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Missions Interlink Bulletin
Missions – in, from and to – New Zealand
May 2008
In This Issue:
Feature
Disaster Strikes Again and again
This time Close to Home
Events
M/V Doulos
Christians Caring for the Environment
Prayer Gathering
Market-able Christians
Promise Keepers
Community Demographics Seminar
Missionary Enrichment Retreat
World Evangelical Alliance
General Assembly
Missions Commission
Eastwest College Intercultural Studies
Reports
Relief Efforts in Myanmar and China
Missionary Enrichment Retreat
Christian Leaders Congress
Global Day of Prayer
Resources
Hudson’s book
Job Opening
Hope for AIDS
CareyMedia
Vehicle Available
EMQuarterly
and more
Disaster Strikes – Again and Again
This time Close to Home
By David B. Hall
Last Saturday night Graham Arcus was walking home after a prayer meeting at the local Baptist church, as he had done on so many other occasions. It’s what most of us would consider a safe neighborhood. Most of the Missions Interlink leadership team live or work in or near this neighborhood. He was just around the corner from home when he met a group of youth. They unexpectedly attacked and Graham entered the presence of the Lord within a couple days.
Graham’s daughter is one of our missionaries with Interserve. Graham was a faithful supporter of Pioneers, Tranzsend, YWAM and other NZ mission agencies and missionaries.
Last month we reported on the Elim School disaster that took seven lives, some of them were children of New Zealand mission leaders (Tandem Ministries, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ). Since that NZ disaster a month ago, there have been major disasters in the Middle East, Myanmar, China, the USA (multiple killer: tornados, floods, fires…) and more.
Just a few months ago many Korean Christians on a short term mission were taken and held hostage for weeks. One or more Kiwi missionaries have also been taken hostage in recent months. (For security reasons we won’t elaborate.) If we think disasters just happen to others, we need to think again.
Some disasters are natural - sometimes referred to as Acts of God. Others are manmade. None of us wants or expects any disaster. But disasters come. “It rains on the just and the unjust.” Statistically a strong case can be made for saying that more people turn their life over to God during times of disaster - and war, which is a type of manmade disaster - than anything else.
How should one respond when disaster strikes?
Are there ways to prepare ahead of time?
Who should communicate with terrorists or captors? …and how? Who should not?
What about communicating with the press? Who should speak? Who should not?
What should be said? And what to avoid?
What precautions can or should be taken?
These are just a few of the many things that can and should be addressed BEFORE disaster strikes.
Keep watching the MI Bulletins for notice on a Disaster Preparedness Seminar.
Coming Events
The M/V Doulos is returning to New Zealand - for the last time, this June / July. Let's get behind and support this ministry that has blessed so many people around the world. There will be a Missions Day, Saturday afternoon 28 June for Auckland; 5 July evening for Wellington. Do you want to promote your mission? Booth space is still available (no pun intended). Ring George Booth at Operation Mobilisation ASAP to confirm space or for more info: 09 298 9990. Or Email: info@nz.om.org.
Christians Caring for the Environment
A Rocha movement in New Zealand aims to “inspire and empower Christians to care for the earth.” “A Rocha is having a profound influence globally both in the Church and in the secular conservation world,” says Richard Storey, Chair of A Rocha Aotearoa NZ. “Its message that Christian faith compels believers to care for the environment, is changing thinking among Christians and secular conservationists. A Rocha lives out its vision through practical projects that protect wildlife and habitats. That hands-on approach, combined with a deep understanding of God’s Kingdom, is what makes it so compelling, both in the developed and in the developing world.” Date: Queens Birthday Weekend 30 May to 2 June, 2008 - Location: Raglan - Whaingaroa - Registration: Registration forms are available at www.arocha.org > New Zealand > conference, or call 07 859 1870.
