsiaYOUTH WORKER

Middle East


Glenfield Baptist Introduces..

Tick the Box and Apply Now.

Do you thrive on a challenge?

Do you have leadership gifts?

Do you have teaching gifts?

Do you have a heart for the lost

If you ticked ail four boxes, we would love to talk to you.Contact us by phoning Murray on 09 444 7863

or Fax 09 444 7978

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Got a good job?What do you think

about doing it some-where else?

You see here's just afew of the people I'm

looking for...

Why not callAlana Ramsay now

for more info!

Garth and Ruth Morgan

3


With the election over, some hot political issues will soonrise to the surface, among them the contentious matter ofsame-sex marriage. The Alliance and the Labour party havemade it clear they will support the legalisation of this.

The overarching Human Rights Act now makes it illegalto discriminate on the basis of "sexual orientation" (amongother things), and this would seem to clear the way for samesex marriage. Fortunately, Section 152 of the Act makescurrent Government policies exempt from the Human RightsAct. Until December 2001, that is. After that (unless nofurther legislation has been passed) the Human Rights Actwill be capable of being interpreted as supreme law in NewZealand, to which other Government policy and legislation(e.g. the Marriage Act) will be subservient.

Human Rights spokesperson for the Labour Party, TimBarnett, said recently that he wants a full public debate on keyoutstanding human rights matters before the end of 2001.This will include making the Human Rights Act apply to allother laws unless specifically exempted, and advocating toother political parties that the Human Rights Act be en-trenched.

One thing concerned citizens could do is write to theMinister of Justice asking that the current exemption be madepermanent. If hundreds of us voiced our concerns, theGovernment would have to take notice. We neither want norneed homosexual "marriage" to be normalised in NewZealand, and no legal obstacles should be placed in the wayof any government initiatives to rebuild support for tradi-tional marriage.

The Ministry of Justice recently released a discussionpaper entitled 'Same Sex Couples and the Law.' It isavailable on the Internet at the Justice web-site:www.justice.govt.nz/pubs/reports/1999/same_sex/discussion.html

A hard copy can also be obtained (free) by writing to:Communications Unit, Ministry of Justice, PO Box 180,Wellington. Christians and others opposed to the homo-sexual lifestyle need to obtain copies of this paper andrespond to it. The closing date for submissions is 31 March2000. We need to do this because within the next two yearsParliament must decide what legal status to give to same-sexcouples. In fact it must review all existing Acts (including thecurrent Marriage Act and Adoption Act) and decide whetherany inconsistencies should remain permanently or whetherthe Human Rights Act must override them. The discussionpaper is designed to get public feedback on the issue beforelegislation is prepared.

The Baptist Public Questions committee will be puttingin a submission on behalf of the denomination (a draft will bepublished in the March issue of the Baptist) but other groupsof Christians and concerned individuals are encouraged toput in their own submissions.

If this seems an odd subject to editorialise on just beforeChristmas, remember that December is a time when we tendto appreciate our families the most. And in our fragmentingsociety, never has the model of the traditional family, with afather and mother committed to each other in a permanentloving relationship, been more in need of upholding.—Julie Belding

The New Zealand Baptist is the newspaper of theBaptist Churches of New Zealand.Published by the Communications Division of the Baptist Union andMissionary Society of New Zealand, 8 Puhinui Road, Manukau City.PO Box 97543, South Auckland Mail Centre.

Editorial and lettersPO Box 65275, Auckland 1330, Phone 09 479 7603, Fax 09 479 7819Email [email protected], Subscriptions and AccountsPO Box 97543, South Auckland, Phone 09 278 7494, Fax 09 278 7499Email [email protected]





Copy Deadline: 12th of the month prior to month of issue.Publication Date: First Sunday of each month except January.Distributed through local Baptist Churches in New Zealand, anddependent on their contributions.Subscriptions and postage for othersNew Zealand: $20.00 (inc GST); Overseas surface: $25.00; Overseasairmail: Australia & Sth Pacific: $29.00; Asia & Nth America: $35.50;Europe, Sth America, Africa, Middle East: $38.00


If you have something to say about a current issue write to the Editor, The NZcondensed The Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline any

THE E D I T O RBaptist PO Box 65275, Auckland 1330. Letters of more than 200 words will be

letter without explanation. Your full name and address must be supplied.

GM FoodsIn your last issue Rob

Bellingham wrote an articleabout genetic modification en-titled "Genetically Modified."In writing about such an emo-tive issue as this, it is unfortu-nate that he got some of thescience incorrect. Mad CowDisease it not caused by cowsbeing force-fed geneticallymodified grain. My mind bog-gles about how easy it would beto force-feed a cow! However,that is not the point at issue here.There is an infectious disease ofsheep in the UK and some othercountries, known as scrapie.After an outbreak of scrapie-like symptoms in cattle in the80s in the UK, epidemiologiststraced the link between cattleand sheep to the habit of feedingcows meat meal made from theprocessed remains of animals,including sheep. This practiceis now forbidden there by law.

People need to get accurateinformation about GM so theycan make decisions about it forthemselves and their families. Iencourage all of you, to checkany information you see in themedia about important issuessuch as GM, to satisfy your-selves that the facts are beingreported accurately before youmake decisions, because sadly,as in this case, they are not al-ways correct.

—Janette Busch,Christchurch

beautiful creature; to the super-stitious a source of 'medicine,'to early man a fur cloak; to theenvironmentalist a necessarycomponent in the food chain; tothe Asian villager a feared killer.All these are valid appreciationsof this creation of God. So toomusic with a heavy, compellingrhythm may find a legitimateneed in motivating people inGod's purposes, or a simplemusical phrase endlessly re-peated may help one meditateon God (David and Saul.) Thewhole experience is alwaysmore than the sum of its ana-lysed parts.

Let's take Gabrielle's arti-cle for what it really is—onlyanother look at the same infi-nite.

—Len Halgryn, Hamilton[abridged]

Sex educationIn the interview with

Graham Capill last month heresponded to the question, "Howwill you deal with those ofhoosexual orientation?" with"...but we'd try to stop the pro-motion of it, for instance usingsex education classes as a wayto force those kinds of moralson young people."

I am a fifth former at anaverage state school. There areno sex ed classes past fourthform, so I have none left. I donot feel homosexual values havebeen forced on me, or evenslightly advocated. Sure, homo-sexuality was briefly talkedabout, but so was maybe hold-ing off sex until marriage forreligious reasons.

I feel that regulatingdiscusison on this issue wouldbe more like Christians forcingtheir morals onto young people.

—Bronwyn Kerr, Levin

Letter fromPrison

I am an inmate in Waikeria,and in a visit today was given aNovember 99 issue of the NZBaptist. Thought I would writeto say how delighted I was toread of the growth in thechurches all over New Zealand.

Many years ago I belonged toa Baptist fellowship in the NorthIsland. I was church organist/pi-anist, Sunday School teacher andyouth leader. Sixteen wonderfulyears spent within that church,and then wentto my wife's church,once married, in another town.Maybe a NZ Baptist is spare inyour office occasionally. Wouldlove to keep reading of God'swork and to pray for you all. Ama born-again Christian but trippedup by Satan in his wacky way toend up in here.

Should anyone want to com-municate with me I would bedelighted to respond. My youngerdays were Spirit filled in hospitaland prison services, youth teas,sing songs, suppers, camps, youname it we did it. I have longed tohear of the Baptist Union work inN.Z. Praise the Lord the HolySpirit has sent one to me here.May God richly bless you all inGod's special ministries withinthe body of Christ.David T. [surname withheld

by request]

Waikeria Prison, PrivateBag 2400, Te Awamutu

4

Upholding Family Values

advertise in every issue in the year 2000 from as little as$330+gst

MusicalAbsolutes

Gabrielle Corbett's articlerevealed several aspects of mu-sic beyond the awareness of theaverage listener, but I feel un-easy about her attempts to de-fine music in any manner abso-lute. Apart from simple physi-ological truths, there seems tobe interwoven through the arti-cle what amounts to no morethan a cleverly presented appealfor being narrow minded.

Humankind, being createdin God's image, also inheritedGod's creativity, expressedamong other things in music.Let's look at his boundless crea-tivity, using the tiger as an ex-ample. To the hunter the tiger isa trophy; to the nature lover a

The Problemof Evil

Once again people are ask-ing, "Why doesn't God stop thewar?" or something similarevery time a conflict starts. Myreaction to this is, which God dothey mean? For any answerpivots on that identification.

If people mean the Chris-tian God, then you have to lookto the Bible for the answer. Godis totally good, all-powerful,wise, and loves us. If he were toremove all evil from the worldthen he would have to disposeof all people because everyonehas sinned and is far from God'ssaving presence.

We were created by Godand given freedom to choosebetween good and evil since thetime of Adam and Eve. By al-lowing wars and suffering Godis showing us that we have madethe wrong choice and it is hisway of getting us to recognisethis and to change our ways.

As more and more peoplebelieve in Jesus Christ and sur-render themselves to him, evilwill be overcome. I would liketo say it could be overcome 100percent, but unfortunately, hu-

Leprosy inEast Timor

When the crisis developedin East Timor, The LeprosyMission had quite importantwork in Indonesia in coopera-tion with the government healthservices. There were some ex-patriate personnel including anexperienced New Zealander,Miss Colleen Church, inKalimantan province. Threewere based in Kupang, EastTimor, with about 1000 regis-tered patients. These workersand Colleen Church had to beevacuated. About 500 patientswere declared cured in EastTimor in the past year. For suremany patients have died butthose still living are in dire needof continued treatment. Urgent

man beings will hold back forreasons valid to themselves only,and therefore wars and evil willcontinue to plague the worlduntil Christ returns.

—Gordon Revell, Lyall Bay[abridged]

CreationI'd like to add my musings to

the endles debate on creation andevolution. I can't for the life of mesee why people get so hung up oneither side—as if their salvationdepended on the outcome.

Does it really matter howGod created everything or howpeople interpret what the Biblesays about it? As far as I'mconcerned it doesn't as long as Ibelieve that God did it in what-ever way he chose. There are farmore urgent things to get pas-sionate about.

—Jocelyn Dodd,New Plymouth

prayers are requested for theopportunity to take up this Chris-tian work again.—Arthur Jamieson, Feilding


Earlier this year I wasasked by both Assembly andNZBMS Councils to under-take a special task. This re-quired that I reflect on thelife and ministries of thechurches, the Union andtranzsend/NZBMS and sug-gest a process for discussionin the churches and at otherlevels during next year, lead-ing to debate and hopefullydecisions at Assembly inBethlehem in 2000.

The brief given to memeans discussion for thechurches.

In general terms the briefgiven me was to reflect on:• What kind of movement

of churches should we beinto the 21st century?

• How show we organise/structure ourselves?

• What is the best way todo mission in New Zea-land and overseas?

• How do we set directionand give leadership in ourchurches/movement?

• In what appropriate waysdo we recognise thegrowth of ethnic minis-tries?Last month's Assembly

provided me with the oppor-tunity to share with the del-egates the essence of the is-sues facing us and the natureof the process our churchesand leaders need to be en-

gaged in during 2000. Thequestions aboveare also verypertinent to discussionswhich will be held at local,regional and national levelsnext year.

The essence of the issuesfacing us

We have lived throughtimes of overwhelmingchange and there is nothingto indicate that the pace ofchange will lessen! As aconsequence, while holdingto the heart of our faith inChrist and his Gospel, weneed to evaluate where weare at as local churches andas a movement/denominationin order to effect the changenecessary - not simply tosecure our future as Baptistsper se, but to ensure spiritualstability and fruitfulness intothe next century.

Loren Mead in his book "TheFuture Church" says

"A new church is beingborn. Itmaynot be the churchwe expect or want, Thechurch of the future may notinclude our favourite liturgyor hymn, our central theo-logical principle or even ourdenomination. God's prom-ises will always arrive withsurprises in them! The formof the new world and the newchurch is not in our hands.

What is in our hands isthe chance to respond toGod's call. To put our skillsand our wills to the task ofdiscerning the opportunitypoints, the places and timesfor change and to add ourgifts to God's church in thistime of change. How Godwill use our gifts we cannotpredict!

"Those of us who arecalled into the church have aspecial vocation to work forthe renewal and refreshmentof the church - not as aninstitution out of the past, butas a centring presence fromwhich we may serve the newworld that God is creatingaround us."

Very provocative wordsif we are willing to thinkabout them and begin to par-ticipate in discussions of theissues which surround us asBaptist Christians and con-gregations.

The central issue beforeus is the need for a new vi-sion for what it means to beBaptist congregations in the21st century in New Zealand;how we organise ourselves,relate to each other and en-gage meaningfully in God'smission locally, regionally,nationally and internation-ally!

It's a big ask to reflect onwhere we have come from

and where God wants us tobe centred in the future.Whatever we see the visionto be locally will largely de-termine who we are and whatwe do collectively at the na-tional level.

We are not a hierarchicalmovement operating fromthe top down. As Baptistswe work from the grassroots(local) outwards! And as suchour genius lies in the fact thatwe are a "pilgrim" people -people on a journey underthe Lordship of Christ - withhis flexibility in our spiritualheritage and genes to makethe changes that are neces-sary to be the people andchurches and leaders Godwants us to be in a new era ofchallenge.

The issues before us aremulti-faceted but in essencehome in on what it will meanfor Baptist Christians in the21st century to be meaningfulcommunities of believers,engaged in the mission ofGod to our communities, cul-ture and the world. A big,challenging but exciting re-sponsibility to think through.

The process towardsBethlehem 2000

If we are to arrive pre-pared for significant discus-sion, decision and futureplanning at the Bethlehem

Assembly in November 2000much work has to be done atdifferent levels during nextyear.

Because such discussionand debate cannot be carriedout in a vaccum of informa-tion and direction, Assemblyand tranzsend/NZBMS coun-cils will be providing mate-rial to assist the discussions.This material will also con-tain some possible scenariosas to the way forward in de-termining our vision for thefuture. It is recognised thatleadership needs to be givento this very important processof 'Towards Bethlehem'.

The process will involvechurch leadership groups,some think tanks and othergroups and it is imperativethat people and local congre-gations feel free to make theircomments known as well.Later in the year (but wellbefore Assembly) it is ex-pected that representativeregional meetings will alsobe held.

With this in mind we arepreparing material to be sentto our pastors and churchesin February to begin the proc-ess we need to engage in fordiscussions and decisionmaking later in the year.

The material will provideamong other things:• Information in terms of

Baptist life and polity asto the ways in whichchurches, the BaptistUnion and the Mission-ary Society (tranzsend/NZBMS have historicallyoperated and worked to-gether.

• Questions which relatenot only to the presentbut to the future ethos ofhow we have worked andmay yet work together inthe future.

• Opportunity forresponseThis is a process fromwhich well thought outfeed back is sought. Re-sponses are important toguide Assembly in its dis-cussions.

• Requests for prayer forthe process.

Any vision for change mustbegin with God

There is a tiredness in alot of what we do as congre-gations and in what we donationally and in missionoverseas.

Any vision for changetherefore must begin withGod. It is the ministry of theHoly Spirit to provoke God'speople to feel a deep dissat-isfaction with the way thingsare and provide a clear vi-sion of what could be. Newwine requires new wine-skins.

by John NorthNo, we are not thinking

about the Rugby World Cupeven though the media haveportrayed it as a national dis-aster requiring grief therapy.Nor are we thinking of theAmerica's Cup - a game formillionaires whose yachtsfall to pieces in conditions asailing dingy would handlequite well. Nor that millen-nium which many are pump-ing as hard as they can forprofit or for the extremefringe of religion

What I'm writing aboutis a far bigger event, the moststartling in human histroy andmost people will not give it athought and never know whatthey are missing. Read againthe mysterious and majesticwords which echo down thecenturies like a great bell;

"The Word became fleshand dwelt among us..."

"In Christ, the fullness ofGod was pleased to dwell"

"God was in Christ, rec-onciling the world to him-self

"He that has seen me hasseen the Father."

These statements are allthe more amazing when weconsider that they werepenned by strictly monothe-istic Jews. The person of Je-sus did not fit into theirthought systems and there isa reserve in the New Testa-ment . Jesus is not often iden-tified with God in simpleterms. But those who encoun-tered the impact of Christand responded in faith wereleft in no doubt that "Godwas in Christ."

