Joy Magazine October 2008 issue by New Life Publishing Co

October 2008 Issue 169 £1.75 (Introductory price)

Learning to reach students

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Top tips to help churches get their welcome right

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Where prayer and politics mix

‘The future is bright’

Stop giving and start going!

Pay now or pay more later

AoG member Sarah Palin joins US election trail

says pastor after Audacious event

How a church changed their mind on missions

Face your fears says top author John Eldredge

10/09/2008 07:47:11

Reach Out With

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ROCK STAR: HOW I SPENT ROCK STAR: I’VE BUSTED YEARS SOUL HOW I SPENT ROC K STAR I’VE BUSTED : MEANING SEARCHING HOW I SPENT YEARS SOUL I’VE MEANIN OF LIFE... G BUSTED SEARCHYEAR ING S SOUL MEA OF LIFE... NING SEAmy RCHING I know WOMAN’S INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE HOURS OFBEFORE LIFESHE ... DIED AUGUST 2008

Issue 174

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AUGUST 2008

NEW LIFE

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boy’s with WOMAN’S INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE SHE DIED I know my WOMAN’S INSPIRATIONA HOURS BEFOREGod: – PAGE 11 L MESSAGE HOURS stabboy’s with BEFORE SHE DIED I know my victim mum

God: stab boy’s with victim mum God: stab victim mum

AN INSPIRATION... Lucy Clarke celebrates her graduation

A SOBBING mother who paid tribute to her son who died in a horrific stabbing incident said she was sure he is now with God. Distraught Grace Idowu, 48, broke down and kissed the last photo A SOBBING taken of loving son David, 14, as she mother who paid tribute to her son who died in a horrific spoke of her unshakeable faith. stabbing incident said she was Mum Grace said in a statement: sure he is now with God. “We love you, David, but God loves Distraught Grace Idowu, 48, broke you more. A SOBBING mother down Faand kissed the last “David is with his heavenly photo who paid tribute taken of loving son David, to ther, but we shall see him again.” son who died 14,her as she in a spokeout of her unshakeable stabbing David had been due to speak incident said she horrific faith. was sure he is now with against knife crime at the Mum sameGrace said in a statement: God. “We love you, David, but God Distraught Grace loves down and kissed Idowu, 48, broke you more. the last photo taken of loving “David is with his heavenly son David, Father, but we shall see himspoke of her unshakeable 14, as she again.” faith. Mum Grace said David had been due to speak out in a statement: against knife crime at “We the love sameyou, David, but God loves you more. “David is with his heavenly Father, but we shall see him again.” David had been due to speak out against knife crime at the same

AN INSPIRATION... Lucy Clarke celebrates her David and mum Grace graduation

by Matthew Murray

A 24-year-old woman sent a text message of hope hours before she died of a rareMurray lung condition. by Matthew

Britain’s best outreach newspaper

Lucy Clarke, who died from pulmonary hypertension, was be being rushed into intensiveAcare when she sent the her 24-year-old woman bymessage sent to Matthew a text message of hope Murray close friend Shirley Goodburn. hours before she died of a rare The inspirational text sent by Lucy, from Swanley in Kent, told her lung condition. Lucy Clarke, who died A from 24-year-old pulmonary friend that she was reassured and was not worried about dying. woman hypertension, sentwas be- message be ing rushed into intensive a text hours care when It read: “It’s so tough at the moment. I am not sleeping much before she sent of hope message shethe her died close friend Shirley Goodburn. of a to rare and getting very breathless. It’s difficult trying toLucy be strong lung condition. Clarke,all who died from The inspirational text sent by Lucy, from pulmonary the time. ing rushed Swanley in Kent, told her hypertension, was into intensive friend that she was reassured care when she be beand was not “I had a rough ride this morning and got quite I worried closefrightened. friend about dying. sent the message Shirley It Goodburn. to her atThe theinspirational moment. then went to ‘my place’ withread: Jesus“It’s andsohetough was standing there I am sleeping and getting very breathless. textnot sent by Lucy, much It’s with the kindest eyes. He didn’t say anything,friend he just looked difficult from that to be strong she wastrying allSwanley the time. reassured and was not worriedin Kent, told her intently at me. It read: “It’s so “I had a rough ride this tough at the moment. about dying. morning “And I was washed over with reassurance and love. Trustvery in and and got quite getting frightened. II am not sleeping then went to ‘my place’ with much It’s difficult trying Jesus and breathless.  Continued on Page 2 the he was standing there with the kindest eyes. He time. to be strong all didn’t anything, he just looked “I had a say rough intently at me. then went to ‘my ride this morning and got quite “And I was washed over with place’ with Jesus frightened. I reassurance with the kindest love. Trustand in he was standing there  Continued on Page 2 eyes.and He didn’t intently at me. say anything, he just looked “And I was washed over with reassurance  Continued on and love. Trust Page 2 in

conference as Ben Kinsella,AN 16 INSPIRATION.. – also . Lucy Clarke stabbed to death last month. Instead he was left in celebrates a pool of her blood yards from his homegraduation in Southwark, South London, after Davidbeing and mum Grace repeatedly stabbed in the heart. conference David – a model pupil at Walworth as Ben Kinsella, 16 – also stabbed to death last month. Academy – became the 19th tragic Instead young victim of Britain’s knife and he was left in a pool of David gun crime epidemic thisblood year. yards from his home and mum Grace in Southwark, South London, after being He became the second youngest conference as Ben repeatedly victim of rising knife crime when hisstabbed in the heart. Kinsella, 16 – also David – a model pupilstabbed to death last month. hospital life support machine was at Walworth Instead he was switched off last month.Academy – became the 19th tragic left in a pool blood yards of youngPeter, victim of Britain’s His parents and brothers knife andfrom his home in Southwark, South crime 18, and James, 13, weregun at his bed-epidemic this London, after year. being repeatedly stabbed He became side. Mum Grace said: “David gave the second youngest in the heart. victim rising knife crimeDavid his life to Jesus Christ when heofwas when– a model pupil at Walworth Academy his hospital life support machine 10 years old.” – became the 19th was tragic young victim switched off last month. A 16-year-old has appeared before of Britain’s knife and gun crime epidemic parents and brothers Camberwell youth court His charged Peter, this year. became with David’s murder. 18, and James, 13, were atHehis bed- the second youngest Mum Grace said: victim rising knife crime  Young people need toside. feel loved... “Davidofgave when his hisPage life to life knife crime news focus on 2 Jesus Christ hospital when he was support machine was switched 10 years old.” off last month. His parents and A 16-year-old has appeared brothers Peter, 18, andbefore Camberwell youth court James, 13, were charged at his bedbed with David’s murder. side. Mum Grace said: “David gave his life to Jesus  Young people need to feel loved... Christ when he was knife crime news focus10 onyears Page old.” 2 A 16-year-old has Camberwell youth appeared before with David’s murder.court charged  Young people need to feel loved... knife crime news focus on Page 2

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CONTENTS |FRONT SECTION

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CONTENTS FRONT SECTION

5 A BREATH OF FRESH AIR? US Vice-President hopeful Sarah Palin is an AoG member who is making waves

10 GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME Frances Tilley tells how she was healed of Raynaud’s Disease at an AoG church