Auckland Prayer Gathering
Thursday 19th June, from 7:30 to 9 am at Balmoral Baptist Church on Dominion Road for an hour and a half of seeking God’s face and sharing His heart! An informal group of mission leaders, intercessors and pastors getting together with one heart and mind to see Jesus glorified amongst all nations! God is on the move! You’re welcome to join us. For more info, contact Johannes at: 09 630 0981.
Market-able Christians - A winter lecture series provided by the Fountain Institute to be held at the Queens Street auditorium of the Salvation Army Auckland Congress Hall Corps, 369 Queen St Auckland Central Auckland. Tuesdays: 10th, 17th & 24th of June, from 7-9.15 pm. Enquiries: The Fountain Institute office@fountaininstitute.co.nz - OR (09) 416 9408 or 021 443 810.
Promise Keepers - Workshops for Men’s Ministry
Promise Keepers know that men are seeking spiritual growth. This workshop provides customised solutions for developing Men’s Ministry. Christchurch – Fri 6 or Sat 7 June - Auckland – Fri 13 or Sat 14 June. For info & cost, visit the PKNZ website to download brochure & registration form: pk@promisekeepers.org.nz. Or - phone 0800 PROMISE.
Missionary Enrichment Retreat (MER) 28 Oct. – 2 Nov. ’08
Note that the MER is for any of the following people: Missionaries on furlough; Newly returned missionaries (2 to 4 years back is ok; but the sooner the better); Mission agency staff; Church mission reps; Those preparing to go into missions (Bible school students, etc.) Email Leilani Liew at Missions Interlink - info@missions.org.nz - for more info.
The Mission Commission of World Evangelical Alliance, WEA (a global network of over 220 mission leaders from around 80 countries and serves the Evangelical mission community) will have its consultation right after the WEA General Assembly (Thailand, 31 Oct. - 4 Nov. 2008).
For more information, check out their web site: http://www.worldevangelicals.org.
Community Demographics Seminar
Keen to have a better understanding of your (NZ) city or town? Want to engage missionally in a local community?
- Wednesday 28 May, Opawa Baptist Church, Christchurch, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm.
- Thursday 26 June, Carey Baptist College, 473 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland, 10 am - 1 pm.
- Wednesday 2 July, Wellington (venue tba), 1.30 - 4.30 pm.
In this three hour session you will receive a presentation on the composition of your city; a detailed profile on your local community (orders by one week prior guarantee this will be available for you); tools to help you get the most out of that profile. You will have time to work through your community profile using those tools, with others from your church or ministry and with input from the researcher. Network with others over morning tea. Concluding with prayer for your city.
Who is it for? Church and ministry leaders keen to better understand their local contexts. Those wondering what ministries they could effectively run in their local communities. Anyone who wants further fuel for prayer for or engagement into their local community.
Programme:
Welcome, and introduce stats on your city // Making sense of your local demographics: what do I look for, what do I see // Work in your local ministry or church group, using the tools, what do you see // Sharing insights // Praying for our city and local communities // Networking over morning & afternoon tea
Cost:
$150 for profile (if not already purchased). $20 for first person from church, $10 subsequent people from church, max $60 per church (up to 10 people)
Orders and registrations to angel-wings@paradise.net.nz or phone Lynne on (03) 960 9383
AngelWings Research and the Baptist National Resource Ctr,
In association with Vision Network and Mission Interlink
Eastwest College of Intercultural Studies
Serving in Teams - (Level 6, 9 credits)
This class teaches you to be an effective team member. It uses participatory student groups to explore cycles of team development, dealing with conflict, problem solving and team meetings in multicultural teams. Dates: Monday 16 June - Friday 27 June 2008. Costs: NZD 450 includes tuition (two weeks) and course materials plus lunches and more.
Pastoral Care - (Level 5, 9 credits)
Each student wrestles with Biblical truth related to being a healthy leader and finishing well in the context of a community of fellow students and teacher. The teacher's goal is to see each student committed to being a healthy leader and actively multiplying healthy leaders who are vital partners in God's global work of making disciples of all people. Dates: Monday 21 July - Friday 1 August 2008. Costs: NZD 450 includes tuition (two weeks) and course materials plus lunches and more.