This big one does not fitinto our normal categorieseither. It goes right past ourrational understanding. Howcan an ordinary-looking hu-

man contain God? How couldGod focus himself into a fi-nite mortal?

People have written, ar-gued and persecuted eachother as they tried to under-stand and analyse this mixof human and divine. Butothers have recognized thatwe have to live with para-dox and love the mysteriouswith faculties beyond ourrationality. After all, thediscoveries of our centuryhave led us humans into adeeper sense of wonder atthe mystery which surroundsus on all sides. We live inour solar system which is atiny part of our galaxy, con-taining millions of stars. Andour galaxy is just one ofmany, moving apart fromeach other at colossal speeds,off into what seems to beinfinite space. And there isdark matter out there too,

This is the

invisible, but making itspresence felt.

We are surrounded bymystery and wonder. AndChristians have the nerve toclaim that the creative intel-ligence, the divine physicistbehind this mind-blowinguniverse is motivated by loveand cares for each of us as ifthere were only one to love.

This is either arrogantnonsense or the most amaz-ing truth to emerge from thehistory of our planet.

This is the Big One.Whatever else we do to cel-ebrate or ignore Christmasand the new millennium,we'll be missing out if weforget the one whose birthwe celebrate at Christmas.

Lo within a manger lies,He who built the starry skies.

Can we learn somethingfrom Mary who shared in theChrist event in a unique way.We are told she treasured andstored up all these things inher heart. Yes, this is the BigOne. Take time to ponder,wonder and treasure it in yourheart.

Towards Bethlehem 2000

5

BIG ONE


When Is Counselling Or Psychotherapy Christian?by Gordon Hambly

Counsellors and counsel-ling have been around sincethe dawn of civilisation.Practical questions and con-cerns surround the issue ofwhether that counsel is wiseor good.

Many people still assumecounselling is telling otherswhat's right for them. Somereported cases referred forcounselling from the lawcourts are quite clear. Thetone of the recommendationimplies that the person willclearly be directed as to howto behave - or else!

Some Christians inchurch settings are exposedto similar kinds of coercionin the name of counsellingwhich usually result in thedevaluing of the individualseeking help and the eleva-tion of the 'counsellor.'

The most practical defi-nitions of a counsellor in-clude empathetic listener,skilful enabler, trustworthyconfidant, caring but objec-tive supporter and friend.Any counselling worthy ofthe name is dependent on arelationship of trust wherethe person seeking supportand understanding feels ac-cepted and valued.

Carl Rogers coined thephrase 'unconditional posi-tive regard' to describe thiskind of acceptance. It's agood modern translation ofthe Greek word 'agape,' sooften used in the Bible forGod's love.

Psychotherapy is anotherword used to describe thecounselling process. It is theofficial category within theNew Zealand health andmedical system, whereas theword counsellor seems lessrecognised in the training andsalary scales. It's also sig-nificant that one professionalbody seeking registration rec-ognition by the state droppedthe word 'counsellor' fromits title and for some yearsnow has been named 'TheNew Zealand Association ofPsychotherapists.'

The word 'psycho-therapy' may be daunting but

its roots are biblical. TheGreek word 'psyche' means'soul,' and 'therapy' meanshealing. In recent years I'veseen an interest in and open-ness to the spiritual or souldimension of counselling,even in secular therapies.Surely this is one area forfruitful dialogue betweenChristians and all sinceresearchers after truth.

What therapeutic meth-ods are there?

All good counsellingmodels effective communi-cation, and this always comesback to sensitive listening bythe counsellor. Of course, toreally listen in this way meansloving. How else can I getinside another person's worldso I can feel what it is like tobe struggling with a particu-lar issue? Once inside thatworld, skilful reflection willenable that person to see theissues more clearly and takeresponsibility for makingdecisions. This is Carl Rog-er's 'client-centred therapy,'sometimes called non-direc-tive counselling.

Sometimes the counsel-lor's role is to gently con-front avoidance, blind spotsor indecision, but the sup-port offered always assumesit's the other person whotakes responsibility for per-sonal learning, growth andchange.

Reality Therapy, devel-oped and explained byWilliam Glasser, representsall those approaches whichseek to confront with realityor truth in any way. JayAdams' 'nouthetic counsel-ling,' for example, focuseson confronting people withBible principles as he under-stands them.

To enhance the effective-ness of empathetic listeningand caring confrontation,which I like to call'carefrontation,' severaltherapy methods and skillscan be used. If counselling isseen as a river always flow-ing from a listening sourcetoward the open sea of lifewhich Jesus declared as 'the

truth which sets us free,'(John 8:32), then there canbe many tributaries flowinginto that river to help a per-son on the way.

A primary one, histori-cally, is psychoanalysis.This has as its sourceSigmund Freud and gathersother psychodynamic ap-proaches and understandingsinto its flow. This approachexplores largely unconsciousmaterial, uses the transfer-ence relationship betweentherapist and client, and istime consuming. Most psy-chiatrists are exposed to someform of personal analysis intheir training but this is alsotrue of any in-depth trainingwhich enables us to be awareof the unconscious processesat work in all of us. Othersassociated with this historicapproach include Jung, Adlerand Frankl.

Transactional Analysis,developed by Eric Berne, isanother way of looking at thestructure of personality andthe nature of relationships.His book 'Games PeoplePlay' describes the basics.Thomas Harris popularisedthese ideas in 'I 'm O.K.You're O.K.' Some Chris-tian writers have seen theusefulness of the T. A. frame-work in biblical terms.

P s y c h o d r a m a ,Sociodrama, Role Trainingwere developed by Morino.Psychodrama uses a varietyof action methods to enableindividuals to understand andintegrate the thinking, feel-ing and behaving aspects oftheir experience.Bibliodrama, or the actingout of biblical events or teach-ing, is one application.

Gestalt therapy is linkedwith Frederick Perls whodefines 'Gestalt' as an equa-tion- 'awareness plus presenttime equals reality.' It seeksto focus on present reality bystaying with the non-verbalaspects of communicationand enabling the person tointegrate polarities and con-flicts. The use of two-chairwork to represent theseconflictual areas can help to

clarify and resolve issues.Neuro-linguistic pro-

gramming is attributed toMilton Erickson. As withother philosophies and ap-proaches, it is almost ridicu-lous to try to introduce themin a few sentences. N.L.P.recognises that basic beliefsabout life or self have beeninternalised in the form ofcomputer-like pathwayswhich can operate outside ofour conscious awareness.These can be uncoveredthrough observing eye move-ments, and changed througha variety of interventions in-cluding indirect suggestionand the use of affirmations asbelief or faith statements. Isee rational emotivetherapy, as developed byAlbert Ellis as a forerunnerto N.L.P.

Primal Work is associ-ated in the secular sense withArthur Janov and in theChristian sense with CecilOsborne. It recognises thatsome traumatic experiencesin childhood are repressedinto the subconscious mindand forgotten, but their con-tinuing effects can be felt inpeople's lives. Primal workis a way of uncovering andintegrating that repressedmaterial. Re-birthing is asimilar but more gentle andsubtle breathing-basedtherapy.

Healing of memories isanother way of approachingpainful incidents which haveleft emotional wounds. Thenames of Agnes Sanford,Ruth Carter-Stapleton,Francis McNutt, Dennis andMatthew Linn are associatedwith this form of prayer min-istry. I have found the proc-ess developed by DavidGrove called 'Healing theWounded Inner Child' help-ful with some people.

Marriage or couplecounselling, sometimescalled 'role-relationshipcounselling,' focuses on therelationship between twopeople as something differ-ent from, and more than, thesum total of two individuals.

Family Counselling has

developed dramatically inrecent years. It's the forerun-ner of all those therapies thatsee the individual in the con-text of significant relation-ships, networks or systems.The individual can never beseen as separate from his orher network of interpersonalrelationships.

Groups can be gatheredaround any of the abovemethods or approaches.Group Therapy is a coun-selling approach in its ownright which sees a group ap-proach as more helpful forsome persons than individualcounselling, or as an adjunctto it.

Each of these therapeuticmethods has its own trainingand supervision require-ments. Those seeking to befully skilled in any one wouldbe wise to get the best quali-fications possible. However,most general practitionercounsellors tend to be eclec-tic, bringing a variety ofcounselling tools and skillsto any given situation.

What enables us to callcounselling Christian?

I believe there is no onecounselling method whichautomatically deserves aChristian label. The ques-tion, 'Do you do Christiancounselling?' is as inappro-priate as 'Do you do Chris-tian dentistry?'

I happen to be more in-terested in having a gooddentist. That the person is aChristian is a bonus.

Having said that, it isimportant to acknowledgethat in matters of faith andthe heart, I need to find some-one I can trust, someone whowill respect and understandmy values, someone whodoes not impose values onme. This comes back to lov-ing. But in my experience itis not only Christians whosatisfy these criteria. Moreo-ver, Christians (as well asothers) can practice sub ornon-Christian counselling.

So it is not the methodol-ogy which makes counsel-ling Christian. Nor it is sim-

ply the fact that a Christiandoes it, for some Christianscan stray well away from thelove and teachings of JesusChrist in their counselling.

Whenever genuine heal-ing or progression towardwholeness take place, thecreative energy and activityof God is at work. The HolySpirit is the divine agent onearth who carries out thiswork. This task and purposeis ultimately to bring honourto Christ by revealing his in-tentions and purposes. (John16:14) But this process isoften so gentle and subtlethat we as counsellors are notovertly aware of it. As withthe vindication of prophecy -'The proof of the pudding isin the eating.'

Some of the vital quali-ties and stances in the coun-sellor are genuine loving,strong gentleness, humbleskilfulness, openprayerfulness, personal in-tegrity and absolute confi-dentiality. But let it be statedthat God in his grace oftenacts in spite of the lack ofthese things.

Maybe the Holy Spirit isthe only person with theawareness of all the circum-stances and motivations tobe able to know how Chris-tian any piece of counsellingor psychotherapy is.

Gordon Hambly, is a gradu-ate of both Baptist College(1958) and California Bap-tist Seminary. He has super-visory accreditation with theAmerican Association forClinical Pastoral Educationand has offered C.P.E.coursesformanyyears. Since1971 he and Joy have be-longed to the Remuera Bap-tist Church. Gordon was Di-rector of Auckland LifelineandInterchurch CounsellingService for nine years, andapart from a year as interimecumenical chaplain atKingseat Psychiatric Hospi-tal, has been in private prac-tice ever since. He tutored inpastoral care and counsel-ling at Baptist College for 26years.


for more details contact Jonathan: NZ Baptist, PO Box 97543 SAMC, Phone 09 278 7494, Fax 09 278 7499, Email: [email protected]

6


Spiritual Abuse a Common Counselling Problemby Julie Belding

"Spiritual abuse is, sadly,quite common today," sayscounsellor Lynn Goold of TeAtatu. Mrs Goold works aspart of a counselling teamwith C.A.R.E. Waitakere,which is affiliated with theTe Atatu Bible Chapel.

"What saddens me mostis to find people who havebeen damaged in the name ofGod," she said. "In somechurches leaders have actu-ally forbidden their people tospeak to family memberswho have broken some rule.You can imagine the hurt andrejection this causes. Espe-cially when Christians beginto think God must be likethat!"

She said spiritual abusecould happen when a well-meaning person felt they hada word from God which theyneeded to speak (often re-peatedly) into another's life.

"Often harsh and destruc-tive words are spoken in thename of God by an authorityfigure," she said. "I meetpeople who are suffering fall-out from situations that hap-pened years ago. There's adanger when people elevateleaders to guru status."

Some of the people Lynnworked with believed Godhad totally rejected them.

"Sometimes, I have to

say, it may be a person's mis-interpretation of what wassaid. But when you get sev-eral people coming from thesame place with the samestory, it is disturbing."

Lynn Goold, who is mar-ried with two adult children,works with C.A.R.E. (Com-ing Alongside to Restore andEmpower) and spends aboutfifteen hours a week work-ing with counselling clients.

She became a counsellorafter grappling with depres-sion herself for many years.Prayer had helped to someextent, she said, and God hadtouched her life in variousways. But then she reachedan impasse, and had becomeresigned to it. When she wentto a professional Christiancounsellor, however, she wasable for the first time to iden-tify and work through someof the deep issues in her life.

"As I progressed on myjourney I saw how importantit was for Christians withprofessional training to beavailable to help people," shesaid.

She trained with the Hu-man Development and Train-ing Institute in Auckland andlater did a counselling di-ploma with Lifeway College.

Today it was a source ofjoy, Lynn said, to hear fromher former clients that

changes which had startedthrough counselling werecontinuing, and that theirlives were still improving.

"It's great when peoplesuddenly realise, 'Hey! Godreally does love me and I'mspecial to him!'"

What difference does be-ing a Christian make to coun-selling?

"While we believe thatthe way to God is throughJesus we have to be respect-ful of other people'schoices," she answers care-fully. "I believe every per-son who comes for help hasbeen brought here for a rea-son, to be shown some as-pect of God's love. And sohe is working in their lives,whether or not there is anopportunity to verbalise it.Our object as counsellors isto enable people to find theiranswers, not to impose ourbeliefs on them. But thereare often opportunities tobuild on what clients are say-ing."

She suggested that pro-spective counsellors shouldinvestigate the trainingcourses that were availableand talk to people who werealready trained.

"It is important to get thetraining that suits you," Lynnsaid. "It's also important todeal honestly with your own

SCHOOL OF BIBLICAL COUNSELLING13-18 February 2000

Totara Springs Christian Centre - Matamata

FOR COUNSELLORS AND PEOPLE HELPERS

Mr Bill Vassiliou - Australia: BS in Biblical Counselling / Psychology, MA in BiblicalCounselling / Psychology, Director of L.I.T.E.Topics: Theology of God in Counselling; Conflict Resolution; Professional Tutorial - DefenceMechanisms; Understanding our Generation; Understanding Personalities; Managing ourEmotionsMr Neville Taylor: Dip. Theology, Pastor at LargeTopics: Healing Through Hope; Freedom through Forgiveness; Facing DeathMr Malcolm Russell: MA, Dip Tchg, Dip Guid Counselling, Counsellor at ChristianCounselling Centre, Levin; Involved in Bible College Diploma of CounsellingTopics: Marriage; Anger Management and Verbal ViolenceMr Dick Opie: Bth Dip SW, Pastor and Counsellor at Otumoetai Bible Chapel, Director of'Pathway Counselling' Topic: Hurts and BitternessesAlfred and Moka Ngaro: Bachelor of Ministries / Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy,Counsellors at Tamaki Family Trust Topic: Cross Cultural IssuesMr Peter Robinson: Pastor and Counsellor at Matamata Bible ChurchTopics: Principles of Counselling; Pastoral CareRosemary Diprose: Dip Tchg, Adv Cert Counselling, ACC Registered Counsellor, CYPSContract Counsellor, Tutor in Diploma of Counselling Topic: Sexual AbuseEdith Morris: Returned missionary from Japan Topic: Living with DisabilitiesCelia King: Former chaplain for DEAF, Sign Language Tutor, Involved in Deaf EducationTopic: Counselling the Deaf and Hearing ImpairedAndrew Pound: Associate Pastor at Northwest Baptist Church, Bachelor of Education,Bachelor of Divinity Topic: Pastoral Care

COST: $165.00 per person - $290.00 per married couple (cabin accommodation)OPTIONAL EXTRA: - Motels 35.00 per married couple per night. $17.50 per single (share) pernight. All linen is provided.Camp commences Sunday at 7.00 pm with registrations and concludes on Friday with a light dinner.Men and Women 20 years and over may attend. Sorry, no room for children.

The Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis (TJTA) Profile consists of answering a series ofquestions that gives you an accurate picture of your character strengths and weaknesses. Thoseinterested please complete the section on the registration form.

Cabin MotelPrevious Years attended:TRANSPORT: Bus DatePlane (Hamilton) DateYou will be met at your destination and taken to Totara SpringsPlease Include $60.00 with your registration

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issues. One of the dangers inthe helping professions is thatyou may seek to help othersin order to feel good aboutyourself. But to go into coun-selling with that aim will justlead to burn-out."

How did Lynn avoidburn-out, personally?