6 TAKING GOD’S LOVE TO WOMEN Janice Beukes explains why she’s running a pregnancy crisis centre after hearing God

11 HOLIDAY HOT SPOT Tower House, Kos

7 DEVOTIONAL from UCB

14 TAKING WORD TO NEEDY WORLD A Scottish AoG church has decided to do more than give money to missionaries

9 OPINIONS – Two leading Christian women discuss Halloween

13 MARION COOPER on relationships 13 FAIRTRADE RECIPE Bombay salad

MIDDLE SECTION

16 18 20 22

NEWS from AoG and beyond AROUND THE CHURCHES LETTERS – your views LESSONS WE CAN LEARN David Littlewood says we should apply biblical discernment with ‘moves of God’ 26 THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT The dynamic Audacious Youth Conference shows AoG has hope for tomorrow 28 WEBSITE OF THE MONTH – we take a look at www.praize.com

28 MY GOAL’S TO NET SOULS Teenager Aaron Morris tells how he’s turned his back on football to preach 30 MY FIRST TIME ON THE FLOOR Veyne Austin reminisces

31 LESSONS IN REACHING STUDENTS The new academic year can be a time of opportunity for churches 34 REMEMBER, HE STARTED IT! Liz Ray says that churches should follow God’s plan and include children’s ministry

BACK SECTION

36 RELATIONSHIPS with Stuart Keir 36 CHECK UNDER THE BONNET John Eldredge believes we need to overcome our fear of what lies beneath! 39 I WANT TO MEET ATTACKERS Bradford AoG member Jacques Lapergue wants to forgive mob who left him for dead

40 SPORT – Croatia’s remarkable Ivan Klasnic 42 CD RACK – what’s worth listening to 43 BOOKEND – what to read 50 THE ROAD TO SELBY Matt Woodcock talks about his meeting with God

FROM THE EDITOR IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE state of the nation or have ever bemoaned the youth of today, this issue is for you. The remarkable Audacious events, headed by Glynn Barrett, are drawing the crowds – and they aren’t just there for a party. Far from it, there is huge energy and passion to see God move in our nation once more. As one pastor who took his youth group to this year’s event reports, ‘With this calibre of young people… I left knowing we have a hope for the future.’ See p26. And it doesn’t all ﬁzzle out after the excitement of the event. Aaron Morris was inspired to start a Christian Union at his school during an Audacious conference back in 2005. Since www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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45 CAVANNA looks at having a crisis

then he has seen 15 of his school friends pray and ask Christ into their lives at the meetings. Not content with that, Aaron has taken to standing on a bench in the playground to preach to a wider congregation. ‘I tell my testimony and talk about the blood and cross of Jesus Christ,’ he says. ‘Fellow students gather, as do teachers and dinner ladies.’ See p28. We applaud Aaron and pray he will see his dream come true – that he will see his school transformed by the Gospel.  Sadly, this issue also records the public disgrace of three high-proﬁle ministers. Joy magazine doesn’t record the details of every moral failure but, having carried stories about each of these men and their ministries in previous issues, we feel obliged to in this case.

Joy is the official magazine of Assemblies of God The purpose of Assemblies of God is to give every man, woman and child the opportunity of understanding the Gospel and to provide a church where they can grow and develop in ministry for the glory of God. Editor: Peter Wreford www.newlifepublishing.co.uk/joy Write to: Joy Magazine, PO Box 777, Nottingham, NG11 6ZZ, England. Tel: 0115 921 7280 Email: editor@newlifepublishing.co.uk or for sales, orders@newlifepublishing.co.uk Published by Assemblies of God Incorporated, PO Box 7634, Nottingham, NG11 6ZY. Tel: 0115 921 7272 Email: info@aog.org.uk. All content is copyright and must not be reproduced without prior written permission. Printed by The Magazine Printing Company, Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield, Middx. The acceptance of advertising does not indicate editorial endorsement, and articles published do not necessarily reflect the official position of Assemblies of God. Submitted articles are subject to editing. By sending articles you accept this to be the case. Church Joy representatives: Please advise any alterations to orders before 10th of the month. Back copies: Previous issues are available while stocks last, at cover price plus £1.00 handling charge, incl. p&p, per order.

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POLITICS | F RONT SECTION

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR? Sarah Palin is running mate to American presidential candidate John McCain. The American AoG member believes prayer and politics can work together. David Littlewood reports SHE HAS BREATHED NEW LIFE into the American presidential race after becoming the running mate for Republican candidate John McCain. In her acceptance speech, Sarah Palin brought the Republican convention to its feet with her fiery rhetoric, describing herself as an ‘average hockey mom’ who signed up for the PTA ‘because I wanted to make my kids’ public education better’. The youngest and first female governor of the state of Alaska, 44-year-old Palin has set the left-wing blogospheres in a high state of alert by the revelation that she is a Christian – and not just a safe, liberal ‘religious’ type, but a God-fearing, Bible-reading conservative Christian. As a teenager, she began attending the Assembly of God church in Wasilla, and was baptised there by the founding pastor John Riley, who she credits for bringing her to Christ. For the last seven years, Palin and her family have been attending the church, where her fifth child, Trig, was recently dedicated. A strong supporter of pro-life groups, Governor Palin had a unique opportunity to live up to her beliefs when she discovered her unborn son Trig had Down’s Syndrome. Although up to 80 www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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per cent of such babies are routinely aborted, Palin refused to take that route and gave birth to him. Speaking of her new baby, she says, ‘We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift

and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives.’ As a politician, Palin has an approval rate of 80 per cent of the people of Alaska – far higher than most governors. She believes in the biblical principles of honest government and cutting waste; she does not believe in gay marriages; and supports the ‘right to life’ rather than ‘the right to choose’. She had an opportunity to show her ‘right to life’ conviction when it was announced her 17-year-old, unmarried daughter, Bristol, was pregnant, and that she would be keeping the baby. But despite the critics, Palin appears to have ridden that particular storm. For Palin, the purpose of politics is to serve the people; ‘to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it. No one expects us to agree on everything. But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and... a servant’s heart.’ As a Bible-believing Christian, she is a Darwin-sceptic and supports the teaching of creationism. Governor Palin also believes prayer and politics work together. She appeared on stage in June before a youth group at Wassila Assembly of God and asked the young people to pray for a proposed natural-gas pipeline in Alaska and for American soldiers. If Palin can win the hearts of middle America, it should make a close presidential contest even more interesting. Joy magazine october 2008 5

09/09/2008 14:40:42

FRONT SECTION | OUTREACH

Taking love of god to women When Janice Beukes was ‘slain in the spirit’ at Margate AoG, she realised God was asking her to open a pregnancy crisis centre. It has since been providing a much-needed service for 12 years Lying on a church carpet, a shocked Janice Beukes noticed a vacated building and a sleeping bag. She clearly remembered being prayed for in that

church during the evening service, but couldn’t believe it when she looked at her watch and saw that it had turned 11pm. Janice had been ‘slain in the spirit’, a

feedback from pupils These ARE Just A FEW OF THE many comments received from pupils at schools where Options Pregnancy Crisis Centre staff members have visited to teach. ‘It has taught me stuff that shocked me because I never knew.’

‘Alcohol and drugs can kill us and we don’t need them to have a good life.’ ‘It was good, I learned a lot about sexual infections.’ ‘They had a lot of information and now I understand about a true relationship.’

term used to describe people falling to the floor after receiving prayer. Such manifestations had become common in the mid1990s, a time when churches throughout the world experienced the so-called Toronto Blessing phenomenon. Many would remain on the floor for a few minutes, but in some cases, like this one, it could last for longer. Janice recalls, ‘I became a Christian when I was in my mid-30s and had gone to a Baptist church and an Anglican church, but I moved to the AoG church in Margate and it seemed much different. ‘It was the time of the Toronto Blessing and lots of people came to the meetings for prayer.