Tools for Language Learning - (Level 6, 15 credits)
Eastwest College is again partnering with Wycliffe Bible Translators to run this course - an intro to language learning as an aid to cross-cultural mission. Learn how to plan a language-learning programme and to use techniques which enable you to become a self-directed language learner. You will study phonetics and be equipped to accurately distinguish and pronounce sounds in other languages. If you plan to serve in a cross-cultural situation where you need to learn another language, this course is for you. Dates: Monday 21 July - Friday 8 August 2008 Costs: NZD 750 includes tuition (three weeks) and course materials plus lunches, and more. Each student needs his/her own computer and a digital audio recording device.
Linguistic Analysis for Language Learning - (Level 6, 5 credits)
This optional add-on to Tools for Language Learning is an introduction to the nature of languages and their structures. The focus will be on training learners to analyze and identify components of language as an aid to their language learning.
Dates: Every Thursday from 21 August—18 September 2008. Costs: NZD 250 includes tuition (one week) and course materials plus lunches, morning and afternoon tea in the dining room.
Community Development - (Level 5, 5 credits)
This is an introductory course on how to work with existing communities, be they geographical (suburbs), neighborhoods (streets) or localities (high rise flats, etc.). The focus is on groups of people and their places, rather than on individuals, and how these can work together so as to make their places better for people to live in. The course will also look at the unique contribution of the Christian faith to this process. Dates: Tuesday 5, Thursday 7 and Friday 8 August 2008. Costs: NZD 250 includes tuition (3 days) and course materials plus lunches, morning and afternoon tea in the dining room.
Reports
Relief Efforts
Many mission organisations are involved in the relief effort to Myanmar, and also with the China earthquake. Please support their efforts and pray for those involved in these tragedies.
Missionary Enrichment Retreat
The recent MI sponsored Missionary Enrichment Retreat at Lake Taupo Christian Camp was a real blessing to all who came. Wonderful fellowship, practical teaching, rest, relaxation & fun, great food and facilities. If you haven’t attended an MER, why not come to the next one? – 28 Oct. – 2 Nov. ’08. Same place. Email Leilani info@missions.org.nz for more info.
Christian Leaders Congress 08
DVDs and CDs from the Vision Network Congress at Waikanae are now available. You can order online, or download an order form http://www.faithnet.co..nz/tapes/vc08.html
Global Day of Prayer
Many Christians gathered in prayer meetings around NZ on Global Day of Prayer (11th May) along with Christians from 218 nations. There are 2 more years to go of this 10-year GDOP with the last one (2010) coinciding with the 3rd Lausanne conference in South Africa where GDOP started in 2000.
Other Info & Resources
Job Opening at Pioneers
A “daring mission” seeks NZ team member passionate about cross-cultural mission. This successful applicant will have administrative abilities, a heart for missionary care and personnel development, and be available to travel fairly regularly within New Zealand and overseas. She/he will be able to relate easily with X and Y generations, have good listening skills, and a desire to resource people well. For more details email Jamie at Pioneers: jamie@mobilising.co.nz.
Hope for AIDS
Many of our mission agencies are involved in some form or another with helping those suffering from AIDS. SIM has a web site with many helpful articles and resources. Hope for AIDS, http://www.hopeforaids.org
CareyMedia DVD’s
Looking for resources to take overseas? careymedia DVD’s are just that... 15-20 Carey lecturers during Community Worship - Eight 20 minute messages with discussion booklet included – Ideal for small groups!
After 1:8-Mission Then & Now: exploring the mission of the early church and the relationship to the church today.
Church Then & Now: examining how Biblical passages about church, bridge from the 1st to the 21st century
Leadership Then & Now: looking at the Biblical basis for bringing the possibility of leadership to a broader range of people
Sermon on the Mount: A journey through the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5-7
Spirit Then & Now... due end 2008
Visiting speakers – seminars
New Age for Dummies: A Christian response to new spiritualities (Dr. Ross Clifford)
Compassionate Community Work with Dave Andrews: What is the basis for and methods of compassionate community work.