"I have to leave my con-cern for people in God'shands," she said, "remem-bering that he has the ulti-mate responsibility forthem."

She mentioned her hus-band John, a teacher, andother good friends "who re-mind me I have another life."She also has two supervisorswho meet with her regularlyand advise her when adjust-ments are needed.

She said her involvementwith the New Zealand Chris-tian Counsellors Associationhad been another significantsource of spiritual and pro-fessional support. Lynn ispresently on the executive ofNZCCA, which was estab-lished in 1996 as a charitableorganisation. It aims to be avisible sign of God's desireto restore people to whole-ness, serving the whole bodyof Christ and the wider com-munity by promoting profes-sional standards amongChristian counsellors in NewZealand. The Association

had worked hard to establishits professional credibility,she said, and was in the proc-ess of gaining recognition asan accrediting body in its ownright by ACC, WINZ and theDepartment of Child, Youthand their Families. (For-merly, in order to be accred-ited, a trained counsellor alsohad to be a member of an-otherrecognised professionalorganisation, such as the NZAssociation of Counsellorsor the Association of Psy-chotherapists.)

A counsellor who wantsto join the NZCCA is re-quired to sign a statement offaith and a code of practiceand ethics which covers everyaspect of professional con-duct. Full membership (pro-visional, regular or clinicallevel) is open to those havecompleted a minimumnumber of hours of recog-nised professional training aswell as supervised counsel-ling. Any person interestedin counselling but withoutprofessional training mayjoin the association as an as-sociate. National confer-ences (held annually since1995), regional meetings andregular newsletters providea platform for networkingwith others as well as spir-itual and professional sup-port.

"At the conferences yourealise you are not alone,"Lynn Goold said. "Not onlydo they extend you profes-sionally, but you also get tomeet other people with thesame goals who want to seeGod's name honoured andthe love of Jesus being ex-pressed through Christiancounselling."

Lynn said they would liketo see more counsellors join-ing NZCCA as each personhad something unique to con-tribute, to help the Associa-tion become an increasinglyeffective influence on thetherapeutic professions inNew Zealand.For more information aboutNZCCA phone Charlotte Bellon (09) 376-0102.

A newspaper is a lot more than just current events. It's a reflection ofwho we are. A chance to see ourselves as people and a community.Sometimes we're great, and sometimes we're in need of a little work.Theres a lot to see and learn every month, if you take the time to look.

Pick up a copy of the New Zealand Baptist.

Every month, we all get to look in the same mirror.

7

B

Lynn Goold

Lecturers and Subjects

Registration Form - Please return to: Totara Springs Christian Centre, RD 3, MatamataPhone: (07) 888 4700 Fax: (07) 888 4710 Email: [email protected]

Name: (Christian and Surname)

Address:


by Elaine GurneyThere's a Swahili proverb that says, "He who has tasted

honey will return to the honey pot." It's true! However,before it happened there was plenty of well-meant advice forme.

"Why don't you leave it, Elaine," was the suggestion ofone Australian friend who, despite her own counsel, hadalready made two return trips to East Africa since retiringfrom the mission field!

"Remember the place as you knew it," she recom-mended.

"Don't go alone," someone else exhorted.I didn't. In God's providence a friend offered to travel

with me without my even asking. I admired her courage andtrust.

And so it was that I set off to return to the honey pot afteran absence of almost twenty years. Paid long service leave,coupled with the low cost of living in East Africa, made itpossible for me to revisit students and pastors I had taughtand worked alongside, in places where I had lived and lovedfor thirteen memorable years. However, my friend Jill hadnever been to Africa before.

We knew the potential pitfalls. Indeed we had goodreason to be cautious on arrival in the former capital city ofDares Salaam. Missionary friends of mine had been victimsof a mugging there six months earlier, leaving them suffer-ing for several months from post traumatic stress syndrome.I knew corruption had risen markedly in Tanzania andKenya. The cosmopolitan city of Dar, with its high unem-ployment, has an estimated 850,000 muggers — almost athird of its population.

We settled into our modest hotel quarters in a lesssalubrious part of the city. For Jill the heat, dust, crowds,chaotic driving, persistent beggars and hawkers, overpow-ering taxi drivers and blatantly obvious would-be thievesand pickpockets... all took their toll. She experienced themost severe culture shock I had ever witnessed.

"It's like Soweto!" she wailed. Not that she'd been therebefore.

Sitting on the side of the bed I wondered for a couple ofhours whether we might be returning immediately to New

Zealand. After all, my friend's mental and emotional wellbe-ing was more important than feeling fractured in a strangeland, thousands of miles from home.

It was easier for me. At least I knew the language.Returning to the honey pot was getting us into a stickysituation.

My haggard friend never moved from the hotel roomuntil we ventured forth the following morning not, as weoriginally planned, to visit the exotic spice isle tourist resortof Zanzibar, pre-paid. Forget that. Chances are we'd neverhave returned with our luggage intact. Instead, with thecooperation of a kind and honest taxi driver (why hadn't wefound him the day before?) we cut our losses, boarded a"modern" bus, and headed inland on a seven-hour journey—away from the pressures of being vulnerable tourists.

Having withdrawn from the rat race, Jill recovered re-markably and entered with good humour into the many andvaried experiences of life in present day Tanzania andKenya. On our safari she encountered 'low-type' toilets,darkness in a train carriage due to a spent light bulb, a lackof air conditioning on the same train, and annoying flies andants. She enthusiastically learned some key Swahili words,tried African food for the first time, moaned light-heartedlyabout mosquito nets every time she had to climb inside one,did a bit of bartering for market goods, and endured atro-cious, dusty roads and overcrowded mini buses. She washaving a ball.

The return visit to the honey pot was not without itssadness as I learned about various ex-students. Some hadbackslidden in their Christian faith. One had married aMoslem, another was growing tobacco, several had diedfrom AIDS and other diseases.

It was no different from home, really, I thought. Chris-tians lose their spiritual edge because, like Demas, they "lovethis present world."

A highlight for me was meeting some young men whomI had once taught for fifty percent of their timetable. One ofthem, Richard, I called my son, because when he arrived atcollege as a twenty-year-old, his pastor father had written tome.

"Bring him up as your own son," he had implored. "Not

Elaine Gurney

that you bore him physically,but that you care for him likePaul cared for Timothy andcalled him his son."

Another father had pledsimilarly, and so I had caredfor them all spiritually.

During the village serv-ice of one ex-student, now apastor in charge of nineteenvillage churches, I gave afive-minute testimony inSwahili, a testimony thattalked of suffering since welast met. Later, over a mealof chicken and rice, a churchleader turned to me and saidcandidly, "We didn't know

(This could be translated asEuropeans had 'matatizo.'"difficulties or perplexities.)

I wasn't too surprised at his statement. Missionariescouldn't afford to have "matatizo" in that harsh economicenvironment where the infrastructure has been breakingdown and where it seems many aspects of life there are worsethan they were twenty years ago.

No, I thought, without a strong call of God on their livesand a life free of baggage, they would be hard-pressed tosurvive on that mission field.

Before we left New Zealand a Maori friend had antici-pated that returning to the honey pot would be emotional forme. It was, particularly meeting with Richard, Joseph,Simoni... There were many hugs, and tears flowed freely.What a privilege it was to be able to chat with these and othernow not-so-young men. What a joy it was to listen as theyshared their faith journey with me in Swahili, their heartlanguage. We prayed together and encouraged one another.

I had been drawn back to the honey pot, and the honeywas still sweet to my taste.Elaine Gurney (nee Smith) was a NZCMS missionary in EastAfrica from 1967-80, and returned there last July. She nowbelongs to North Avon Baptist Church.

Please support the tranzsend/nzbms Christmas Angel Appeal this year.By doing so you will be helping to share the greatest story ever told, withpeople who desperately need to hear it.

If you're not going to be at church this Christmas please semi your financial gift to:The Christmas Angel Appeal, Freepost 24, PO Box 97543, South Auckland.

8


by Rob BellinghamThere is only one question to ask in my final dilemma

column of the decade, century and millenium, "What do weneed to survive the next one?"

According to one of the greatest theologians of thiscentury, Hans Kung, we need a "global ethic". For most ofthe century and the centuries before it, the Christian worldunderstood and accepted the Ten Commandments as thebasis for a moral society. No longer. In the global villagethere are many reference points and in the Western world anincreasing ignorance of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Chil-dren can grow up without the foggiest notion of who Jesus is,of the twin commands to love God and our neighbours, oreven of the golden rule.

Kung's thesis is that we need to agree on a "Declarationof Human Responsibilities" to match "The Universal Decla-ration of Human Rights", agreed to just over 50 years ago andheld up around the world as the foundation for social justice.The language of rights has become part of our vocabulary tothe point that it divides us, as often as it provides the gluebetween different people, cultures and languages. "Wedemand all sorts of rights," argues Kung, "but act as if weowe nothing to anybody."

His alternative to the ten negative biblical injunctions arefour directives covering respect for humanity and life, eco-nomic justice, truth and tolerance, equal rights and partner-ship between men and women. These are spelt out, in thecurrent draft before the United Nations, in nineteen articles.Apart from the UN, Kung has found sponsors in the forum ofretired heads of states and governments and in the Parliamentof the World's Religions.

This is not a substitute for religion."It is possible to have a morality without religion," says

Kung, "but in all religions you have a god who is behind themoral system." The danger is that it would either be tooprescriptive and narrow so not all could agree to it, or sobroad as to have no meaning.

The Declaration of Human Rights may not be observedeverywhere, but it is a useful and recognised reference point.

Our own government made an abortive attempt to gainacceptance for a "Code of Social Responsibility". Thedemise of that enterprise was not because we don't need sucha code but that it contained elements that precluded itsacceptance by the poor, the public and professionals in thesocial welfare field. Hans Kung's version could be a moreuniversal code.

Surrounded by a threatened planet, amongst warringethnic groups, in dysfunctional communities and with abu-sive families we need to agree on what being responsiblemeans and act on that knowledge. If we don't we and the rest,as they say, will be history.Rob Bellingham concluding the millenium on a sombre yethopeful note.

BANZAid in partnership with Pat Lightbourne and

Rosemary Eyres are making a difference in

Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea.

Please help them to train the teachers and give

the gift of literacy to more women.

For more information or to send a donation:

BANZAid, P0 Box 97543, South Auckland

www.banzaid.org.nz

"W e d e m a n d a I I s o r t s o f r i g h t s"

9


10 NZ Baptist December 1999

Six ways to Remember the Reason for the Season

by Julie BeldingRev Brian Winslade, of Windsor Park, believes there has

to be a better way to celebrate Christmas-"a way that reflectsthe different values and morals that we profess as Christians."

"We obviously can't opt out of our world altogether," hetold his Mairangi Bay congregation last year, "but there mustbe things that we can do in order to make our Christmas a

truly Christian celebration."He said Christians claimed to believe in the real meaning

of the celebration - God's sending his son into the world tosave it - but often buckled to commercial pressures and didwhat everyone else did.

"We spend more than we can afford buying gifts andgoodies that people don't really need," he said. "We con-

sume massive amounts of food and come Boxing Day wecollapse in a heap and wonder what was the point of it all."

Pastor Winslade quoted Eugene Petersen's paraphrase ofRomans 12:1 from "The Message': "Don't become so welladjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking."

He went on to suggest six ways in which Christians mightcelebrate Christmas more appropriately.

The recent announcement that Donner and Blitzen haveelected to take the early reindeer retirement package hastriggered good deal of concern about whether they will bereplaced, and about other restructuring decisions at the NorthPole. As a further restructuring, today's global challengesrequire the North Pole to continue to look for better, morecompetitive steps.

Effective immediately, the following economy measuresare to take place in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" subsidi-ary:

The partridge will be retained, but the pear tree neverturned out to be the cash crop forecasted. It will be replacedby a plastic hanging plant, providing considerable savings inmaintenance.

The two turtle doves represent a redundancy that is simplynot cost-effective. In addition, their romance during workinghours could not be condoned. The positions are thereforeeliminated.

The three French hens will remain intact. After all,everyone loves the French. The four calling birds have beenreplaced by an automated voice mail system, with a call-waiting option. An analysis is underway to determine who thebirds have been calling, how often and how long they talked.

The five golden rings have been put on hold by, the Board ,

of Directors. Maintaining a portfolio based on one commoditycould have negative implications for institutional investors.Diversification into other precious metals, as well as a mix ofT-Bills and high technology stocks, appears to be in order.

The six geese-a-laying constitutes a luxury which can nolonger be afforded. It has long been felt that the production rateof one egg per goose per day is an example of the decline inproductivity. Three geese will be let go, and an upgrading inthe selection procedure by personnel will assure managementthat from now on every goose it gets will be a good one.

The seven swans-a-swimming is obviously a numberchosen in better times. The function is primarily decorative.Mechanical swans are on order. The current swans will beretrained to learn some new strokes and therefore enhancetheir outplacement.

As you know, the eight maids-a-milking concept has beenunder heavy scrutiny by the EEO office. A male/femalebalance in the workforce is being sought. The more militantmaids consider this a dead-end job with no upward mobility.Automation of the process may permit the maids to try a-mending, a-mentoring or a-mulching.

Nine ladies dancing has always been an odd number. Thisfunction will be phased out as these individuals grow older andcan no longer do the steps.

Ten Lords a-leaping is overkill. The high cost of lords plusthe expense of national air travel prompted the CompensationCommittee to suggest replacing this group with ten out-of-work politicians. While leaping ability may be somewhatsacrificed, the savings are significant because we expect anoversupply of unemployed politicians next year, especiallyfrom New Zealand First.

Eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming is asimple case of the band getting too big. A substitution with astring quartet,a cutback on new music, and no uniforms topurchase or refurbish will produce savings which will dropright down to the bottom line.

We can expect a substantial reduction in assorted people,fowl, animals and other expenses. Though incomplete, stud-ies indicate that stretching deliveries over twelve days isinefficient. If we can drop ship in one day, using the JITprinciple, service levels will be improved.

Lastly, it is not beyond consideration that deeper cuts maybe necessary in the future to stay competitive. Should thathappen, the Board will request management to scrutinize theSnow White Division to see if seven dwarfs is the rightnumber.

Happy Holidays!(Author Unknown)

Christmas Downsizing

First give gifts that cost lit-tle but have meaning.

In our frenetic age of swankyadvertising, we've lost the art ofreal giving, We tend to hur-riedly choose a gift to cross it offthe list, ratherthanthinkingaboutthe one we are giving to.

In former times, Christ-mas gifts were not purchasedin a store and given brandnew, but rather were givenout of a person's possessions.Thus there was an element ofsacrifice inherent in them, asthe giver gave part of him-self. The model for such giv-ing was God, who in givingJesus to the world gave ofhimself.

Moreover, the amountadults spent on gifts often re-inforces strong values to theirchildren. One mother wroteto her son's grandparents:"We want our son to learn thereal meaning of Christmas.Please send him only one gift.On his birthday you may in-dulge him, but on Jesus' birth-day we want our son to hon-our Christ by doing some-thing loving for others in hisname."

Secondly, restore broken re-lationships.A few olive branches

might be included among thegifts given this Christmas.

One of the more stress-ful elements of the modernChristmas celebration formany people is the forcedgathering together of peoplewho don't get along. One ofthe greatest gifts we can givethis Christmas that will blessanother and reduce our ownstress levels, is the gift offorgiveness or the mendingof a quarrel. The good thingabout it is it doesn't cost verymuch and for the Christian,restored relationships is ac-tually not an optional extra -it is a command! (Romans12:18)

Thirdly, invite a stranger toshare a meal with you.

Christmas can be painfulday for those without fami-lies, And those who do gatherwith their own families inexclusion of others don't ex-perience the tremendous joyof meeting new friends.

Jesus' admonished hisdisciples to invite to theircelebration feasts those whohad no hope of returning thefavour.

Maybe one of the biggestgifts we could give our chil-dren this Christmas is themodel of Christian love andsharing with those who mightotherwise celebrate the birthof Jesus in loneliness and iso-lation.

Fourthly, spend less time inthe kitchen and more timewith people.