6 OCTOBER 2008 Joy magazine

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OUTREACH & DEVOTiOnAL |FRONT SECTION

‘That particular night, I remember being prayed for at about 8pm, and it was 11pm when I got up. I had just been laid down; there were no strange Janice Beukes noises or anything like that. To be honest, I was a little embarrassed. I got up and there was a sleeping bag next to me.’ The only person in the room was the then assistant pastor philip young, who was locking up the building that night. Janice drove home to her husband Chris and slept soundly that night. It wasn’t until the following morning when she realised what god had done. ‘We were having breakfast when Chris asked me what had happened’, Janice says. ‘I didn’t know what to say, all I knew is that god wanted me to do something more for him. ‘I suddenly told Chris that I felt that god wanted me to open a pregnancy crisis clinic. We prayed quietly over breakfast for God to send conﬁrmation. ‘It was about 30 minutes later that the postman came, and dropped off the mail. There was the CaRE quarterly newsletter that I subscribed to. I flicked it open and there was an article, “how to open a pregnancy crisis centre”. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. This was a step-bystep guide on how to do it. I simply used it as my guide and followed all the advice it gave. I went to see my pastor and got a group together and we were on our way to it being launched.’ about a year later, the Options pregnancy Crisis Centre was birthed, an organisation that is now reaching hundreds of women each year. Janice, 55, runs the centre, which pays four staff members and takes the love of god to broken women. The centre, running from a community centre in Margate, opens two evenings a week for women to come and receive counselling, while the team also visits schools sharing about pregnancy and the need to avoid sexual activity while at school. They also teach on drug and alcohol abuse. The centre offers pregnancy tests, www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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Chlamydia screening and counselling for those considering abortions and those who have already had an abortion. Janice says the team deals with girls as young as 13, as well as more mature women with pregnancy concerns. She added, ‘It’s so important that there is an environment created where people know they can talk to someone. When you’re pregnant, you can’t always talk to your parents or friends and family, and sometimes even Christian friends aren’t the best people to talk to. ‘There is lots of pain and grief surrounding abortion, which is why we need god to help us. Some women can’t forgive themselves, and it provides us an opportunity to share on forgiveness. god moves and you don’t know what effect it is having.’ Speaking of the service that Options provide, one schoolgirl remarks, ‘I already wanted to wait to have sex, but now I’m even surer. I learned not to let people

‘There is lots of pain and grief surrounding abortion, which is why we need god to help us’ pressure you into have sex – sex can be risky! When you’re older, don’t rush into sex, get to know your partner much more. ‘I beneﬁted from these lessons quite a lot because they taught me now to be considerate and patient.’ philip young, the man on lock-up rota the night Janice laid on the floor for three hours, is now New Life Family Church’s senior pastor. he said the clinic was an integral part of the church’s efforts to reach the community with the gospel. he adds, ‘It’s an absolutely brilliant work that is going on, with all the vision, set-up, organisation and work which goes into seeing these women helped and loved. ‘The vision of the whole thing came out of a church outpouring meeting, and look what god has done. as a church, we support this project wholeheartedly with prayer and ﬁnance.’

deVoTioNal WhEN ThE WOMaN aT ThE well met Jesus, unlike all the other men she’d met, he addressed her real need. ‘[he said,] “go... get your husband...” “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said... “you have had five husbands, and you aren’t... married to the man you’re living with”’ (John 4:16-18, NLT). Because we’re weak, we keep getting into situations that leave us wounded. and those wounds can’t be healed by going from relationship to relationship. after meeting Jesus, this woman ran to tell everybody, ‘Come... meet a man who told me everything!’ her ‘godanother created answer wasn’t man; us she’d already tried that! her answer was wonderfully, and meeting the man, and asking him we need to love to fill the void in her life. The Bible andas look refers to this puttingafter ‘on theour new self, which is being renewed in... bodies in order tothe image of its Creator’ (Colossians live sick andof enjoy life 3:10). If you’re the way you’re living and change, rememtowant its tofullest’ ber, the woman at the well couldn’t ‘put off the old man’ until she met the new one. When you’re attached to certain habits and relationships, it’s hard to break free in your own strength. you’ll only be able to disengage when you acknowledge Jesus as Lord of your life. Only by embracing the new, will you find strength to say goodbye to the old. So what does all this mean for you? It means coming to Christ as you are, asking him to save you, and entering into a relationship with him. James says, ‘Surrender to god... resist the devil, and he will run from you’ (James 4:7, CEV). When you do that, god will give you strength to forsake those old patterns and begin a new life!

Taken from UCB’s Word for Today. For more details, call 0845 6040401 or log on to www.ucb.co.uk JOy mAgAzinE OCTOBER 2008 7

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OPINION | F RONT SECTION

OPINIONS ...where leading Christian women talk about topics in the news. This month: Halloween Should the Church simply ignore Halloween, or provide an alternative for people to focus on? Janine: Halloween is a huge celebration in the UK, with thousands of pounds being spent on gruesome outfits, food and sweets. It’s impossible to ignore! I believe the Church shouldn’t bury its head at the thought of October 31st, but rather should do something practical to demonstrate an awesome alternative to everything gory and sinister. We shouldn’t shut ourselves away behind closed doors ignoring every tap on the door, but realise that the children and families knocking on our doors have no idea that there is any harm in celebrating witches, devils and dead people – why would they, when the occult, in their eyes, is more fairytale than fact? We as the Church, however, know very different so let’s do something about it. Sue: I don’t think we can ignore Halloween as a church. It causes too many people to ask questions, giving a great opportunity to share God’s love. What does worry me is that we form opinions and can become very hung up on the whole Halloween issue, without really understanding its roots. If we look across the calendar it could be argued that a lot of our special days are based on pagan festivals of some sort or another. If we were to go to the extreme, I know Christians who would not celebrate what many of us know as a traditional Christmas due to the many pagan traditions that are involved with the Christmas season. As a parent, I often told my children that Halloween was wrong and all to do with the devil without really knowing and understanding where Halloween comes

from. In the past, our church has put on alternative parties for children and youth at Halloween, but children and young people are too bright today to expect them to believe something is not right without giving them an explanation. I think we can often become scary in our extremism. Can you give any practical tips or suggestions for Halloween alternatives? Janine: Kids have a huge fascination for all things gross and gooey and love a great party. For the past seven years we have been running an alternative Halloween event called ‘The Ugly Bug Ball’, which reaches 100 children and families on our local estate. We deck out the room like a giant garden, with huge balloon bugs and sparkles everywhere. Kids dress up as every creepy-crawly imaginable, and experience fun, messy games, a bug DVD that teaches them about trusting in God and loving others, and a fab contemporary Gospel message. Part of the reason we do it is to give children and families a chance not to think about all that Halloween offers, not to be planning to go to that friend’s party down the road or to walk the streets at night Instead, they can get excited about coming to church, making new friends and learning about Jesus! I’d much rather the kids be filling our churches on October 31st than filling the streets. We decided to make the most of every opportunity and demonstrate how awesome, fun and loving our God is.

were young, no, I didn’t let them go trick or treating, and a Halloween party was a definite ‘no’ to the point of tears, quite often. Looking back, I never really explained why – it was just that we were Christians and we didn’t get involved in Halloween. I think attending parties with other mums from school could have brought no end of questions; for example, by dressing the children in something different from a ghostly outfit. Conversations could have been along the lines of, ‘Do you know that All Hallows was originally to celebrate the martyrdom of the saints for standing up for their faith?’ Trick or treating is a Halloween tradition that we can see as scary – or as useful to us as Christians. In the past, when people came trick or treating, I would say, ‘No thank you, we are Christians, we don’t believe in that’ – and shut the door. Now I have sweets ready, and stand and chat with the children. It’s one of the few occasions we see some of our local children, and as their parents are often with them, it’s a great way to start conversations and build relationships.