Against the Flow with Marva Dawn: Fresh perspectives on technology, worship and sexuality.
Purchase online - or phone 0800 773 776
Do you need storage drums or trunks?
A former PNG missionary has been storing in his garage in Henderson the following, (and is giving them away):
5 each metal trunks, (one like a large tool box)
5 each 44 gal drums - two or three of which are galvanized inside and out.
5 each smaller drums, (probably 33 gallon)
All the drums are lockable with lids and pressure rings to keep out dust and moisture
They have been kept in a dry environment so are rust free. "First come first serve -- contact me Larry Cates at WBTNZ office - 09 262 8440 or at home 09 425 0966 E-mail at office or home is memberrelations1_nzd@wycliffe.org.
Accommodation Needed
Do you know of anything available in Hamilton for the time we are home in NZ from early Aug to late Jan or part of that time? We desperately need something for the time we are home on furlough. We have no furniture to speak of and no kitchen utensils etc., so a fully furnished place would be ideal. If you turn up something please let us know. - Ian and Tania Vail via Larry Cates, Member Care, Wycliffe
Vehicle Available for Missionaries (Christchurch / mainland)
We have been lending this car to mission folks who may need one for a few weeks or even a month or so. It is a Nissan Prairie (5 adults, 2 children, 4wd version). Reliable, runs well and recently had an engine “transplant”. If you know of anybody in need please feel free to pass my contact details along. Rohan Rudd - Gum Leaf - 0800 486 532 info@gumleaf.co.nz - www.gumleaf.co.nz.
Info to include in the next PrayerLinks – Deadline: 6 June - send to info@missions.org.nz
EMQuarterly
Professional journal for the worldwide mission community
APRIL 2008 - Vol. 44, No.2 - www.emqonline.com
Focus of this issue: Improving Short-term Missions. Well worth getting a copy. If you don’t subscribe you may want to check out a library or friend. Some of the articles in this issue:
Why They Don't Go: Surveying the Next Generation of Mission Workers – By Philip Thornton and Jeremy Thornton - A survey of 250 college-aged students reveals the real reasons why fewer young people are going into long-term mission work.
Reflections on Missionary Redeployment: Caring for the Emotional Needs of the Missionary - Steve M. Irvin - Transitioning to a new field is often emotionally difficult. Irvin offers three strategies for improving the outcome of such situations.
A Shared Services Environment for Ministries: Riding Out the Storms of Change Together - by George Brown - To most effectively deal with the changing culture and worldview, ministries must join hands and share services whenever possible.
Contextualization: A Few Basic Questions - L.D. Waterman - Eight questions illuminate how church planters from a variety of backgrounds and ministries can agree on contextual strategies.
Evangelism and Dreams: Foundational Presuppositions to Interpret God-given Dreams of the Unreached - Randal Scott
A biblical understanding of dreams can facilitate a contextual approach to reaching Muslims (and others) with the gospel.
Safe or Sorry in Developing the Female Missionary Force - George Winston - A coherent biblical theology of women and the testimony of many exegetically simple passages reveal that women indeed have a significant role in missions.
Short-term Missions as Spiritual Exercise - Robert Reese - A veteran missionary asks, “How much does the cross enter into the thinking of short-term missionaries?” and discusses four kinds of misunderstandings common to STMs.
The Character of Short-term Mission - Gene Daniels - The most relevant question for a new generation of world Christians is, “What would be biblical character qualifications for a short-term missionary?”
Correction: The Missions Day on the MV Doulos is scheduled for the 28 of June (NOT 28 May as stated in the April Bulletin).
Apologies for any problem this may have caused.
David B. Hall, Director
Missions Interlink
PO Box 59 049, Mangere Bridge, Manukau 2151
www.missions.org.nz
New Zealand's Mission Networks
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