Like many festive cel-ebrations in our culture, thecelebration of Christmas haslost all sense of perspectivewhen it comes to the amountof food involved. A huge din-ner is prepared, typically fol-lowing a Northern hemi-sphere winter menu, and thenconsumed on a hot summersday until the eaters groan.

In many cases any pleas-ure in the day is dampenedfor those slaving away in thekitchen. Remember the bib-lical story of Mary andMartha.

Martha was more con-cerned about preparing thefood and questioned Mary'ssense of priorities, but Jesusactuallycame out on the sideof Mary. Christians ought to

Why not have a simplemeal that the whole familymight contribute to making?

Fifthly, remember the poor.In the midst of our giving

to all those who will giveback to us in return, let's notjust bless the 'alreadywealthy' this Christmas.Let's also (perhaps more es-pecially) bless the poor.Maybe a good rule of thumbin our Christmas budgetingthis year is that we will giveto God (by giving to the poor)as much as we'll spend onourselves and our families.

Simply make worship a pri-ority in our Christmas cel-

ebrations.The heart of Christmas is

less about us and what wereceive and more about Godand what he gave. Sadly, toomany Christians stay homeat Christmas. God entered theworld to save us from our sinand we celebrate that truthby sleeping in.

One of the most signifi-cant things Christians can doto keep a right perspective isto gather with fellow believ-ers and celebrate the birth oftheir Lord and Saviour.

December 1999 NZ Baptist 11

Who is the Most Important Person at Christmas?

by Susan LennieWho is the most important

person at Christmas?For some it is Father Christ-

mas.For others it is Jesus Christ.Let us compare what we

know of these two:Some say Father Christmas

is a fat, jolly man whowears a red suit.

They say he travels throughthe sky in a sleigh pulledby reindeer.

Apparently he travels with asackful of presents whichhe gives to children whoare good.

According to some peoplehe goes down chimneysand leaves presents instockings hung onmantlepieces.

On the other hand, the Apos-tles' Creed states that Je-sus Christ:

was conceived by the HolySpirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, dead and bur-

ied, descended into hell.On the third day he rose again

from the dead,ascended into heaven,and sits on the right hand of

God the Father Almighty.

This is supported by thebiblical record.

Which one do you be-lieve in? Which one do you

want your children to be-lieve?

Old Testament Scripturemakes it clear that God toldthe Jewish people to use an-nual festivals as a means toconvey spiritual truths abouthimself. God knew that peo-ple needed high points in theirlives and he wanted to be anintegral part of these highpoints.

For example, God insti-tuted the Passover as a cel-ebration of his deliveranceof the Jewish people fromEgypt. God anticipated thatchildren would be inquisi-tive and would ask why thisfestival was being cel-ebrated, so he instructedparents to respond to theirquestions by explaining itsmeaning to their children,in the context of the home,amidst feasting and celebra-tion.

What better context isthere than this to convey spir-itual truth?

At Christmas do we con-sciously create the opportu-nities to convey the truthabout Jesus or are we contentto support the Father Christ-mas mythology?

In our family each per-son's birthday is made a spe-cial day. Because Jesus ispart of our family we cel-ebrate his birthday on 25December, and use this dayto remind our children of howimportant Jesus is to us.

Some ways in which families in our church haveused Christmas to convey spiritual truths:1. Answering questions about Father Christ-

mas honestly.2. Lighting Advent candles daily during

December3. Making Advent calendars with their

own and neighbours' children. Forpictures they use stickers with Bi-ble texts.

4. Involving the children in makingand giving gifts to lonely or elderly neighbours.

5. Taking children to meet others inneed, for example the sick orelderly. They sing carols and takegifts.

6. Spending, as a family, as much ongiving to others in need as theyspend on themselves at Christ-mas, (e.g. specific individuals,aid agencies, or support organi-sations for needy people either inNew Zealand or overseas.)

7. Constructing a model of a peas-ant house with a typical peas-ant family environment suchas Jesus was likely to havebeen born into.

8. Making Jesus the central focusrather than the giving and re-ceiving of gifts, e.g.• Put candles on the Christ-

mas cake and sing HappyBirthday to Jesus beforeopening presents

• Attend midnight service, af-ter doing the above on Christ-mas Eve. Then open presentson Christmas morning.

Susan Lennie presented this paper at theWellington Central Baptist Church Ana-lysers Group three years ago.

Once Upon a Christmas...Once upon a Christmas I im-

agined that if Jesus was born to-day it would be the equivalent ofa small town, absolutely over-crowded by thousands of concertgoers, and nowhere to stay. Avery pregnant husband and wifeare getting desperate because ofthe impending birth of their baby.The only place they find is a me-chanic's workshop with a cribmade out of an oil container andrags as bedding. The Christmascards don't paint this picture.They are so sanitized and nice.

Why would God do it thisway? I've started to realise thereal present I received at Christ-mas was his Son and a relation-ship with God as my Dad. Hetakes me as I am, not all sanitisedand nice but messy and raw.—Pastor Mike Dodge, StAlbansBaptist Church

Once upon a Christmas Iate Christmas Dinner from thescrawniest chicken I have everseen! On a visit to NZBMSstaff in Brahmanbaria I cel-ebrated Bengali style. Morepeople ate from that chickenthan could ever be believed.

Once upon a Christmas, Iate Christmas Dinner in a NewZealand restaurant. I cel-ebrated western style. Manydollars were exchanged.Much food was left on thetable.

Once upon a Christmas,God came to earth. No fuss,no fanfare. He came to a sta-ble. His present to the worldwas His presence. Let us notforget that He is the reasonfor the season.—Miss Jan Bowman, Auck-land Baptist Tabernacle

Once upon a Christmas I had theopportunity of being in Pakistan forthe festive season.

I was visiting a friend, a Kiwimissionary doctor, and stayed in thehome she shared with two otherwomen doctors in the hospitalgrounds. It was a marvellous time forme• being in a country and culture

very different from New Zealand• seeing for myself the situation in

which my friend lived and worked• celebrating Jesus' birthday with

the international mission team andthe Pakistani Christian commu-nity, and

• appreciating the implications ofbeing Christian in a predomi-nantly Muslim country.It was a very special, memorable

Christmas!—Rev Ann Marshall, Mt Albert Bap-tist Church

Once upon a Christmas...I remembered...ChristmasI remembered being 11.Onerahi.Flakey pastry pizza.With tomatoes and onions.Leed lemonade.Mackintoshes toffees.Hand made fruit mince pieWith icing sugar.Turkey stuffing.Custard.Sixpence pieces and tinfoilHot Food.Hotter days.White table clothand silly napkins.

I remembered being 11.Too much to drink.Loud voices.Fighting.Silence filled with tension.Tension filled with violence.Violence filling everything.My world imploding.Christmas crucified.

I remembered...Peeling like a pohutakawa

tree.All burst blood and greening

flesh.—Rev Scott Malcolm,Ponsonby Baptist Church

This concludes the contributions from our 1999 team ofpanellists. We've enjoyed and appreciated their creativeinput over the past eleven months. From all of us... thanks,Team!

"conceived by the Holy Spirit"


by Julie BeldingYou had to be one of the

395 delegates to fully appre-ciate the variety and colourof the 117th annual Assem-bly of the Baptist Union andMissionary Society. Thisfive-day "Millennial Assem-bly" concluded in Aucklandon the evening of SundayNovember 14.

While most of the de-nominational business wasconducted at the WindsorPark church, Assembly-re-lated events also took placeat the Victory Christian Cen-tre, Carey Baptist College,the Springs restaurant inWest Auckland, and theNorth Shore Events Centre.It was the Assembly at whichMrs Angela Cossey (33)became the youngest-everPresident of the Baptist Un-ion.

At the BMF Day onWednesday November 10,Des Jones was inducted asBMF President. Speaking onthe theme, 'Strengtheningthe Home Base,' he cited theAntioch church as the modelfor missionary-minded con-gregations.

"BMF members have toface an unpalatable fact," hesaid, "that our support basehas been greatly eroded. Andsome church leaders andpastors no longer feel anyownership of tranzsend/NZBMS. But this organisa-tion must have a strong basecamp."

Workers who were in-troduced included Ian andColleen Robertson, on leavefrom South Asia; Paul,Adrienne and DanielThompson, recently arrived

from Bangladesh after com-pleting 20 years of service;Rob and Annette Bissett nowhome from Papua NewGuinea; Elizabeth Jones andJoy Smith who have just com-pleted several months ofdeputation around New Zea-land; Sheryl Bulow(Northland) whose family aretentmakers in Israel; and Stuand Ruth Corlett who willshortly leave for Thailandwith ABMS.

Sam Emery broughtgreetings from the Maoriwork, and thanked BMFmembers for their supportand encouragement of Maoriministries, particularly ofleaders in training.

Leith Anderson, who haspastored the huge WooddaleChurch in Minneapolis for23 years, was Assembly'skeynote speaker. In his open-ing address he spoke of thekinds of leaders the 21st cen-tury would require.

"By definition leadersmust lead," he said, "and notmerely follow the consensusof the led."

He went on to define ef-fective leaders as people ofvision, people who are life-long learners, people who havefound mentors, and peoplewho do what needs to be done.

In reporting on tranzsend/NZBMS, Director RobKilpatrick said the shortfallin the Self Denial offeringwas a sign of a serious spir-itual problem.

"We need to ask God tobreak through in a new wayin our churches," he said, "togive us a passion for peoplelike we've never had before."

In his report on Carey

Hamilton Central Baptist Church

This is a half-time position for a highly motivated

mission-minded person who has a deep desire to lead

our Ngaruawahia congregation.

Enquiries welcome by calling Alan Vink, Senior Pastor

on 07 838 0375 or email: [email protected]

A full job description is available.



Care of the elderly

Baptist College PrincipalPaul Windsor reiterated itscore values.

"We are evangelical inour identity," he said. "Thismeans that Jesus as the liv-ing Word of God will be ourfocus and the Bible as thewritten Word of God will beour basis." He said Careyaimed for excellence in per-formance and integrity inpractice.They also sought tobe innovative in develop-ment, accessible to their con-stituency and relational intheir approach.

"If heaven's going to bemulticultural, why notCarey?" he asked.

Ian Brown, speaking on"Towards Bethlehem 2000,"affirmed the churches' callto be prophetic.

"It is the vocation of theprophet to keep alive theministry of imagination," hesaid. "How much we needthe breeze of God's Spirit torefresh our hearts andminds.... We are facing anemergency situation in termsof our mission to the world.We have not seriously re-flected on the questions, 'Canthe West be converted?' and'How do we set the directionfor mission?'"

Ian said there were manyweaknesses in the model ofthe local church and that itwas necessary to reflect onthe present scene because"only by understandingwhere we're at can we setour direction."

He grieved at the frag-mentation, he said, becausepeople were not reflective ofwhat was happening.

"We absorb almost eve-

HENDERSON BAPTIST

50th ANNIVERSERYTHE WEEKEND OF 30th JUNE TO 2nd JULY 2 0 0 0

A l l PAST MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED

CONTACT JACQUI NEWICK

Ph (09) 832 3190Fax (09) 836 4315

E-Mail [email protected] write to Church PO Box 21-415 Henderson

4-6 February 2000All past attenders welcomed

Anyone wanting registration forms write to:PO Box 199 Levin,

or tel: D. Spence (06) 368-4311 or R. Kerr (06) 368-4796Please pass this information onto anyone who may be

interested.

Tauranga Worship Cen-tre had seceded from theBaptist Union, and thatthe resolution of propertyissues had been amica-ble.

• Six new ministers re-ceived registration, plusthree in absentia.

• A working paper on theTreaty of Waitangi waspresentedFor women a Caffeine

and Cholesterol night onFriday at the packed SpringsRestaurant in Pt Chevalierprovided some comic relief.Some 172 women enjoyeda lighthearted debate be-tween teams calling them-selves the Auckland Bluesand the Wellington Hurri-canes. The moot, "ThatChristian Women should beBarefoot and Pregnant" hadraised a few eyebrows, butmost of those present ap-preciated the good humourwith which the subject wasdebated. The affirmativeside was defended by LuaiTiatia and her colleaguesGeorgette Betham and EseTiatia, while OlwynDickson and friends led thenegative arguments amidstmuch laughter.

Assembly, ended with acombined churches' rally atthe North Shore EventsCentre on the Sundayevening. Leith Anderson,who had also preached atWindsor Park that morning,encouraged his audience of3000 to live Christian1y, actevangelistically and givegenerously.

"Hold on to your faith,"he concluded. "The best isyet to come!"

Henderson Baptist ChurchWe are looking for a number of Pastoral Assistants tojoin the Pastoral Team. They will have responsibilityfor Youth (1/2 time), Children (2 days a week), and

Pastoral Care (2 days a week).

If any of these positions sound like you, and you areinterested in enquiring about them, or applying for

them, please contact David Merriman at (Phone) 09836 2815, (Email) [email protected] or

(Snailmail) 30 Larissa Ave, Henderson.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 17 DECEMBER 1999

Part time staff PositionPapanui Baptist Church, Christchurch.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced person tobuild and lead teams for Children's Ministries within the

church and neighbourhood schools commencing February2000. Currently, it is for 3 days per week but has the

potential to become full time. A trained teachers certificatewould be an advantage. A house could be available to the

appointee if required.For a position description contact:

The Secretary, Papanui Baptist Church144 Sawyers Arms Road, ChristchurchPh: 03 - 352 4227, Fax: 03 - 352 9818


Highlights from Assembly

rything without a basic sys-tem of values," Ian said. "YetI can recount many changeswhich have been good. I amgrateful for the Baptist fam-ily of churches which tookme from a non-Christianhome, and for Ayson Cliffordand others who were willingto train me for this ministry.I believe there is a future forthis family of churches and Iam passionate to see com-munities of Christ emergeand remain strong in NewZealand."

Issues needing to belooked at included futureleadership of the denomina-tion, the role of the superin-tendents, the rampant au-tonomy of some churches,the rationale and format ofAssembly, and the future oftranzsend/NZBMS.

"Discussion must beginin the churches," Ian con-cluded, "to determine whatdirections we go in for the

(Birkenhead Baptist), AzizaPiran (Auckland Tabernacle)Ross Horton (Whangamata)and Gary Colville (HosannaPorirua), as well as videosabout the work in Taupo andat St Albans. Other presen-tations came from JackJensen (Pigeon Mountain),Chris Chamberlain(Greymouth), Joshua Avia(Hosanna World OutreachCentre), Warren Judkins(Wanaka) and an indoor row-ing team from Kerikeri Bap-tist.

Graeme Murray, in re-flecting on his yearof Presi-dency, commended manysmall churches on their vi-sion but said several thingsstill seeded to be addressedat the local level." This in-cluded youth work, thewhole area of worship, theinadequacy of both Biblereading and prayer in pub-lic worship, and the phe-nomenon of church h o p -

Levin Baptist

coming year."The presentation of the

tranzsend/NZBMS accountsengendered a lively discuss-sion. Neil Perry, chairman ofthe NZBMS Council, won-dered whether, in view of thedeficit, the churches' man-date was still there. Sugges-tions for future strategieshave been invited.

"Come to Assembly nextyear and tell us what youthink we as a Union shouldbe doing," said retiring Presi-dent Graeme Murray.

On Saturday afternoondelegates were encouragedto hear stories from churcheswith creative outreach ap-proaches. These included tes-timonies from David Hill

ping.In other business:

• Two new churches werereceived into member-ship of the Union—Mangere EastBaptist andthe Hosanna SamoanChurch of Otahuhu.

• Executive Secretary IanBrown declared that thesensitive matter of mem-bership in the WorldCouncil of Churcheswould not be revisitedfor another five years.short of an emergency,but said 13 memberchurches of the Unionhad formally disassoci-ated themselves from theWCC.

• It was noted that the



Look what God has done forusover all the years we'veshared.Ever since the day he joinedour flickering lights into oneflame.Look at all the lives he'schanged;by his grace we're not thesame.All the fruit that's grown, allthat's yet to come.Look what God has done!

So began the final newslet-ter sent out from Bangladesh byPaulandAdrienneThompsonafter twenty years withtranzsend/NIBMS in Bangla-desh. They are back in NewZealand now, although they —andparticularly their children—are not yet "at home."