Do you allow your children to go trick or treating, or open your doors to those trick or treating? Sue: When my children

Janine Gray and husband Gavin head the youth and children’s programmes at New Life Christian Centre, Rotherham. Sue Watson is the wife of Ian Watson, leader of The Bridge Church, Bolton. www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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FRONT SECTION | H EALING

God has been good to me The approaching winter holds no fear for Frances Tilley, who was miraculously healed of a circulatory condition at an AoG church

Having a problem with YOUR circulation is usually something you associate with older people. But from the age of eight, Frances Tilley suffered. Frances’ hands would turn purple when cold and her fingers and toes turned white and numb. And the only answer was to dip her numb hands into a bowl of warm water to bring them back to life. ‘A school friend with the same problem and I used to commiserate, as we put our hands in warm water after the outdoor games lesson,’ remembers Frances. ‘Recently the problem was masked and because my centrally heated flat in Bournemouth was very warm, not everybody knew of my problem – not even my husband, who I married in 2005.’ She continues, ‘When we visit the family in Nottingham we like to attend Aspley Pentecostal Church, now pastored

by Colin Tilley, but where my husband, Allan Tilley, was formerly the pastor.’ On one occasion when Frances visited in 2006, the church was hosting a speaker from India, called Pastor Stephen George. ‘I warmed to him, having been to India myself, and after the sermon people were coming out to the front to be saved

‘I no longer dread winter, it’s a great opportunity to go bird-watching’ and healed. He was telling people things about themselves that turned out to be true. I was prepared to go to the front if anything was mentioned that applied to me. Hearing problems were mentioned, so I went out and was prayed for, but nothing

facts about raynaud’s Raynaud’s syndrome is a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears and nose. This disorder is characterised by episodes, called vasospastic attacks, that cause the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict. Raynaud’s syndrome can occur on its own, or it can be secondary to another condition such as scleroderma or lupus. Although estimates vary, recent surveys show that Raynaud’s syndrome may

affect five to ten per cent of the population. Women are more likely than men to have the disorder. Raynaud’s syndrome appears to be more common in people who live in colder climates. However, people with the disorder who live in milder climates may have more attacks during periods of colder weather. An attack is usually triggered by exposure to cold or emotional stress. In general, attacks affect fingers or toes but may affect the nose, lips, or earlobes.

happened. My hearing problem was only slight anyway,’ says Frances. It was at this point that Pastor George asked Frances to show him her hands. She says, ‘As he wasn’t a fortune teller but a Christian pastor, I showed him my hands. He gave me a word from God: “Your hands will never go numb again!” I was astounded, as no one there knew about it, and the preacher had never met me before. He also said something about me being an artist. That was true as I painted a lot when I was young.’ The following week Frances and husband Allan went bird-watching. It was April and while Bournemouth is used to April showers, there were snow showers in the cooler city of Nottingham. Frances was using binoculars as she watched the local birdlife, and because she’d forgotten her gloves, her fingers were exposed. ‘The freezing wind was whipping across the fields. When we reached the car, I looked at my hands. Instead of being white and purple, they were red to the fingertips! I could feel my fingers!’ remembers Frances excitedly. ‘I have had many times like that since, but my hands no longer go numb, and I feel very well. I no longer screw up inside if someone opens a door, and I don’t need to hug a radiator, or put extra clothes on.’ Earlier this year, Frances was at the National Parrot Sanctuary, in Lincolnshire, and despite being out in the snow, Frances realised that instead of that familiar numbness, her hands were fine. ‘Snow settled on my coat, but my

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HEALING & HOLIDAYS | F RONT SECTION

HOLIDAY HOT SPOT

Frances enjoys the cold at the National Parrot Sanctuary in Lincolnshire

The usual stages of an attack of Raynaud’s disease. It is often accompanied by pain and tingling www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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The Tower House, Kos

fingertips were still pink. We walked round the park in the freezing cold for about half an hour looking at the parrots in various cages. ‘Another half an hour was spent inside a cage which was open to the wind where we were allowed to walk through. ‘We held out our hands to feed the birds who flew to us. My gloveless hands were burning with the cold, but they wouldn’t go numb! In the old days they would have been numb within five minutes of getting out of the car,’ says Frances. ‘I understand there is no known medical cure for Raynaud’s disease, and no way to stop it getting worse with age. But God did it so easily! Nothing is impossible to him. Don’t worry if you have had any problem for years that won’t seem to shift. God is able! ‘As every sufferer from Raynaud’s disease will realise, my fingers would sometimes go numb even in summer. Now they don’t go numb in the depth of winter! I no longer dread winter, in fact it’s a great opportunity to go bird-watching, which I enjoy. God has been very good to me.’

WASN’T the SUMMER JUST great? That comment was served with lashings of irony! To be honest, the only time you were likely to break out in a sweat was pulling on your waders before venturing into the lake that was once your gorgeous garden. So, it’s only fair to be thinking about taking an autumn break abroad. If you’ve got the half-term week off – which was once called blackberry week; and that isn’t some‘God us thing to do with created handheld electronic devices, kids – then the warmth wonderfully, andof the sun may just be the answer! we need to love If you have children under 16, look after our then thisand stunning retreat on the Greek island of Kos will have to bodies in order tobe ruled out; sorry, but we don’t make live and the rules! But if youlife enjoy want a retreat that will restore and refresh you, then The Tower House will be just the ticket before the icy grip of winter begins. Nestling into the hillside outside the village of Kefalos, The Tower House offers seven airy twin-bedded rooms, all of which face the sea. The Tower House is a registered Christian charity that is designed to help those who need a quiet retreat from their ministries. And there’s something for everyone with fabulous walks through beautiful scenery, historical visits and, for the swimmer, both beaches and swimming pools. For wildlife lovers, there’s also a chance to see terrapins and peacocks. The library of the house offers a selection of Christian, reference and fiction books for your use. You can enjoy a retreat at The Tower House between May–October. For information, see www.thetowerhouse.com Joy magazine OCTOBER 2008 11

09/09/2008 14:51:46

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OPINION | F RONT SECTION

marion cooper ‘People, people who need people, are the happiest people in the world’, so the song goes. And psychologists tell us the song is absolutely right: the happiest, healthiest people are those surrounded by friends and family. The serendipity of being a Christian is the blessing of belonging to a church family. But although our friends bring us so much joy, pleasure and sense of wellbeing, let’s be brutally truthful: people are also our greatest pain and heartache. And in my role as a church pastor, interrelational problems are probably the most common reason people seek support. Difficulties arise in marriage, with our children, in-laws, friends and work colleagues, and also within our church family. We really shouldn’t be too surprised or upset about this; if handled properly, we can actually grow, mature and learn from the friction caused by ‘rubbing along’ with other people, and our relationships can become even deeper. The Bible, among other things, is a book about people, people skills and problem solving. It has lots of advice about getting along with others; advice that we shouldn’t just read, but actually apply to our everyday relationships. The Bible constantly commands us to love each other, but exactly how can we express this love? First, by honouring, respecting and esteeming one another (Romans 12:10;

Philippians 2:3.) Dishonour and disrespect are catching. When we are disrespectful to friends and work colleagues, we invite disrespect back. It is also possible to honour and esteem our children or those under us. Even when correcting or disciplining, we can still show proper respect. It is important to mention here that equally important in relationships is selfrespect. Respecting ourselves and insisting that others respect us too is not only essential for us but also for those around us. For example, the Bible tells children to honour their parents (Ephesians 6:2); it is part of our parental responsibility to teach our children to respect us. A disrespectful toddler may be amusing; a disrespectful teenager is embarrassing, even frightening.