Here are some highlightsfrom their newsletters duringtwo decades of service:

November 1979John and Raewyn

Garwood meet us at Dhakaairport. To get to their housewe creep through tortuous lit-tle lanes barely wide enoughfor the car, obstructed by pilesof rubble and the occasionalcow. We travel to Barisal bypaddle steamer. Classes havebegun and we spend our daystrying to aspirate our conso-nants and round our vowels.

Jury 1988One effect of file rainy sea-

son has been more livestockaround the place. Little toadshop on our veranda and we'vealso spotted a few snakes. Alarge lizard-like creature(about 2 foot) lives under ourveranda, and a mongoose alsolives nearby. Less attractiveare the millions of ants whichdaily invade ourkitchen....Littlethingsaddup:annoyance of ants and mos-quitoes, theexhaustinghumid-ity, the endlessness of study,the difficulty of communica-tiop.

November 1980Shattering news of the

death of Paul's youngestbrother. The day after we getthe telegraph we are able tocall to New Zealand and thecall goes through in only 3+hours....We're preparing forfirst year exams.

Stop Press! Emily Grace isborn November 24, 71b. 2oz.All well.

May 1981A language seminar on

Islam....we are fascinated bynew facts and bewildered bynew vocabulary. Emily comesto Class too.

September 1981On Friday afternoons I go

out with three men: Omrito,Mona and Sothinath. We taketwomotorbikes, cross the river

on a small boat and then ridealong the stop bank whichserves as a road. Many tribalfolk from Tripura have settledin this area....we go to a bari(homestead) and sit down totalk. When a relationship hasdeveloped we can invite themto an "Enquirers' Camp" inChandpur.

February 1982The church AGM is

stormy. Tensions and griev-ances which have simmeredfor a whole year finally boilover and the church is splitright down the middle.

June 1982Paul starts to feel sick. Just

the usual tummy-bug, wethink, until he becomes so ill.he cannot even even keep wa-ter down. Lesley Bond diag-noses hepatitis. Martial lawhas been declared in Bangla-desh.

November 1982Paul has regular preaching

trips, and has taken servicesand prayer meetings atChandpur and Gunorajdi thetribal church. Adrienne haslanguage exams coming up,and has to prepare an outlineof five talks in Bengali WithPaul so occupied, Emily so,demanding, and to be honest acertainlackofenthusiasm.thishas been an uphill battle attimes.

May 1983Paul has taken on the task

of completing the new churchbuilding. He has an army oflabourers breaking bricks intochips. Buy logs for the boxing,get them milled into planks,buy reinforcing rods, weighand straighten them. Pour thebrick chips, sand and cementmixed by hand, and pass bowlsof concrete mix from man toman up a series of five plat-forms on to the roof. Fifty menwork three days and Paul sel-dom comes home. Now he hasto contract for doors, windowframes, the window grills and-electrical fittings.

December 1983A highlight of our furlough

is participating in Move Out83,the Missionary Youth Con-ference.

March 1984In the Chandpur church a

number of people have beentouched by the Holy Spirit andthere is a different atmosphere.We have no doubt that steadyand faithful prayer has been amajor factor in this transfor-mation....

June 1984Anna Patricia chooses to

make her appearance ten daysafter the due date. She is plumpand healthy with brown curls

and round blue eyes. LesleyBond delivers her and an hourafter her birth Yvonne Smithbrings Emily to meet her babysister.

June 1985Vision: to establish a

church at Motlob, a town 12miles from Chandpur. Deci-sion: The Thompsons willmove out to live there. Antici-pation: Paul goes house hunt-ing, but houses are too small,too expensive...just right.Preparation: pack, find furni-ture. Small is beautiful, but theflats are tiny. Panic: Can wedoit? Will Emilysettle down?Chandpur seems secure andpleasant. Arrival: Six menpush the furniture and luggagetwelve miles on a handcart.Hang fans, set up gas stove,hang curtains, meet our neigh-

August 1985Brown-haired, blue eyed

Philippi Bronwen is born atBrahmanbaria.

November 1985Emily, aged five, has be-

gun Correspondence School;Anna, 17 months, loves towreak indiscriminate havoc;Philippa, 10 weeks, wants tojoin the family.

June 1986Life in Motlob is difficult.

Small house, no private out-door area, long power cuts,a n d w e a r e the neighbourhoodfreaks. Weekends in Chandpurare a lifesaver and we're thank-ful for the Jensens' ungrudginghospitality. Emily has no realfriend and gets lonely. We arelearning much about Muslimlifestyles.

February 1987Paul continues his preach-

ing work, mainly followingup known contacts A carpen-ter and his wife have appliedforbaptism, this at a time whenwe were feeling discouraged.We have become aware ofdetermined spiritual opposi-tion to us and our work. Wewant to establisharegular timeof worship before we leave onfurlough in May.

August 1987Pasedena, USA. Paul has

completed two courses in Is-lamic Studies, with two moreto go. Adrienne attends lec-tures too.

March1988We have returned not to

Motlob but to Chandpur. Butthe work therecontinues. Paulhas been appointed missionsecretary and to five separatecommittees. He has muchmore administrative work todo. Training and supervisingnational evangelists continuesto be a major focus.

November 1988September's flood damage

is not quickly erased. Severalhundred families had theirhouses washed away, otherscollapsed as wooden pillarsrotted. We had days out withmedical teams, helping totranslate and give out medi-cine. Paul has been involvedin a big relief project fundedby OXFAM.

May 1989All that can be seen above

the water is a little round facewith an expression of grim de-termination. Philippa looks asthough she's going to sink atany moment, but incredibly sheactually makes progress, pad-dling slowly across the pond.And beside her swims Paul,encouraging her to keep goingand ready to grab her if she goesunder.Duringthelastyearwe'veoften struggled, sometimes al-most convinced we won't makeit. Thank you for your supportthat reminds us we're not pad-dling along on our own.

July 1989We decide to take a good

look around Hebronschool...Then we spend manyhours thinking, talking, weigh-ing up the different possibilitiesand finally deciding there is noperfect solution to the questionof whatis best for Emily and thewhole family. The most feasi-ble solution is to enrol her atHebron, starting this August

July 1998A majortaskhas beenpre-

paring submissions to the gov-ernment of Bangladesh forapproval of our missionprojects and permission tobring in foreign currency. Sofar the official responsible hasturned it down six times; lastweek he finally accepted it.

December 1990In the past month this poor

country has experiencedstrikes called by the opposi-tion parties, attacks on Hindushops and temples, curfewsimposed by the government,crippling hikes in food prices.OnDecember 16 Paul's fatherdies suddenly in Otaki. andPaul flies to New Zealand forthe funeral.

March 1991Three tragedies have

shocked us in recent months,A ten-month-old boy, the sonof Tipperah Christians, hasdied of pneumonia. A youngwoman we know well wasraped. And a little boy whomAdrienne had beenfeeding forthree years died suddenly. Oneday he was sitting on our stepseatingabiscuit; thenext morn-ing he was dead.

September 1991Paul is doing some re-

search and exploring in theComilla district where the lo-cal Baptist Church has askedhim to work with them devel-oping evangelism. Paul willtake over as Director of theChristian Literature Centre inNovember.

April 1991Daniel Murray Thompson

is born on Bangladesh Inde-pendence Day, March 26. Fourdays after his birth Paul goesto Brahmanbaria for FieldCouncil meetings, the first hehas attended as Chairman ofNZBMS.

January 1993In early December our

house and the CLC office areburgled. We holiday in India.Daniel is badly scalded on bothhands and one knee on NewYear's Eve.

August 1993Births:To the CLC, a com-

puter. Intoxicating as it is tohave wonderful new equip-ment, we don't lose sight of themain job - to help Christiansgrow and to build the church.

July 1994Paul has been experiment-

ing with the PageMaker pro-gramme. Another book isready to be formatted. Emilyand Anna bring home goodreports but Anna is only me-dium-happy at school. Philippaisproducing some great corre-spondence school work. Dan-iel recently broke a pane ofglass with his head. Miracu-lously there are no cuts.

December 1994The diagnosis was appen-

dicitis. We trusted the sur-geon in the local private hos-pital, but Paul wasn't just aroutine case. He reactedbadly to the anaesthetic andthe operation had to beaborted. Pain, fright, depres-sion, frustration, weariness,depression. There will haveto be a next time; Paul stillhas a bad appendix whichmust come out. But fromcolleagues and Bengalifriends there has been love,concern, eagerness to help.

May 1995Paul recoversfrom his sec-

ond operation more slowlythan we had hoped but is nowfeeling fit again. The veryweekend ofhis operation Annacomes down with typhoid.

November 1995We're feeling the lonel-

iness of the Pyles' absence, buthave good friends and neigh-bours in Bengali colleagues.Adrienne is working on aproject for the CLC, a seriesaimed at new believers. Thefirst booklet, Christmas,is nowbeing translated.

January 1996Elections are boycotted.

Opposition parties have calledand enforced a national "nonco-operation movement"which brings the country to astandstill for a fortnight. Nopublic or private transport, noshops allowed to open, increas-ing random violence. We don'tknow from one day to anotherwhat will happen, and cannotmake plans.

May 1997Though we've left our fam-

ily in New Zealand we've comehome to "family" in Bangladesh,welcomed back to Chandpur byGraeme and Christine andBengali friends and colleagues.Daniel has started Correspond-ence School. We visit Agartalato welcome ElizabethJones backafter 25 years. ,

December 1997Paul has ended his term as

Director of the CLC. IN hisfive-year term he has intro-duced computers, trained twooperators, seen a rise in salesand an improvement in thespeed of book production. He'sbeen appointed "team leader",a new job that includes manyaspects of his previous job aschairman but adds more re-sponsibilities,

March 1998We attend the annual As-

sembly of the Tripura BaptistChurches.

September 1998We watch the water rise,

see it surge into our house,paddle for four days in coldwater, and are besieged dailywith pleas for help. Adriennegives away ten kilos of daily,and we're planning food dis-tribution around the district andhouse repairs for some.

January - September 1999Our last few months in

Bangladesh. We hand teamleadership over to Brian andGaye Cochran, and share ourhome with John and HelenMcMullan and family. Say-ing goodbye is hard.

November 1999We are setting up home in

New Zealand.

Look at all we've shared inhim:joy and laughter, tears andpain,Grace to carry on when timeswere dark and all ourstrength was gone.Look, at all the prayers he'sheard,alt the times he's proved hisword, Blessings on ourhomes,children that have grown,look what God has done.

And all his love goes onand on for ever!


From the newsletter of Rossand Cindy Meyer

To say the Dhaka UrbanCentre (DUC) is in the mid-dle of Dhaka may be a littleobvious. But what DUC doesmight be less obvious.

DUC is an office in a typi-cal Dhaka street. Well, actu-ally it's a little walk up a dirttrack from the typical Dhakastreet. There are slum dwell-ings along the footpaths,makeshift "houses" con-structed of a bamboo framewith tarpaulins stretched overthem. The "householders"live more on the street thaninside, cooking and eating inthe gutters.

Well, they used to. Re-cently the government had aslum clearance drive. Thisinvolved beginning at oneend of the street with a bull-dozer and driving it down thefootpath, pushing over all thatgot in the way. In one fellswoop thousands of peoplewere made homeless.

Overlooking these streetsis the DUC, one of whose tasksis to train young Christian na-tionals in computing and of-fice skills. Ross Meyer andAlan Smith spend part of their

time in this area, giving theseyoung men training they'dneverotherwisereceive. Somego on to work in secular jobs,others in pastoral work.

The DUC is fulfilling acrucial role and is worthy ofour prayers and support. Andif you're a computer whiz,here's a unique opportunity:

two to four weeks in Dhakahelping to upgrade the sys-tem and teach the trainees alittle more about computing.Could you be the person theyrequire?

If you're interested con-tact Julie Wilson at thetranzsend/NZBMS Centre(09) 2787494.

By Rosemary Eyres, PapuaNew Guinea

Like most children, Glendawent to school. When she wasin Grade 6 (Form One) hermother died. That was the endof Glenda's formal education,as she was needed at home tocarefortheotherchildren. Shewas married, probably whilestill in her teens. After a fewyears, when there were no chil-dren, she and her husband weregive a relative's child to raise.The marriage was not happyand eventually the husbandleft, taking the child.

With little education, andno family to turn to, Glendaneeded to earn a living. Manywomen turn to prostitution,but Glenda believed in Godand knew that would bewrong. She was fortunate tofind work as a house servant,

and continued in this for someyears. A couple of years agoshe re-married, and lifeseemed good. Both she andher husband had steady work.

Early this year, she foundshe was pregnant. Sadly, herhusband's work finished, andbecause he had only casualday work, they relied on herwage for their support. Glendacontinued working despiteswollen feet and fingers. Fiveweeks before the baby wasdue she went into labour atwork. The baby was born earlythe following morning - a tiny2.5kg boy. Hospital servicesare rather basic here, and shecould not have a meal becauseshe did not have a plate to putit on. She was discharged fromhospital on the same morningthe baby was born.

Two weeks after the birth

she turned up to work be-cause they needed the money.We were able to give herholiday pay and tell her totake another two weeks offbefore returning to work.

This is a typical story.Few women receive an ad-equate education, and manyhave no formal schooling atall. Like Glenda, few knowhow old they are or have anychance of breaking out of thepoverty trap. The literacy andsewing programmes at theLae Baptist Church are asmall way to help womenknow there is hope, and thatthings can change. In the classdeep and searching questionsare often asked about Godtoo. We may not be able tomake education available forall, but in small groups, livesare being transformed.

In TouchTV1 Sunday 7:00am


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Catering ManagerTotara Springs Christian

Centre is a Christiancamping and conference

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RD3Matamata

WHITLEY COLLEGE: THE BAPTIST COLLEGE OF VICTORIA

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Owing to the impending retirement of the current Principal, Rev Dr KenManley, in 2000, the College is seeking applications from suitably qualifiedpersons for the position of

PRINCIPALOF THE COLLEGE

This represents a crucial leadership role for the College and the BaptistDenomination in the State of Victoria.

The functions of the College include:• providing theological and related training for ordination candidates for

the Baptist ministry in Victoria;• offering a range of theological subjects and courses leading to the degree

of BTheol (Melbourne College of Divinity) and higher degrees;• providing residential accommodation, tutorial and pastoral support for

approximately 130 students attending the University of Melbourne.

The College is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its opera-tions. It is anticipated that the new Principal will play a significant role indeveloping and implementing recommendations which will reshape theCollege, leading to new spheres of service and ministry in the 21st century.

Intending applicants are encouraged to seek further information regardingthe position, selection criteria and terms and conditions of the appointment,including remuneration, from the President of the College Council, DrRichard Thwaites. The appointment will be for five years in the firstinstance.

Written applications including a CV and names and addresses of threereferees should be addressed in confidence to:

The President of the CouncilWhitley College271 Royal ParadePARKVILLE VIC 3052AUSTRALIA

Tel: 61 3 9342 3600Fax: 61 3 9347 8052Email: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 31st January, 2000.The College reserves the right to make an appointment by selection.

Ray and Pat JaggerOwner-Operators





Serving all Auckland and North Shore areas

In touch ministries is the teaching ministry of Dr Charles Stanley seniorpastor of the 1st Baptist Church of Atlanta, USA.

The In Touch programme can be heard in every nation on earth viaradio or television broadcasts. It has been broadcast on TV1 sinceApril last year and has been a source of blessing to hundreds.

An early wake up call or a recording on your VCR is well worthwhile.

Mission StatementTo lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and tostrengthen the local church.




CHURCHESAUCKLAND

WAIKATO

CAMBRIDGEChurch buildings now debt free- all mortgages redeemed.Many past members, especiallythose associated with the build-ing of the church, joined for aThanksgiving Service. Specialoffering went to our sisterchurch in Leamington as theyhave recently bought a prop-erty. Lunch followed the serv-ice - time for reminiscing andrenewing friendships. "Jesus"video given to several homesin Cambridge. Baptist Care hasgiven Long Service Award toHeather Rimmer (Bongers).

North. Network Course: theright people in the right placesat the right time well attended.Follow-up appointments withPastor Stephen took place todiscuss use of spiritual gifts.Kidz holiday programme suc-cessful. "Learning to tell your-self the truth" book being stud-ied by one homegroup. Men'sbreakfast, ladies night, babyshower, youth services held.Joining with other churches forCPR - churches preparing forrevival. Two baptisms at LakeWhakamaru Christian Camp.

BAY OF PLENTY/EASTLAND

ROTORUAPastors Ross & Dianne James,Stuart Purdie9 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Have enjoyed visits from ExcelMinistries; Rob Kilpatrick NZDirector of Tranzsend; Pro-phetic Conference with TonySaxon; and Pastor Paul Grim-mer ministered God's word overthree weeks. Following ourAnnual Meeting, thanks to re-tiring Elders Graham Carter andJohn Ritchie. New appoint-ment of Bob & Helen Boardmanas Directors of Discipling andEquipping.

BALMORALNicola Brehaut takes over fromBob Edmiston as Secretary.Allan & Janine Howie step downfrom "Oasis". Mark & LisaCreba farewelled for short termwork in Pakistan with ORA.Andrew & Rachel Cox (Stu-dent Life) again based in Auck-land. Fireworks for Families,"Resurrection" Dances organ-ised by Youth Group. Manyinvolved in Assembly activities,especially Carey Cafe! Greatrejoicing for member grantedresidency. Heni Goldsmith re-covering from surgery, facinglong term treatment. Severalgrieving loss of loved ones.Prayer chain active.

HENDERSONPastor Darcy Haliday,Raymond McKie10 am, 7 pm

Thankful for safe return of Ri-chard Beagly from Cyprusworking with MECO.Sunday School raised funds tobuy 101 pairs of shoes for Ru-manian orphans. "Oasis" pro-gramme introduced to S.S."Winter" preaching series on"Mission Is?" was appreciated.Dorothy Stewart retired fromPresidency of BMF. FarewelledWalter & Susan Fuhrer andfamily to serve with YWAM.Mark & Caroline Wilson ac-cepted to serve with OMF Thai-land. Rachael Merriman leavesFebruary for DTS Course, USA.Raymond McKie appointed toHawera pastorate.

HOWICKRev. Arthur Warner, Rev. PhilCoates, Pastor Tom McGregor9 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Two church camps held atTotara Springs, Matamata.Asian one attended by 177people, the second our regularchurch camp. Speaker PaulWindsor from Carey BaptistCollege. Dr. Colin & MrsChristine Thompson and chil-dren left in September for tent-making service in Sudan. FrankCarter and team of nine havespent two weeks in Papua NewGuinea on Habitat for Human-ity housing and doing AustraliaBaptist Mission College main-tenance.

LONG BAYRev. Rodney Duncan9 am, 10.20 am

Church now has a website pro-fessionally produced by PhiliStrong - http://www.longbay.addr.com/baptist. Ourprayers with Katrina Duncanon OMF mission trip to Thai-land in December. Best wishesand thanks to Ian & KristeenTurner for their contributionhere as they move toWhangaparaoa. Drama groupexcels again a Blue Moon Serv-ice entitled "Stress - can youhandle it?". Seat on Long Baywalking track dedicated inmemory of Rev. Roy Bullen.

MANUKAUInterim Pastor Bob Alcorn10 am

Have had some interestingservices over last few weeks.Childrens Church put on excel-lent presentation of Noah's Ark.Young people took a very mov-ing service just before theirleaders Dean & JackieClarkson moved to Greytown.With sadness we farewell In-terim Pastor Bob and Agnes.They have ministered to us very

capably over last few monthsand we will miss them. Lookforward to welcoming PastorGraham & Joy Craggs in No-vember.

MANUREWASenior Pastor Rex Booth, As-sociate Pastor (Youth) MichaelWalker, Associate Pastor(Asian) Kim Leong

Kim Leong inducted as Asso-ciate Pastor (Asian). Children'sMinistries dinner held to ac-knowledge teachers, guestspeaker a Christian Child Psy-chologist. Grandparents/Sen-iors honoured in special morn-ing service. Young people chal-lenged at Youth Camp withguest speaker Merrilyn With-ers. BMF and Youth combinedmeeting to hear SharonScarrow a time of inter-generational fun and fellowship.Fifteen men attended PromiseKeepers Conference. AnnualThanksgiving & CommitmentService a time of praise forwork of many ministries. Wel-comed new Elders and Dea-cons.

MARSDENRev. Terry Mclvor10.30 am, 7 pm

"Spring in the North, praisingthe Lord. Blossoms and budsbursting forth. White sandybeaches deserted no more,Praising the Lord, we are prais-ing the Lord". Barry Denholmvisited us with encouragingmessage on "Nevertheless".Christian school led service.Proceedings towards integra-tion of the Christian school ad-vancing well, while studentspreparing for their Conventioninvolving great variety of NZwide competitions, eg aca-demic, oratory, music, sport,craftwork, photography.

MILFORDOctober a month of rich bless-ing through biblical ministry andteaching of Angus McLeod,Robin Golding and GordonCoombs. May it bear fruit ineach of us by the work of theHoly Spirit. David Speary hasefficiently taken over runningof church office, keeping thechurch running orderly and ef-ficiently. Les Adams and teamconducted morning service atNorth Shore Hospital. Overthe coming holiday season weare looking forward to ministryof John Tucker, a Baptist Col-lege student.

MT. ALBERTPastors Michael Duncan, AnnMarshall, Rob Lynch - YouthPastor8.45 am, 10.10 am, 7 pm

Prayer/Worship Festivals seek-ing God's direction been ablessing to many. God spoketo many in the Upper Room asPeter Kumar gave words ofknowledge and wisdom."Parenting with Confidence"group is proving worthwhile.Alpha XIV just complete. YPRob took a group skiing atWhangapapa - great relation-ships formed and everyone re-turned intact! Don & BevMcInnes left for Port Moresby.Don is Construction Managerforbuilding of CLTC's new threelevel training facility.

NORTHCOTERev. Peter Eaton - Senior Pas-tor, Rev. Gordon Coombs -Associate Pastor, Rev. Ai MenSoon - Associate Pastor (Chi-nese)10.15 am, 7 pm

Plans to spend $215,500 on

maintenance and upgradingchurch facilities have been ap-proved. Cost to be met by faithoffering and pledges. Cyril andSylvia Everett spoke to BMFabout recent visit to RamabaiMukti Mission AGM in India.Evangelistic team to Fiji in-cluded three Northcote mem-bers. Ross Curtis from Ad-elaide held a Worship LeadersSeminar and led in a morningservice. Chinese Fellowshipcelebrated 10th anniversarywith a special bi-lingual serv-ice.

OREWAPastor James Stead, YouthPastor Tony Versey9 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Church camp at Snells Beacha time of relaxed fellowship andfun. Tony and his team areencouraged by commitment ofyoung people. Several beingbaptised and growing in theirfaith. At the Annual MeetingRuth Jack, Dene Benjamin andTery Roper were elected toElders Court. Phil Wood andDenis Bridle as Deacons.James is challenging us in themorning services with his mes-sages on "Eagles or Turkeys".Aim for the new millennium isto be a more compassionateoutreaching church.

OTAHUHUPastor Frank Darcy10 am

Recently we ran a school holi-day programme as an outreach.An enthusiastic group of help-ers and children enjoyed thefive days of challenge of en-acted bible stories and songsand games. A funeral servicewas held for our loved sisterJean Watters. A group of 30plus enjoyed a roast meal andfilm evening at Ryder's Thea-tre.

PAPAKURARev. Richard Cutforth10 am, 7 pm

Had some interesting sermonsfrom our minister on "The At-tributes of God" and now a se-ries on Galations. Young Moth-ers Group going very well, withmany shared ideas, supportand fellowship. Good to seethe de Baugh family have beenaccepted for W.E.C. TrainingCollege in Gordonton next year,bringing our total missionaries-in-training to three families, aswell as John & Alison Watsonserving in Thailand.

PT. CHEVALIERPastor Douglas Vause

Highlight of past two monthsthe commissioning of new pas-tor Douglas Vause by RegionalSuperintendent Trevor Donnell.Full church welcomed Doug.Service includeddisplayof flagsof various ethnic groups in con-gregation, each group wel-comed Doug in their own lan-guage. Farewelled studentDale Pearson who had mostproficiently filled time betweenpastors. During the time be-tween pastors were privilegedto hear messages from BillMcGregor, Ian Kemp, SteveTaylor, and Alan Perry, alsoDale Pearson preached on sev-eral occasions.

PONSONBYRev. Scott Malcolm, Rev. BettyDrew-Diprose11 am

Grand launch at Herald Thea-tre of Johnny Matteson's CD,and Anne Douglas's video ofhis story for Mental HealthFoundation. Chris White's CD"Pure White" sold out. Memo-rable music from Guy Wishartand friends for baby Ella's dedi-cation. Scott - great 40th birth-day bash. Challenging funeralfor Roger Young, one of our

WINDSOR PARKBrian Winslade, Phillip Donnell,Alan & Heather Ameye, BarryPearman, Jacqui Wanhill, ElkeKeeling8.45 am, 10.30 am, 7 pm

Have three monthly services:midweek Communion, Sun-day afternoon Reflective Serv-ice, Sunday afternoon HealingService. New Lifetech courses,Search For Significance andBack to the Future, been wellattended. "Op Shop Ball" andCraft Fairs hugely popular.Team of 13 encouraged ourmissionaries in India and Bang-ladesh. Alternative "VegetalesDisco" party held for kids onHalloween night. Volunteersalmost completed repaintingpremises. Elaine Bennett homefrom India for 5 months. Suc-cessfully hosted Baptist As-sembly. Membership has justpassed 500.

We praise God for a very en-couraging AGM and for thespirit of unity and expectationas new Elders and Deaconsappointments made. Havebeen blest by inspirational mes-sages from several speakersfrom our congregation and fur-ther afield. Marcel & AnnaBiggelaar, our missionaries inRomania, due back Novemberfor four months. Look forwardwith excitement as we seek theLord for a new pastor.

ROYAL OAKPastor Cyril Ward, YouthWorker Sean Richards

Pastoral Selection Committeechosen to select new seniorpastor. Pastor GraemeRobertson from SandringhamBaptist accepted to be ourModerator during selectionprocess. Dr. John Kirkpatrickfarewelled in September.Trevor Donnell guest speakerat service. Margaret Stewartmade a short term mission visitto Thailand. Hannah Dunlopbaptised. Benjamin Dean dedi-cated. Susan Johnston andRussell Jackson welcomed intomembership.WhangaparaoaBronwyn Barlass, Jude de Waal9 am, 11 am, 6 pm

RANUIOver the past few years RanuiBaptist has developed closecontacts with a local caravanpark. This has resulted in thedevelopment of a discipleshipgroup who meet weekly. Groupis led by church members andprovides fellowship and bibli-cal training. Although it hasbeen meeting for only sevenweeks there have been encour-aging results. One Park resi-dent baptised recently and twomore have asked for baptism.Children's church has in-creased as a result, with manypark children now attending.

more colourful C.O.R.T. ten-ants. Leigh Brash featured inHelen Clark's campaign ad. Bill& Colleen Alexander and fam-ily (treasurer, Sunday School,go-cart outings..) off to Califor-nia.

FAIRFIELDPastor Chunillal Pema10 am

Combined service and lunch-eon took place with Chinese,Cook Island, Korean, Samoan,Tongan and Worldwide Churchof God Fellowship. Hostedcombined BMF District Meet-ing; Joy Smith and ElizabethJones encouraged us to con-tinue to pray. Good numberenjoyed the Church Camp.VIP's enjoyed special dinnerand speaker from VolunteerAbroad. Men who attendedPromise Keepers came backstrengthened in the Lord as didthe women who attended Chris-tian Women's Conference.

HAMILTON SOUTHPastor Timothy Lester, Associ-ate Pastor Charlie Shailer9.30 am, 7 pm

Large group of highly organ-ised volunteers led "ExtremelyFriday" for 8-10 years olds overwinter months. 77 enjoyed fi-nal evening. A wonderfuloutreach! Over 100 attendedSuper Supper Auction. Largevariety of donated goods, fish-ing trips, beach holidays, etc.netted over $7,000 towardsRedevelopment Project. Exten-sions to church well underway.AGM held after morning serv-ice with soup and buns to fol-low. Another seminar withDavid Riddell arranged.

HILLCRESTRev. Dennis Long, PeterClarke10 am, 7 pm

New folk added to leadershipteam at AGM, we look forwardto their contribution. ChrisPaynter been employed as Stu-dent Co-Ordinator to workamongst students on our neigh-bouring campus. Recently heldseveral special prayer meet-ings. Look forward to welcom-ing Val Riley home from IrianJaya. Some of our folk trav-elled to Auckland to attend As-sembly Missionary Day.

HUNTLYRev. Raema Low10 am

Team from W.E.C. MissionCollege, Gordonton, tookChildrens programe for a weekin the holidays and a morningservice. Great blessing andencouragement to many.Young people led service re-cently and shared their testi-monies. Rodney Young to beAssistant Pastor at FeildingApostolic next year. Six ladiesattended BMF Day at Assem-bly. Very inspiring and chal-lenging.

MORRINSVILLEPastor Evan Squires10.30 am

Youth work continues to ex-pand. Average attendancesaround forty. Excellent team ofleaders. Congregation enjoyedwell prepared service con-ducted by youth. Twelve ladiesattended Christian WomensConference in Auckland report-ing that 1800 women presentwere blessed and deeplymoved. Judith Knauf home onfurlough from Thailand. DawnSummers spoke at recent serv-ice. Now spending time in Bris-bane with Australian support-ers. Several new memberswelcomed into membership.Pastor Evan very ill with glan-dular fever.

OTOROHANGARecently Children's Churchpresented the service and didthe Parable of the BanquetFeast. Church set up with atable of fine food, candles,drink, balloons etc. Childrenre-enacted story and endedwith the blind and the lame at

the table feasting. Play wasfollowed up by powerful ser-mon - Can You Come? Havehad visits from the Mercy Ships,also many guest speakers aswe are still in the process offinding a new pastor.

PUTARURUHave been working more withyouth at risk for past 12 monthsor more. Have establishedTrust to administer this work.Trust employs a full-time YouthWorker, Peter Paki, and drawson large group of volunteers tohelp. Team of Trustees oper-ates the Trust, including a vol-untary Administrator workingapproximately two and a halfdays a week. Recently sharedCelebration Communion withother churches of Putaruru.Sense of being part and com-plementing each other. Greatto see God moving this way.

TE AWAMUTURev. Bruce Bradburn10.30 am

Pastor Bruce has been con-tinuing a series of sermons un-ravelling the meaning of thebook ofRevelation. Had twobaptismal services, 6 baptised.Also welcomed a considerablenumber of people into mem-bership. Church activities in-cluded a Girls' Brigade Serv-ice, a "Churches of TeAwamutu" celebration service,combined service with Kawhiachurch and a bonfire and BBQ.Church looking forward toDavid Edkins starting as InternPastor, working part-time whilestudying at BCNZ in the NewYear.

TE KUITIRecently held AGM. Blessingto look back over past year andsee happenings. Hindsight of-ten reminds us God is in con-trol. Been without full-time pas-tor since March 1998. Althougha challenge, been time of im-mense individual growth withinthe body. Been some sad times,with passing of Interim PastorDavid Metcalfe. Also two youngpeople tragically killed in caraccident. Many opportunitiesfor growing in the Lord and lookforward to next 12 months withour new Pastor Laurie Bateup.

TAUMARUNUIPastor Bob Sinclair10 am

Wonderful time of fellowship inmany homes with "GuessWho's Coming to Dinner". Peo-ple could either be hosts or gooutthemselves, idea being youdidn't know who your guestswould be. Following recent visitfrom Julian Batchelor increasngnumbers of congregation us-ing his "Black Book" and step-ping out in faith, with very en-couraging results. All inspiredand encouraged by visit of Bill& Jean Morley, who spoke onimportance of Children'sChurch. They also ran aParenting Seminar.

THAMESPastors Gordon Mill, RogerDriver-Burgess

130th AGM held - reports showchurch growth, continuing mis-sion to needy and direction innew ministry. Church futureplanning sessions underway.Pastor Gordon brings scrip-tural, practical challenge eachSunday. Gordon & Lynette'sinput with music is valued.Worthwhile church camp held.Elizabeth Jones and Joy Smith(ex Tripura NZBMs/Tranzsend)spoke with stimulus. Renova-tions in church office and com-munity ministries building willprovide more fitting work anddrop-in environment.