‘When it comes to relationships, build up and do not pull down’ Second, through good manners (see 1 Corinthians 13:5). Giving up your seat to someone older or frailer, holding a door open; verbal manners such as ‘I’m sorry’, ‘excuse me’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are incredibly important in a relationship. They may seem trivial, but they are not. They are a drop of calming oil between people. After all these years of marriage,

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David and I are careful to still maintain good manners with each other. Third, through encouragement. Whoever it is we are relating to, sincere encouragement lubricates the wheels between us. Every one of us needs to hear, from time to time, ‘Well done!’ It expresses ‘I am for you, I notice what you are doing, I acknowledge and appreciate your gifting’. An encouraged child is a happier, better-behaved child. An encouraged husband or wife wants to please and bless their spouse and put even more effort into the relationship. There are many other ways that we can express our love. For example, kindness (Ephesians 4.32): don’t be harsh with those around but be kind, gentle and tender-hearted. ‘A soft answer’, the Bible says,

Method This is best started the day before, to let the flavours blend. 1 Finely chop the onion and red pepper, stir in the juice, cover and leave in the fridge overnight. 2 Next day, chop and stir in the herbs. 3 Just before serving, stir in the Bombay mix. 4 Serve on a bed of salad leaves. Taken from www.traidcraft.co.uk

‘turns away wrath’; when we bless those who hurt us, we cause them to regret their animosity (Proverbs 15:1; Romans 12:20). Compromise is another way. No two people, even in marriage, will feel exactly the same about an issue. Ask yourself, ‘Is this issue really that important?’ If we do get hurt in the general hustle and bustle of life, let forgiveness flow. But should we hurt someone else, take responsibility, let our apology be sincere and full. Loyalty is another virtue. Disloyalty and gossiping about others is not only a heartbreaker but a relationship breaker. When it comes to relationships, build up and do not pull down. God hates quarrelling, discord, disunity and divorce, and where we set our hearts and determine to make every effort to live at peace with others, in our home, our workplace or the church, there God promises to bestow his blessing (Psalm 133). Marion Cooper has been a pastor for 30 years. Currently, she leads, administrates, and helps train the team of 14 pastors and other group leaders that care for the growing New Life Hull congregation. Joy magazine october 2008 13

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FRONT SECTION | MISSIONS FEATURE

TAKING THE WORD TO A NEEDY WORLD... After years of giving money to missionaries, one Scottish church now uses a more personal approach. Missions Director George Ballance explains

ALTHOUGH NEW LIFE CENTRE Prestwick had financially supported a number of missionaries for many years, there was not much hands-on involvement or close working relationships. We seldom met them and, to many of our members, they were just photos on our missions board. This was a situation that challenged me – how to get the missionaries off the missions board and into the prayers of our members! During 2005 our pastor and leadership team resolved to raise the profile of world missions. Working with Pastor Jim Smith, I set out a world missions vision statement with aims and goals and, in January 2006, relaunched world missions with renewed interest and enthusiasm; determining to take the good news of salvation to a needy world. Our top two aims were ‘to plant thriving Spirit-filled churches that have a heart for worship and for world missions’, and ‘to be a sending church; sending our own members, trained, equipped, and supported by us’. I also felt that we needed to ‘review the established mission contacts that our Fellowship members already support and consider adopting them if they are shown to be in line with our world missions vision statement’. We had in our Fellowship a brother, Charlie McGill, who frequented Malawi as the project manager for Abbas Rest Orphans and, within weeks of our relaunch, I found myself debriefing with Charlie about his most recent trip. He shared with me the great need of village

pastors for Bibles, Bible teaching, and his vision to build a teaching facility. I realised that here was a Fellowship-based project that we all could support and get involved in. Within weeks of this conversation, I launched our ﬁrst Malawi Bible Fund initiative and Charlie, who had returned to Malawi, began to organise our ﬁrst Bible Week Conference. I remember asking him how many Bibles he would want, thinking he might ask for about 50, but I underestimated this small man’s big vision, because he told me he could do with 1,000 but would make do with 500!

‘Our original aim of equipping pastors with Bibles has now enlarged to include the whole community’ We launched the Bible fund and invited our people to donate £5 per Bible. To my great delight, they did indeed get behind this new initiative and, in the space of ten weeks, donated the £2,500 required to buy the 500 Bibles! Meanwhile, Charlie was organising the conference to be held in Muona, Malawi, and at the end of September 2006, Pastor Jim and I travelled to Blantyre in Malawi to join Charlie and to participate in the seminars and distribute the Bibles. For many years I’d had a saying ‘The giver

is the getter!’ and have shared from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 that those who give are ultimately the receivers! Verse 14 reads ‘and in their prayers for you…’ We give money and Bibles; the recipients give prayers on our behalf. With this in mind, I encouraged our people to let me record their names each time they donated £5 and I prepared ‘This Bible was donated by…’ labels, and had them attached to the Bibles distributed to the pastors. So today there are village pastors in Malawi and Mozambique who are thanking God for the brothers and sisters of New Life Prestwick – by name! Another initiative started in 2006 was to employ a local Malawian pastor, Timothy Muyang’anira to travel around the villages teaching and preaching. Timothy is an honourable man and we have enabled him to help many thousands of Malawians to receive Jesus into their lives. He is also the linkman to hundreds of village pastors who look to him as a bishop in his region. Working with Timothy in 2007, we organised a second Bible Week Conference and again had the joy of distributing 500 Bibles, together with 400 Nyimbo Za Chitsitsimutso hymnbooks printed by AoG Malawi. On this occasion, we involved four local pastors in the afternoon study groups. In the months prior to our arrival, Pastor Timothy and the brothers had been studying together some teaching material sent from New Life and going by the feedback we received, these

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MISSIONS FEATURE |FRONT SECTION

A side view of the centre at Muona, Malawi, showing the office and classrooms. Inset: inside the main hall; the front view of the centre studies were well received. Brother Charlie has a big heart for this poor region of Malawi and, wanting to do something for the community as a whole, he took Jim and I to view a plot of land on which we could build a community centre. On our return home, we continued to meet, pray, and plan about the Lord’s direction until early this year we launched New Life Centre Muona. I am delighted to say that the support has been magnificent. When Charlie returned to Muona in February, he was able to purchase a plot of land and commence building the compound wall. The main centre is now at roofing stage, the bricks for the mission house are fired and the borehole/well unplugged and awaiting an electric pump. We have invited a young couple, who recently completed at Mattersey Hall Bible College, to superintend the centre, with special emphasise on teaching local village pastors. They will have www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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their work cut out! Among their duties will be: community outreach activities, such as a senior citizens group, and health awareness programmes; pastoring pastors; assisting Pastor Timothy, for example, with prayer and praise meetings, Sunday services, and Bible study groups. I believe that there is much that we can do to support the people of Muona and that the Lord has us there for the long haul. Our original aim of equipping pastors with Bibles and instruction in God’s word has now enlarged to include the whole community, and we are pressing on towards the building of a centre that will reach out to the community in many different aspects of their lives. The shortened version of our vision statement is ‘exalt, equip, and evangelise – in Prestwick and beyond’. That’s what we want to instil into our brothers and sisters in Malawi, so that they too will become worshippers, teachers, and soul winners to their nation. www.newlifeprestwick.com JOY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2008 15

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MIDDLE SECTION | N EWS

PEOPLE  Paul Weaver is ill in hospital in Fiji, having picked up an infection while on a ministry trip there. He is receiving antibiotic treatment for the infection and is also suffering from dehydration. Please pray for a quick recovery to enable him to travel home as soon as possible. His health problems are not related to his heart condition. Paul’s wife Jenn would prefer not to receive lots of telephone calls. As we went to press, arrangements were being made for Paul’s flight home.