TOKOROASeven ladies attended Wom-en's Conference in Palmerston

TE PUKESenior Pastor Geoff Follas,Youth Pastor AlbertMascheretti10 am

Seven people baptised in threemonths. Sixth Alpha coursecompleted, seventh started.Monthly combined serviceswith other churches in town -Trevor Yaxley spoke in Octo-ber. Luis Cabral and Chris Solaalso welcome guest speakers.Young people taken part in 24hour relay in Tauranga to raisefunds for Ohiwa BeachOutreach. "Hospitality Sunday"organised to encourage morefellowship. Rey & DianneVallecer, missionaries in Phil-ippines home on furlough. Ed& Dorothy Pollard returninghome after final term in Bang-kok.

WHAKATANERev. Neil Perry10 am

Continue to enjoy fellowshipwith other denominations in 5th-Sunday-of-the-month eveningservices, and sharing monthlyevening services with Chris-tian Covenant and SalvationArmy congregations. Also com-bined "Once In A Blue Moon"service well attended. Hosteda Focus on Women seminar.Believercise raised goodly sumfor Alzheimers Foundation with"Cuppa for a Cause" morning.A2J (Youth) service with Y2Kthe,me revealed talents anddedication of our young peo-ple. Weekend with MarcusArden challenging.

Churches In ActionFebruary 2000

Auckland Special Feature

Please submit stories with

photos to: The Editor, PO

Box 65-275, Auckland 1330.

To arrive no later than 5pm

on the 12th of January 2000

March 2000

Central Districts, Wellington

and South Island

April 2000

Auckland, Waikato, Bay of

Plenty/Eastland.


BirthsBayes, to Deanna and Ian(Rotorua) a daughter, HannahRuthBlackie, to Vanessa andHamish (Blockhouse Bay) adaughter, AbagailBurgess, to Nicki and Riki(Northcote) a daughter, AlyshaEstherDensley, to Raewyn and David(Te Awamutu) a son, DanielElliot, to Joanna and Steve(Blockhouse Bay) a daughter,BrooklynFlett, to Katrina and Alastair(Otorohanga) a son, HamishDavidFowlie, to Patricia and John(Hillcrest) a son, Douglas JohnGeissmann, to Bronwyn andAndy (Huntly) a son, JoelAndreasGumbrell, to Nicky and Mat-thew (Whangaparaoa) adaughter, Georgia EveHall, to Shelly and Jo (Fairfield)twin daughters, Mia Rachel andGreta AnneHarrison, to Michelle andShane (Fairfield) a daughter,Jaime EllenHaycock, to Sharon and Paul(Fairfield) a son, Isaac StanleyHohaia, to Kathryn and Lyndon(Long Bay) a son, JonathanJoyce, to Robyn and Phil(Blockhouse Bay) a daughter,GraceMoess, to Kerry and Antony(Whakatane) a daughter,Rebecca JaneNorris, to Francis and Fraser(Mt. Albert) a son, OscarOgilvy, to Rose and Darren(Whangaparaoa) a son, CalebPatrick, to Johanna and Doug(Levin) a daughter, IsabellaPreest, to Jocelyn and Graeme(Hamilton South) a daughter,Katlyn RoseStrick, to Ewa and Neville(Hamilton South) a daughter,JessicaTubman, to Miriam and Terry(Hamilton South) a daughter,Janie-LeighWoodhouse, to Anna andDavid (Whangaparaoa) a son,Jamie

EngagementsHinton-Fish, Philip to Carol(Glen Eden)Hutching-Milmine, Marcus toBronwyn (Hillcrest)

MarriagesCameron-Roigard, Ben toJustine (Hillcrest)Hall-Smith, Brendan to Karen(Taupo)Hart-Clements, Mathew toSelina (Morrinsville)Inglis-Thomas, Graeme toShannon (Blockhouse Bay)Larsen-Staveley, Albert toNoeline Northcote)Melster-Leaman, Jeff to Beth(Blockhouse Bay)Parker-Hatchard, Jon toJannine (Rotorua)Radford-Jones, Brian to Bind(Windsor Park)Smith-Spencer, Matthew toKate (Windsor Park)Thompson-Roycroft, Paul toKaren (Taupo)

WeddingAnniversariesAyrey, Pastor Colin and Loma(Manurewa) - 50 yearsBishop, Les and Anne (Orewa)- 40 yearsConnolly, Barry and Marion(Papamoa) - 30 yearsKilpatrick, Rob and Lois (Bal-moral) - 25 yearsMai, Keith and Chris(Waikanae) - 57 yearsRafferty, Stan and Glad (Mt.Roskill) - 64 yearsRobben, Tony and June(Putaruru) - 45 yearsSpence, Des and Mabel (Levin)- 50 yearsStone, Les and Flora (Temka)

- 60 years

SpecialBirthdaysAndrews, Breta (AucklandTabernacle) - 80 yearsArnott, Clarrie (Whakatane) -76 yearsBarker, Gwen (Balmoral) - 70yearsBattley, Elisabeth (AucklandTabernacle) - 85 yearsBrown, Beth (Manurewa) - 83yearsCrawford, Les (Putaruru) - 82yearsElliott, Charlie (Northcote) - 89yearsEnnor, John (Rotorua) - 80yearsFinlay, Betty (Whakatane) - 70yearsFuge, Susie (Ranui) - 93 yearsGoulstone, Ann (Long Bay) -96 yearsGraham, Ted (Whakatane) -70 yearsGrimmer, Melva (Fairfield) -76 yearsGrimmer, Len (Fairfield) - 80yearsHockin, John (Fairfield) - 87yearsHunter, Elsie (Otorohanga) -70 yearsLloyd, Rev. Hayes (Mt. Albert)- 90 yearsLornie, Keith (Papamoa) - 70yearsMeiklejohn, Dorothy (Tawa-Linden) - 80 yearsNorrish, Noeline (Oamaru) -80 yearsOsborn, Sally (Manurewa) -92 yearsOsborne, John (Waikanae) -70 yearsRanger, Ethel (Putaruru) - 82yearsRedstone, Jeannie (Papamoa)- 87 yearsReeves, Rita (Ranui) - 83yearsRobson, John (Waikanae) - 76yearsRushbrook, Rev. Doug(Whangaparaoa) - 80 yearsStansfield, Marjory(Northcote) - 97 yearsStewart, Mildred (Oamaru) -93 yearsStewart, Maurie (Whakatane)- 80 yearsTaylor, Melva (Papamoa) - 70yearsTaylor, Violet (Papamoa) - 95yearsTolhurst, Mary (Mt. Roskill) -89 yearsVercoe, Ruth (Rotorua) - 80yearsWheatley, Dot (Ranui) - 91yearsWilton, Bridge (Levin) - 80years

DeathsBrown, Beryl (Marsden). Be-loved wife of RayBudge, David Graham (NorthEast Valley) - aged 79 years.Loved and respected husbandof IvyBurt, Dorothy (North Avon) -85 years. Loved wife of the lateRev. J.J. Burt, mother of Averil,Bruce & OlwynClifford, Ayson (Whanga-paraoa). Loved husband ofCicelyDalton, Melanie Jane (Howick)-28 years. Daughter of Tony &LilianEleveld, Marjory (WindsorPark)Ferguson, Catherine Morrison(Howick) - 81 years. Wife ofHaroldGriffin, Edwin Leonard(Thames) - 94 yearsHefford, Mabel (BlockhouseBay)Horst, Margaret (Glen Eden) -a faithful servantInverarity, John (Henderson)Mitchell, Joyce(Whangaparaoa)O'Gorman, Fred (Henderson)Osten, Ernie (North East Val-

ley) - aged 81 husband. De-voted husband of Hazel.Parkes, Eunice (Otorohanga)- 89 years. Loved wife of CecilReade, Betty (Ranui)Walsh, Les (Orewa). Lovedhusband of JoyceWatters, Jean (Otahuhu) -aged 77 years

BaptismsCambridge: Sheryl Maybee,Rachel Vaughan, KathleenWoodhamsEastside: Joanna BeebeHillcrest: Andrew Long, AmyYang and children Andy andAnnaLong Bay: Gemma Attwood,Tara BlackManurewa: David JaggsNorthcote: Clinton Farley,Gordon Lew, Sharon Mead,Jolene Trim, Rob Turvey,LisaWong, Daniel ZhangOrewa: Kate Anson, JefferyBenjamin, Amelia Bolam,Emma Bull, Kirsty Bull, HannahGraysonPapamoa: Nikki Harrison,Shelley Jones, MichelleWaltersRanui: Rick Allen, RachelBrown, Malcolm Bowden, RayGoulter, Deborah Heke,Lynette Heke, AaronMcCaughan, Melody Mclntyre,Joseph Ngembe,Leah, MonicaRotorua: Eugene Leone,Jason & Horiana MikaereTaumarunui: Kim Beban, GinaSinclairTawa-Linden: Claire Thurlow,Jo WinkelTe Awamutu: Holly Bradburn,Kylie Disher, Sheree Lessister,Elizabeth Shoobert, MaureenTaylor, Amanda WinstanleyTokoroa: Debbie Daniels, Dan-iel MuirWhangaparaoa: Cilia Brown,Denise Davies, Sarah Gibbons,Alistair Griffen, BernadetteHow, Jonathan-Rys How, SueMorris, Trish Nilsson, JenniferWatt.Anna WoodhouseWindsor Park: Colleen Dutton,Grant Dutton, Chris Ford,Louise Ford, Sophie Powell



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CHILDRENS GOSPELBooklet, Jesus Loves Me, 2colour, 24 page, suitable forSunday schools, etc, $2.50each, Avail from your localChristian bookstore, Distrib-uted by Scripture Unionwholesale.

J.Ayson Clifford (1912-1999)Ayson Clifford, who

died on November 2 at theage of 87, was one of a keygroup along withL.A.North, Ewen Simpsonand N.R.Wood who made ahuge contribution to Bap-tist life. He is rememberedwith warmth and affectionthroughout the country.

He was born in Clinton,Southland in 1912, becamedux at Southland Boys HighSchool and then was the topUniversity student in chem-istry graduating M.Sc withhonours at Otago. The pros-pect of a distinguished ca-reer in science lay ahead ofhim. But he gave up suchprospects to study for theBaptist ministry under DrJ.J. North in Auckland.(1934-36)

At his first church in

Karori he quickly made aname for himself as a hardworking, able pastor. Hismarriage in 1937 was thebeginning of a long andhappy relationship whichwas to last over 60 years.

His second pastorate atHawera coincided with thedifficult years of the secondworld war. He then becamea tutor at the Baptist Col-lege, initially in conjunc-tion with the pastorate atNorth Memorial BaptistChurch. Eight years fol-lowed as College vice-prin-cipal and then a furthertwelve years as principal.

He brought to the taskpersonal devotion, firm con-victions, incisive thoughtand dedicated hard workcombined with a dry senseof humour and self-effac-

An AppreciationMrs Cicely Clifford

has been overwhelmed anddeeply touched by the hun-dreds of cards and lettersof sympathy and tribute

she has received sinceAyson's death on Novem-ber 3. As it would be amammoth task to acknowl-edge each one individu-

Ayson as we remember himIn the 1940s Bob and I

both became students ofAyson Clifford. Neither ofus were aware of this until Imet Bob in 1949. He hadbeen a full-time ministerialstudent. I was only a "fly bynight" student attending alecture course offered bythe College one evening aweek.

Married in the 1950s,we became pastor and wifeat the Opawa BaptistChurch. Bob asked TomCadman, home from Bap-tist College, to take a morn-ing service. His text wasEphesians 3:18. A weeklater Ayson preached. Heannounced his text asEphesians 3:18.

A ripple went throughthe congregation. WasAyson ever told?

In the late 1950s, while

living in Switzerland, Bobwas asked to join the staffof the N.Z. Baptist Theo-logical College. We hadplanned to stay the wholeof 1961 in Europe andAyson was happy for us todo so, but we returned inFebruary 1961 and spent thenext sixteen years withAyson as principal. Bob waslecturer, then vice-princi-pal, and I was Ayson's of-fice secretary.

The 1970s dawned.Ayson retired in 1973. Hestepped down and Bobstepped up. He had askedBob if he would be able tostay on as a lecturer for an-other three years. Unhesi-tatingly Bob said yes. In allthat time he allowed Bob tobe the principal, giving himhis loyal support.

Then came the 1980s.

Joyce Mitchell, 1916-1999Joyce Mitchell (nee

Wilby), a greatly loved ladyin the Whangaparaoa Bap-tist congregation, passedtriumphantly into the pres-ence of God on November5 after a few weeks of seri-ous illness.

Tributes at the funeralservice recalled her role asa young people's leader anddeaconess in PalmerstonNorth where her energy,care and wisdom left a mark

for Christ on many a life.In 1957 she entered

Baptist College for formaldeaconess training. Stu-dents of that time tell greatstories how this lady, olderby far than the majority ofstudents, indulged in fun,teasing and even mischief.

At the memorial service aprominent Auckland busi-nessman spoke of fondly of"Sister Joyce" as the matronwhen he was a teenager in the

ing humility.His principalship coin-

cided with major changesin theological education.The rapid rise in the numberof married students and awidening curriculumbrought new challenges. Heretired as principal in 1973.When the new college li-brary was completed in1976 it was named the"J.Ayson Clifford Library"in his honour.

Retirement in his casewas a misnomer. He took amajor interest in the BaptistCity Mission and the suc-cess of Baptist Action andBaptist Care today is in nosmall measure due to thefoundation he laid. Heserved the Missionary Soci-ety, the Auckland BaptistAssociation and the Book

ally she is asking that theBaptist family, of whichAyson was such an inte-gral part, would kindlyaccept this brief thank you

In 1981 there was opposi-tion to compulsory ArcherSpeech Contests, to theSpringbok tour, and to theCollege magazine with itsarticle on homosexualityillustrated by a nude statueof the young David. Withthe College in turmoil,Ayson attempted to pour oilon troubled waters, suggest-ing a "fig leaf with an ap-

Centre. He conducted teach-ing missions, kept up to datewith Biblical archeology andother studies, and, havingbeen brought up in a smallchurch (Georgetown,Invercargill), he never failedto encourage and championsmall and struggling causes.

At his funeral atWhangaparaoa, movingtributes were paid to him aspastor, teacher, leader andfriend and also to MrsClifford whose support overso many years meant muchto him.

In a message to theKarori church in 1985 hewrote: "Thank God andtake courage for the future."It is a message he wouldhave made to the whole de-nomination.

—Angus MacLeod

as an appreciation of eachone. The assurance of con-tinuing Christian love,prayer and support hasbeen such a blessing to her.

propriate text. How welaughed. Was this for real?With the tension broken, thefig leaf was put in place.

In the 1990s Ayson hasgone to his reward, but wewill never forget him. Hewas kind, witty, consider-ate, gracious, and a peace-maker.

Dr Bob and ShirleyThompson

Manurewa children's home.Her personal careof each childhas not been forgotten. In fact,Jack Irwin, later chairman ofthe Manurewa Board, re-garded it as a privilege to havebeen at Manurewa with Joycewho encouraged him intoChristian discipleship andhigher education.

Her move to the BaptistCity Mission meant shoul-dering a wide range of re-sponsibilities from counsel-

Alice Maude Norrish, 1911-1999Alice Maude Norrish

was born (one of seven) intothe Wright family of Owakajust over 88 years ago. Shemarried Fred Norrish andthey farmed near Owakawhere their children Les,Olive and Vincent were born.They were active members

of the Owaka church.On moving to Dunedin

they joined the Roslyn andthen Caversham churches.With her husband's retire-ment came the move toOamaru and membership inthe Baptist church there.After Fred died Alice

moved to Temuka in 1983and became a much lovedmember of that church.

She was an unselfish,caring person who used hergift of hospitality to makefriends and show Christ'slove. She made her witnessto Christ by her dedicated

ling, to budgeting, to estab-lishing the first good willshop which flourished andnow has multiplied to eight.