Pastor moves to new ministry AoG Pastor David Littlewood and wife Hilda have left the church they have overseen for 20 years to focus on itinerant ministry. David, 60, said he had mixed emotions when leaving Bethesda Church in Swallownest near Sheffield. He hopes to travel the world preaching a

message of signs and wonders with his ministry, Better Life Ministries. He told Joy, ‘When you are a pastor you have a loyalty to a place but I knew I needed a new challenge of faith. ‘We have seen people come to the Lord; my wife has developed a great music team for the size of the church; and we have seen some very good youth leaders in our time. ‘I feel an increasing desire to move in the supernatural and the prophetic, and believe this is the right thing to do for me.’ A new pastor is yet to be appointed.

Court clears wife of minister

 Elizabeth David would like to pass on her thanks and appreciation for all the prayers and support she received recently. She says, ‘We have been very touched with all the love and respect people had for Roy – we belong to a great family.’  Don Bates has gone to be with the Lord. Don and his wife, Bessie, pastored a number of churches in the East Midlands area.  Missionary Harold Berry went to be with the Lord early in August. He was living in South Africa.

Fuel hikes hit MAF High fuel costs have a negative effect on Christian relief organisation Missions Aviation Fellowship (MAF). MAF supports Christian humanitarian organisations while taking the Gospel to unreachable parts of the world.

500 guests at wedding Five hundred guests packed into an Indian church to celebrate the wedding of Pastor Zac Zachariah and bride Jincy. Zac, who pastors Living Hope Church in Havercroft, West Yorkshire, was joined by ten guests from Assemblies of God in Britain, including regional superintendent John Morgan, who preached at the ceremony through an inter-

preter. Also present was Joy Gascoigne, of Grimethorpe Pentecostal Church, who has been a spiritual aid to Zac since he took over the church in Havercroft. Zac and his wife are now back in Britain after spending a month in India. He said, ‘My wife loves the UK and is settling into life in Yorkshire. She has been welcomed by local people here. The wedding was great and I was so proud to see my friends come from England. ‘We had an awesome time in the presence of God.’

The wife of American megachurch pastor Joel Osteen has been cleared of assaulting a flight attendant. Jurors in a Houston court ruled that Victoria Osteen was innocent after being accused of pushing Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown against a bathroom door and elbowing her in the chest. The incident was said to have happened before the start of a flight in 2005. Victoria consistently denied the allegations in court, saying that it was Ms Brown who became angry after she asked her to clean up a spill. She said, ‘I’m glad it’s over. I expected it because it’s the truth and I know the truth always stands firm.’ International preacher and author Joel added, ‘It’s a great vindication and shows us the faithfulness of God.’

Calling churches Don’t forget to tell Joy about all your news and events. Contact 0115 921 7285 or email editor@newlifepublishing.co.uk

16 OCTOBER 2008 Joy magazine

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10/09/2008 09:08:37

NEWS | MIDDLE SECTION

NEWS Boost for people on mission trips Christians who go on mission trips will be able to rest easy – thanks to a new insurance service. Many standard policies do not provide adequate cover, so Salt Insurance has been set up to offer emergency medical and travel insurance to those who go far and wide on missions. Salt Insurance, an appointed representative of Kingdom Bank Limited, has been put together by a team that has more than ten years of experience of providing insurance to the mission world.

Couple celebrate church milestone An AoG couple were greeted with messages of support from around the world as they celebrated their 35th year of ministry in the same church recently. John and Ann Morgan, of Royston Bethel Church, near Barnsley, had messages of support read from men and women of God both in the UK and based abroad. To mark the surprise celebration, the couple’s close friends Paul and

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Director and Deputy Chief Executive of Kingdom Bank, Chris Sheldon, said, ‘The majority of travel insurance policies on offer do not cover the kind of situations that those on missions trips find themselves in.’ He explained that for anyone buying off-theshelf cover from a high street provider may find themselves inadequately covered. Chris added, ‘Most insurance policies will state that they do not provide cover for working, whether paid or voluntary. Many going on mission help with building or decorating work, and if they had an accident, such as if someone fell from a ladder, they wouldn’t be covered by their policy from most insurance companies.’

Eironwen Mercy travelled, with Paul preaching at the church to mark the occasion. One of the contributors to the day, evangelist Roy Todd, said, ‘John Morgan is the man who believed in my calling and dared to release me as an evangelist. Having worked closely with him for four years, he taught me much about servanthood, integrity, character and faithfulness. I will always be grateful to God for him and Ann.’ John said he and his wife were surprised by the celebrations. He added, ‘It was a great honour and surprise to have the occasion of 35 years marked. We have served this church for many years and have seen God do awesome things.’

Minister’s comeback An AoG minister returned to church in style after having six months out while recovering from a bone marrow transplant. Tim Griffiths, 57, was taken to Crayford Christian Fellowship in a limousine before being greeted outside by his cheering congregation. Tim had the operation in December after battling leukaemia. The former missionary to Sierra Leone told Joy magazine he was feeling stronger. He said, ‘I am just seeing how much I can do. My wife Ceri is running the church. I am still not preaching, but I am back in the church. I feel much stronger and I thank God for that. It was hard to be at home recovering, but sometimes it can take up to two years to recover from what I’ve had to go through, so I thank God for helping me. It was a lovely surprise to be picked up in a limousine.’

Preacher’s UK tour No-nonsense preacher Bill Wilson will speak at several churches in Britain this month. The radical minister will preach at Metro Church International in Newcastle from 15th–18th October, Rotherham New Life on October 19th and Life Church in Burnley on October 20th. He will go on to preach in Sheffield, Stokeon-Trent, Wolverhampton and Solihull. Joy magazine OCTOBER 2008 17

10/09/2008 09:08:38

MIDDLE SECTION | A ROUND THE CHURCHES

around the churches Central At Bilston Pentecostal Church in the West Midlands, ‘Superheroes’, a popular holiday club for youngsters, has been held all through the summer. Elsewhere, at Dudley Christian Fellowship, a recent car wash raised money for children in Romania. An Alpha course has recently started at the church. Eastern At Downham Market Christian Fellowship, Andrew Colthart has stepped down as senior minister and has been replaced by assistant David Bizley. David has previously worked in London and Scotland. Elsewhere, Brian Oxborough has taken over the pastoral position at Springs Christian Fellowship in Ware, Hertfordshire. East Midlands The Christian Centre in Nottingham joined other churches in the city for a joint service in the Market Square on Sunday August 31st. The church is currently going through the planning procedure for its huge £15million new building project. Meanwhile, miracles services continue to see healings at Aspley Pentecostal Church, and at the Sherwood Forest Community Church, youth event ‘Toast’ was held last month. The event includes games, food and worship. East Pennine The Good Shepherd Church, based in Hunslet, South Leeds, has appointed a new pastor, Gabriel Yidana. The Ghanaian will pastor the church, which has grown to 70 people despite only being one year old. Elsewhere, at New Life Church in Hull, Friday night meetings entitled ‘Deeper’ have started. Guests last month included Barry Woodward and Nathan Morris. Church pastor Jarrod Cooper has released his new album ‘Beautiful River’. Meanwhile, evangelist Roy Todd will hold

The Planetshakers band who visited Audacious City Church in Manchester healing services in Hedon Pentecostal Church on October 11th and 12th, and at Market Place Pentecostal Church in Hornsea on October 13th. Greater London The summer cabaret at Emmanuel Christian Centre in Walthamstow proved popular, with guest speaker Mark Ritchie, guitarist Brett Pearson and singer/ songwriter Sarah Woodhall. Elsewhere, at Bromley Christian Centre in Kent, women’s event ‘Girl Talk 2008’ is to be held this month, on October 3th and 4th. Guests are Nikki Rucci, from Australia, and Lydia Vance and Deborah Holman. Northumbria At New Life Church in Stockton, a fournight campaign was held last month with local evangelist Martin Ruddock. The church is aiming to grow the congregation and has more evangelistic events planned. Also, at New Life Church in Redcar, the church has doubled in numbers since being taken over by New Life Church at Billingham in August 2006. About 30 people regularly meet. North West The Planetshakers band, along with pastor Neil Smith, visited Audacious City

Church, Greater Manchester, last month. The church continues to grow as record numbers attend its Sunday services. Elsewhere, at Life Church in Burnley, a team has returned to the UK after a mission trip to the Ukraine. Scottish The Scottish Regional Conference is to take place this month, from October 3–5, at the Aviemore Highland Resort Centre near Inverness. Guest speakers are Paul and Carol Alexander, from Mattersey Hall. Meanwhile, American couple Brandon and Melissa Newman have joined Whitburn Pentecostal Church as youth pastors. West Country Established earlier this year, Edge Church in Bristol is already experiencing growth. The church, led by Pastor Nick Resce, is a plant of Edge Church, Adelaide, Australia, led by Danny Guglielmucci. Services are held on Sunday, 10.30am, at the Filton College WISE Campus, New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol. For more details, call 01179 311197. Elsewhere, Youth Alive’s Rachel Waddams and host pastor Jackie Williams will speak at Live the Dream, a women’s conference at Riviera Life Church in Torquay, on October 3 and 4.

We want your news

Call Matthew Murray on 07988 781221 or email news@newlifepublishing.co.uk to let us know what is going on in your region.

18 OCTOBER 2008 Joy magazine

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09/09/2008 14:21:54

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MIDDLE SECTION | FORUM

letters Prizes for all? When I was growing up, Sunday School, Bible clubs, Girls’ Brigade and children’s church were all part of my life, but sadly I remember disliking them. They seemed to discourage, rather than help me in my early spiritual journey. The times of rewards and prizes were nearly always disappointing and discouraging. The clever children always won the prizes; I never did. I became progressively more deflated and downhearted, losing hope of ever being a winner or a success at anything in ‘God’s world’. I wanted to please God, but felt it must be impossible because I didn’t really like ‘his world’ and I didn’t do well in it. The underlying message I received was that God must have his favourites – the clever, talented, competitive ones. I do not believe for one minute that my childhood experience of church is unique. There are many deflated and discouraged adults in our churches who need help to overcome their insecurities and trust that God really does love them the way they are. Children are motivated and encouraged in schools and clubs to be better than their peers; in fact, they are bombarded with competitiveness in the world and the Church buys into it, even though it is not a godly attitude. I don’t believe God wants us to teach children to compete against one another in church, but rather wants us to teach them to work together and that every one of them is equally valued. I have helped in many different children’s church work, and there have been many improvements since I was a child. But there seems to be little change in the reward system, which I think is the most important part. I have seen children’s disappointment at prize-giving, and have

gone home feeling as deflated as they did. I do not believe it has to be that way. If only God’s heart could be reflected in the prize-giving and rewards, it would be a wonderful revelation for the lowachievers that God does not prefer the clever and talented ones. God’s heart, I believe, would be to give every single child a top prize, and that extra rewards would only be for personal improvement, not about one child being any better than another. After all, God has no favourites and he definitely does not want to disappoint children, so why would we want to give the impression he does? Gillian Herbison Ballymena, Country Antrim

Out of comfort zone Todd Bentley is probably the last person we would choose to represent ‘the Church’ internationally on satellite television. In like manner, I don’t think many of us would have chosen John the Baptist for the role of heralding the earthly ministry of Jesus – he was just about the same in outlandish appearance and age too! God is raising up young men and women to lift us out of our comfort zones. Thankfully, unlike us, their mistakes and extremes don’t threaten him, but their zeal, courage and effectiveness in seeking to manifest the power of God and win people for Jesus, must fill him with immense joy. I was privileged to serve on Reinhard Bonnke’s UK Board. He shared how a man once confronted him, saying that he disagreed about the way Reinhard conducted crusades. Reinhard asked him how he went about saving souls, to which the man replied that he didn’t. Until you show me a better way, I’ll go on winning

souls the way I know how! Roger Lockwood Milford-on-Sea, Hants

Joy should be biased I was disappointed that Joy magazine decided to include critical and adverse views on the Florida Outpouring. Yes, ask questions, but this should be done in private. Joy magazine is not The Guardian or The Times, which rightly publish critical and diverse views on a range of issues. Joy magazine should be biased in the sense of glorifying our Lord and spreading the Good News. Some nonChristians read it, and the letters of Ray Marsden and Carl Richards in particular will be fodder to the sceptic. David Pearce Staines

Healings continue I was invited to a church in a local town where Todd’s ministry team had been. Sick people were healed, and as a result four churches got together to continue the meeting for a further four weeks. People continue to be healed. Alan Croft Ripon

Bizarre actions You do not need much discernment after watching Todd Bentley to know that some spirit is at work other than the Holy Spirit. His behaviour and language are not God-honouring. The more I see of his bizarre actions the more I realise that this ‘revival’ is not a genuine work of God. Winifred Slack Matlock, Derbyshire

If you have an opinion, write to us at Joy Magazine, PO Box 777, Nottingham, NG11 6ZZ or e-mail editor@newlifepublishing.co.uk Please note: individual views are not necessarily endorsed by Assemblies of God or Joy Magazine. Inclusion is at the editor’s discretion and letters are subject to editing. By submitting letters you accept the possibility of your letter being edited. We do not acknowledge items sent to the Letters page. If you require a response, please enclose an S.A.E.

20 OCTOber 2008 Joy magazine

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09/09/2008 14:22:58

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THE HAYES AND HIGH LEIGH CONFERENCE CENTRES ARE PART OF THE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE TRUST

10/09/2008 09:29:15

MIDDLE SECTION | OPINION

lessons we CAN LEARN As the man behind the Florida healing outpouring, Todd Bentley, resigns from ministry after the collapse of his marriage, David Littlewood says we should apply principles of biblical discernment to apparent moves of God Recent events surrounding the ‘Florida Healing Revival’ and its chief protagonist Todd Bentley present a challenge to all of us who want to see the ministry of the miraculous restored to the Church in all its fullness. Leading revivalists, including John Kilpatrick and John Arnott, have expressed dismay at the problems in the private life of evangelist Bentley, which have caused him to step down from ministry. Other, less sympathetic voices have trumpeted the failure as a vindication of their own anti-charismatic views. Still others, incredibly, have blamed the failure on members of the body of Christ. Hence one lady from the prophetic movement appears on YouTube saying the failure is the result of negative words of other Christians – as if pioneers of revival such as Wesley and Whitefield didn’t have negative things spoken about them! But what should those of us who fervently believe in the ministry of the miraculous make of all this? Was the failure just caused by one man’s weakness, or was it systematic of a ministry that, for all the media hype and apparent miraculous happenings, was flawed from the beginning? I believe there are certain lessons we can learn for the future by applying the principles of biblical discernment to what appear to be revivals or moves of God. Lesson one is to realise that a move of the Holy Spirit – such as seen in the 18-century Methodist revival, or

more recently in places such as Toronto and Pensacola – often brings with it strange, even alarming extra-biblical phenomena such as falling over and laughing, as well as healing, exorcism, tongues and prophecy which are firmly found in the pages of the Bible. When faced with such things, the Christian Church often polarises into two categories: those who shout ‘heresy’ and criticise every form of phenomena and the motives of those who practise them; and those who, perhaps for fear of missing God or quenching the Spirit, appear to accept everything uncritically. Neither extreme is biblical. We serve a sovereign God who is not bound by

‘John also urges us not to believe every spirit – even those which appear to be miraculous...’ our expectation or any form of consensus theology. God can manifest himself in any way he likes. However, the apostle John also urges us not to believe every spirit – even those which appear to be miraculous – but to test the spirits to see whether they are of God, because ‘many false prophets have gone into the world’ (1 John 4:1). Paul tells the Thessalonians not to put out the Spirit’s fire.