Following her marriageto Taffy Mitchell, they re-tired to Whangaparaoa.There her care, pastoral min-istry and missionary inter-est, especially through BMF,became almost a legend. Somany folk through out ourland say, "Thank You,Lord,for Joyce Mitchell."

prayer life, constant attend-ance at worship services,generous giving, mission-ary interest and positive out-look. After the Temuka fu-neral service on September18, conducted by the writer,she was buried at Oamaru.

—Ross Beadle

Cost $15 for the first 20 words

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FAMILY


Dear God, can you wink?A Parents' Guide to Prayer, Gillian Raymond. Scripture Union, 1995 159pp

Building a real, livingrelationship with God issurely every parent's desirefor their children. But how togo about it in a way thatcomes as naturally as grow-ing up? Dear God, can youwink? is a little book you willturn to again and again forideas.

Using illustrations fromher life as a missionary inZaire and examples from theexperiences of her own twoboys, Gillian Raymond of-fers a realistic, practical andeffective guide to helpingchildren make contact with

God and building a living,meaningful relationshipwith a heavenly Father."Prayer is an act of trust inthe supreme ruler who is incontrol and it is an act oflove and respect for a Fatherwho cares for and loves andbuilds up his children," shesays.

In short, easy to read,chapters Gillian explains howto recognise and listen toGod's voice, how to respond,how to say sorry and thankyou, how to understand themessages God sends, how tolook for answers to prayer,

and much more.Each chapter concludes

with a series of constructive(as well as enjoyable) exer-cises and activities that de-velop understanding of theprinciples given.

While this is one of thebest books I have ever readon developing an increasingunderstanding of prayer inchildren, it is not only forparents. Any one who wantsto improve their day to dayrelationship with God willfind it helpful and enjoy-able.—Reviewed by Bartha Hill

Scallop Shells of QuietF W. Boreham, edited by Geoff Pound, Melbourne, Whitley College, 1999 $AU50

Give me my scallop shell ofquiet,My staff of faith to walk upon,My scrip of joy, immortal diet,My bottle of salvation,My gown of glory, hope'strue gauge,And thus I'll take my Pil-grimage.

Scallop Shells of Quiet,the much awaited new bookby F. W. Boreham. is aboutto be launched. Exactly 366essays make up this four vol-ume book, all written by thefamous preacher and author.He died in 1959 before thetask was finished but in 1999,on the 40th anniversary ofBoreham's death, this newbook has been brought tocompletion.

Boreham's idea was tooffer one essay, appropriatelyselected, for every day of theyear. Apart from when theseeditorials first appeared in

the Hobart Mercury or theMelbourne Age, they havenever been published previ-ously. They are not sermonspitched at a worshipping con-gregation, although manyprovided the idea for a ser-mon, but are editorials writ-ten for readers of a leadingdaily newspaper.

Subscribers to"Boreham Online" will re-ceive the detailed story inthe Introduction. The 366inspirational stories areabout world leaders, liter-ary giants, explorers, inven-tors, sports people and mu-sicians. This first edition ofthe book will be sent byemail in installmentsthroughout the year 2000,giving one Boreham essayfor every day of the year.

Payments now will en-sure that people receive thisnew Boreham book begin-ning on 1 January 2000, al-

though orders lodged afterthis date will still receive all366 essays.

The online edition willenable people to store thebook on disk for further re-flection and for sermon illus-tration retrieval.

All profits from the bookare going to fulfil the passionof F. W. Boreham—the train-ing of people for Christianministry in Australia andmissionary service through-out the world.

To apply for a subscrip-tion form for Scallop Shellsof Quiet, or to get other infor-mation about Boreham re-sources, email

< b o r e h a m o n l i n e @whitley.unimelb.edu.au> in-cluding your name and ad-dresses or write to: BorehamOnline, Whitley College, 271Royal Parade, Parkville, Aus-tralia 3052—Geoff Pound

Please support the tranzsend/nzbmsChristmas Angel Appeal this year.

Love, Liberty and ChristmasIt's that time of year again,

when the jolly fat man goesaround filling your stockingswith goodies, Well, hopefullyhe'll have a few of these in hisbig sack:

First up is the new CDfrom the Newsboys, Love, Lib-erty, Disco. Once again, theboys from down under havere-created themselves. As thetitle suggests, the boys havegone back a few decades to geta bit of disco in their life!

But worry not. This is isnot a full-on seventies album.It has a seventies-disco soundin places - but it rocks. LLD isprobably the Newsboys' bestoffering yet. With instantlyaccessible music and eternalyet understandable lyrics, thiswill be a hit this Christmas.

Next up is Jars of Clay,also re-inventing themselveswith If1Left The Zoo. At firstthey sound strangely like PFR.(This could be a good or badthing, depending on your tastein music!) They also seem tobe taking a lighter approach tomusic with some of their songs,as well as something I neverexpectected from Jars of Clay-the use of a gospel choir. Butit works and works well. Thisis a different approach fromthe Jars - but it's a refreshing

use of their talents. Anotherbig hit this Christmas.

Third up comes MaireBrennan with Whisper To TheWild Water. For those of youwho don't know, Maire is thevoice from Clanned and thesoundtrack to Patriot Games.

And this is her second albumof Celtic worship music. So ifyou're looking for some beau-tiful, haunting, Celtic music,but were always afraid of theNew Age label, then this is amust for you this Christmas.My favorite track is I lathairDe (In God's Presence).There's just something aboutlistening to people praisingGod in a language you don'tunderstand.

Next comes Eli's secondouting, with Second HandClothing. He follows on from

his last album, with songswritten from his heart and hisbroken past - but filled withthe eternal hope of Jesus. Eli'strademark acoustic sound rumshis poetic lyrics into memora-ble songs, my favorite beingHypocrite Song.

"I thank the Lord there'sheaven, full of hypocrites likeme."

Eli writes the kind of songswe can all identify with!

And finally, for all of youwho think Christmas shouldbe all about Christmas music,Amy Grant has A ChristmasTo Remember. This is set to bea Christmas classic, and a hitwith all those Amy Grant fansout there.—Reviewed by Jonathan Read

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Room At The InnHo hum, it's Christmas season again.I am not a big fan of Christmas, and hearing "I 'm dreaming of a white Christmas"

on a stinking hot day makes my blood boil. I think one reason for my unenthusiasticview is that I grew up in a family that held a few unofficial rules for celebratingChristmas.1. No presents. I come from a poor family so why make things more miserable

financially for people by putting expectations on them to buy the obligatory pairof socks for Dad and a smelly soap for Mum. Homemade gifts were allowed.

2. Postpone Christmas until July. This is true! And we often did that. If you can'tafford to celebrate Christmas why bother at all. By the time July comes you feelvery unChristmassy and the idea has passed.But last year my Dad, a non-Christian, held one of the most Christian-like

Christmas I have been to. Dad put on a hangi for Christmas Day and he and his wife,who works at the local pub, made an open invitation at the pub for anyone who didn'thave a home or family to celebrate Christmas with to come along to their home.

"No presents, just a hangi, bring anyone you like and turn up," he said.I sat outside munching on some hangi talking to an old guy who had too many

beers and too little memory. The garage where everyone was sitting looked like awaiting room to the Accident and Emergency department of a hospital. One guy had

a false hip that was giving him trouble. Another had his shoulder to his wrist in ahuge cast suspended out from his body. Most had little or no family nearby and someof the people, by their own stories, had to some degree been physically and mentallybattered around.

It was an unusual Christmas because we are used to seeing such sterile imagesof Christmas. Not a bunch of people sharing hangi in garage whose main commoninterest is propping up the bar at the local pub.

And we like to get our advertising standards right. To know what gifts to give andto whom, what we are going to eat and more importantly, who we will and won't invite.

I think of Joseph and Mary and what it must have been like squashed amongstthe streaming crowds flowing into Bethlehem for the census, with a smelly,dustridden donkey for company as well as each other. And a baby due at any time.A stable instead of an inn. A manger instead of a cradle.

I think sitting in a garage with perfect strangers was the perfect way to celebrateChristmas last year. We didn't have the presents, the turkey and trimmings, the treeor even much family. But Dad, even as a non-Christian, gave me a picture of whatemotion Christmas was created around: compassion. If God hadn'tloved us enoughto send his only Son to be born into our stinking and dustridden world, well wewouldn't be celebrating Christmas at all.



<youth_on_line>

michael w smithits your time

out now

I n s t i t u t e


H e W i l l D i r e c t M y P a t h sby Anne Knox

"Where are my staff? Arethey safe?" were my firstthoughts, and then, "Can Iget back to my car?"

Asa police sergeant I hadbeen cut off from my vehi-cle, and was hemmed in be-tween two buildings by a wallof 150 hostile punk rockers.It was during the Springboktour in 1981, and the rockersdid not appreciate their con-cert in the old WellingtonTown Hall being closeddown. There were 300 con-cert goers in total and fivepolice staff but we all sur-vived, albeit a little batteredand bruised and minus onepolice cap.

"In all your ways ac-knowledge him and he willdirect your paths" (Proverbs3:6) is a Scripture verse thathas sustained me over theyears.

I was born in New Ply-mouth in 1953, the second oftwo children, and when I wassix my family moved frommy grandparents' farm toWellington. My parents wereMethodists and I went toSunday School as a child,but it wasn't until I was fif-teen, at a YFC rally, that Imade a commitment to theLord.

I did not really enjoyschool, although I did quitewell academically. After get-ting U.E. at Upper Hutt Col-lege I became a cartographerfor Lands and Survey. Threeyears later, because I wantedan outside job, I decided tojoin the police.

In 1973 this meant train-ing at Police College inTrentham, and living in freez-ing army barracks during atime of frequent power cuts.One of the hardest aspects ofmy thirteen weeks of train-ing was coping with the cold.In the class of 121 there weretwenty women and I camethird in my course.

My first posting was toWellington Central, and I didvarious jobs in the region overthe next sixteen years. I be-gan as a constable, qualifiedas a fingerprint expert (afterfive years of training) waspromoted to sergeant, did astint at Porirua Police Col-lege as a recruit instructor,became a senior sergeant, andthen was National Coordina-tor for Youth Aid at PoliceNational Headquarters at therank of Inspector.

My time as a recruit in-structor was particularly en-joyable. I'mpassionate abouttraining and it was satisfying

For investmentand church

developmentloans


Society Inc.

to see folk who came in as"ordinary people" leave ascompetent police officersready to work in the commu-nity.

Church Growth SchoolI was promoted to inspec-

tor in 1986, and in 1989I had102 days annual leave owingto me (something that wouldnot be allowed to happen inthe current police environ-ment!) I was attending ManaBaptist church at the timeand consulted with mychurch leaders about whatavenues of "work" might beopen to me. I had recentlyattended a seminar by RevBruce Patrick on churchgrowth which had interestedme. So I decided to donatemy six months leave to thechurch.

A few days later I saw inthe NZ Baptist an ad for theChurch Growth School,which sounded like a goodplace to upgrade my skills.My pastor encouraged me toapply, and I was accepted.

I used up two days of myleave coordinating the secu-rity for the Mainstage Festi-val with Mark Pierson. Theremaining 100 days I spent atthe Church Growth and Lead-ership School, on a full in-spector's pay! About twelveus were on the course whichwas held in a tiny classroomat the Baptist TheologicalCollege in Remuera.

After six months of train-ing we had to do six monthsof practical field work. Bythis time I was house sittingin Manurewa and attendingthe evening services atManukau Baptist. The expec-tation from my home churchin Mana was that I wouldreturn to Wellington, as I al-ready owned a beachfronthome in Plimmerton which Iloved. However, I only wentback there for a month. Bythe end of the first part of thecourse I felt strongly that Ineeded to be doing my fieldwork in Auckland, and so Iapplied to work in the policecontrol room in the City ofSails. This came through, andby August 1989 I was backin the north, doing practicalwork with Manukau BaptistChurch and working as apolicewoman at the sametime. I was involved with acommunity of people in ahousing development next tothe church, as a friend, budgetadvisor, and listening ear.

By this time I was pas-sionate about church growthand sensed God was callingme into church planting. In1991 I began a ministry in-ternship course through theBible College, to upgrade mypreaching, pastoral and mis-sion skills. This meant at-tending lectures for fourhours every Tuesday morn-ing, and I juggled my shifts

round this commitment. If Iwas working the early shift Inegotiated time off with myboss. If I was on night shift Iwent to class straight afterwork. If I was on afternoonshift I went to work afterclass. In this way I completedfour years of part-time studyand graduated in April 1995with a Diploma in MinistryInternship.

In 1974 I had married apolice officer I had met atYouth for Christ. Unfortu-nately we were divorced in1981. I never expected tomarry again, because I wasjust too busy!

In 1991 my house inPlimmerton was sold and Idecided that my next house(which would preferably bea rural property) would be abase for church planting.

Growing a Church atRamarama

In February 1992, afterseveral months of house-sit-ting for various ManukauBaptist families, I bought alifestyle block in Ramaramawithin walking distance of adilapidated old church. Myneighbours were trustees ofthis building, which had beenunused for eighteen years.

There was no congrega-tion, but a home group ofabout ten gradually devel-oped out of my house-to-house visits and contacts. Weobtained money from vari-ous Christian trusts and theASB, and sold firewood af-ter chopping downmacrocarpa trees at theboundary of the property; wealso had garage sales and re-ceived donations from vari-ous churches. All of this ena-bled us to re-pile, re-paintand re-roof the church, gib-stop the walls, refurbish thekitchen, and build a SundaySchool hall. We even laidcarpet that had been taken upfrom the present Carey Bap-tist College building.

My income was my po-lice salary, and because I wasthe first pastor there, the con-gregation didn't see my sexas an issue. They simply tookme as I was.

The church was openedin 1993 and was constitutedat the Rotorua Assembly inNovember 1997.

Through a Christian sin-gles group advertised in theNZ Baptist I met the manwho became my husband.(This magazine has a lot toanswer for in my life!) Istarted corresponding withBob Knox, who lived inWhitianga. Later he got a jobat a farm machinery com-pany in Pukekohe, and in1995 we were married.

I stayed at Ramarama asits part-time pastor until Oc-tober 1998. The followingmonth I transferred to NewPlymouth. It was not a hard

Together wego from strength

to strength

Phone Maurice CavaneyPh 09-377 9141

decision as my parents livehere, I was brought up here,and I came to an area manag-er'sjob that I aspired to. Bobhad gained a certificate inadult teaching, and we saw itas an opportunity for us both.So we sold the house atRamarama and boughta ten-acre lifestyleblock just seven min-utes from my office inNew Plymouth. TodayI am the senior policemanager in charge of 119sworn police officers andsixteen support staff.

Bob manages thefarm and does sometutoring and contractlandscaping, and wehave eight pedigreeHampshire sheepand twelve lambs.

Some Challengesof Police Work

As a policeofficer you oftenhave to walkinto people'slives as the bearer ofbad news. It's never easyhaving to tell somebodytheir husband has com-mitted suicide or their sonhas been killed in a motoraccident. I've had to do itmany times, and you arenever sure what the re-sponse will be. I oftenhave to make decisions,too, about whether or notpeople should be prosecuted,and this can draw venomfrom people close to the situ-ation.

A sixty-hour week is nor-mal for me, and after a roughday it's good to be able to gohome and talk to my petlambs. I keep fit by workingon the farm, and try to walkmost mornings before work.I probably don't relaxenough, but when I do it con-sists of pottering around thefarm and garden. Bob and Iworship at New PlymouthCentral Baptist Church.

The difference that faithin Jesus makes to my job isprobably in the way I treatother people, particularly mystaff. I am hugely staff-fo-cused and will move heavenand earth to look after them.I try to understand their needsand what's going on for themin their families. I've nodoubt that often the greatestwitness to staff is the way Ihandle situations. Interest-ingly, there is little attritionamong the New Plymouthofficers, although the storyis vastly different in biggercities like Auckland.

Yes, I do see a lot of thebad side of life that many otherpeopledon'thave to deal with.But a wee card a friend sentme years ago frequentlycomes to mind. It says:

"Lord, help me not to prayfor an easy life. Help me be astrong person."

PO Box 8936, Auckland,1st Floor, 130 New North Road, Mt Eden, Auckland,

Fax 09-379 6516. Email: [email protected]

vol 115 no7 august 1999 - Baptist Research

Documents