We are not to despise prophecies, but nor are we to accept everything without question. Rather, we are to test everything, avoid the evil but hold on to the good (1 Thessalonians 4:19-21). Applying these tests, the great 18th-century revivalist and theologian Jonathan Edwards came to the conclusion that the scriptural way of judging the authenticity of a revival is not by its manifestations but by its fruit. So, if the revival is about healing – as it appeared to be in Florida – we should ask: are the healings real and lasting? Do they stand the scrutiny of honest members of the medical profession? We should question the integrity of the leaders, and whether lives are changed for the better once the excitement has worn off. Edwards also reasons that all ‘revivals’ are an outpouring of the divine largely through human channels. As John Arnott comments, ‘The Holy Spirit, who is perfect, must use imperfect people even in revival.’ Hence we might expect the mixture of the divine and the human to be present, and sometimes it may be difficult to discern where the divine leaves off and the human begins. Because a work has human blemishes, it does not disqualify it from being a work of God. Indeed, sometimes in our efforts to control the human we are in danger of quenching the divine. Human fallibility should also not discourage us from believing in revival or the miraculous. Human

22 october 2008 Joy magazine

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10/09/2008 10:03:00

OPINION & NEWS EXTRA| MIDDLE SECTION

MINISTERS STEP DOWN AFTER ADMITTING SINS

Controversial evangelist Todd Bentley at the Lakeland outpouring has stepped down following the collapse of his marriage. Pic courtesy Duncan Curry

beings are the ‘shop window’ to such things; hence their failings are bound to cast a shadow on what God is genuinely doing. The Methodist revival was hindered by doctrinal wrangling and bitter arguments that arose between the various factions, with the theology of the protagonists often not matched by their spiritual character. It appears in Florida that the man at the centre may have been pushed into a glare of publicity that his character was not yet ready for. John Kilpatrick says, ‘I love revival, but I also place great emphasis on doctrine and integrity. I make decisions of support of people and their ministries based on these two qualities. ‘In the very early stages of revival, I went to visit Bentley in Lakeland. My purpose was to champion revival, and I had great hope that it would be one that would sweep the world. At that time, I didn’t know much about Todd or his doctrine, but had some concern. Over the last two months, it has become a major concern to me. I have some strong doctrinal issues with his www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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extra-biblical views.’ A final point from his statement, and Edwards’ teaching on revival, is that we need to put extrabiblical manifestations to the sidelines, not centre stage. Although I have often experienced such things, I do wonder what the reaction is of the person in the street, especially a non-Christian, tuning into a Christian programme and seeing people falling around. Should we be broadcasting such things to the wider public? God is sovereign, and works as he wills, so unusual manifestations are certainly possible. But we must ask whether they should be kept in the sidelines rather than centre stage, so that the scriptural manifestations such as healing, prophecy, exorcism – and, above all, repentance and conversion – are seen in all their glory. As a passionate believer in both the prophetic and the miraculous, I believe we must guard both our doctrine and our lifestyles, so that God may work unhindered in the future. We must apply discernment biblically and charitably to our own and to the Church’s ministry, so God’s power may be fully released.

Three high-profile ministers have shocked the Christian world by stepping down from public ministry after admitting to sin. Mike Guglielmucci (below), Todd Bentley and Terry MacAlmon are all receiving counselling after recent revelations about sin in their private lives. The most startling is that of Guglielmucci, who lied about a two-year battle with cancer. The preacher reportedly deceived his family about the illness, which he faked while thousands of Christians around the world prayed for his healing. He appeared on a recent Hillsong DVD performing his hit song ‘Healer’ with an oxygen tube taped to his nose, and preached at British youth conference Audacious in 2007, claiming he received partial healing at a Wesleyan chapel in Bristol. In a statement, he admitted a 16-year pornography addiction, adding, ‘I’m sorry for a life of saying I’m something I’m not.’ Elsewhere, the controversial Lakeland healing outpouring is in decline after news that leader Todd Bentley had an ‘unhealthy relationship’ with a female member of his staff. Newspapers claim that Bentley, now separated from wife Shonnah, also drank excessive amounts of alcohol. Fresh Fire Ministries is now being run by Bentley’s associates. Meanwhile, worship leader Terry MacAlmon (right) has resigned from his ministry after admitting to an extra-marital affair. In a letter, he said, ‘Please forgive me. I never meant to hurt anyone, but when we take our eyes off the Lord, the enemy knows where to attack us.’

Joy magazine october 2008 23

10/09/2008 10:03:03

Prophetic Conference

with Apostle Robert Henderson, USA 15th - 16th November 2008

Farnworth Christian Fellowship, Farnworth, Bolton

Programme: Saturday 15th

Sunday 16th

10.30am 1.00pm 2.30pm 6.30pm 10.30am 6.30pm

Morning Session Lunch Afternoon Session Evening Session Sunday Morning Worship Evening Session

Regular Sunday Service – 10:30am and Evening Service – 6:30pm Host: Pastor J.Daniel-Sam

Venue:

Farnworth Christian Fellowship Tel: Email: Web: Write:

01204 706947 samcilla@fcf.org.uk www.fcf.org.uk Farnworth Christian Fellowship, St.Thomas’s Centre, Church Walk, Off Albert Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 7DR

Booking Form

Please reserve me a place at the Prophetic Conference November 2008

Please post the complete form & payment to the address above. Thank you.

Title_____ Name__________________ Surname_________________

Cheques payable to FARNWORTH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Registration £10.00 per person. Children under 16 free. Address _________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ _________________________ Postcode _______________________ Telephone _______________________________________________

LEISURE |MIDDLE SECTION

COFFEE TIME FUNNY SIDE OF LIFE ONE SUNDAY A PASTOR TOLD HIS congregation that the church needed some extra money, and asked the people prayerfully to consider giving a little extra in the offering plate. Whoever gave the most, he said, would be able to pick out three hymns. After the offering plates were passed, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had placed a £50 note

QUOTES in offering. He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation, and said he’d like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate. Rosie, sitting at the back, shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front. He told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much and in thanksgiving asked her to pick out three hymns. Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation, pointed to the three most handsome men in the building and said, ‘I’ll take him and him and him!’

God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies. Hudson Taylor Christ is wont to catch every man in the way of his own craft – magicians with a star, ﬁshers with a ﬁsh. John Chrysostom Can we follow the Saviour far, who have no wound or scar? Amy Carmichael Wherever the fear of God rules in the heart, it will appear both in works of charity and piety, and neither will excuse us from the other. Matthew Henry

KAKURO

CROSSWORD

The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe. D L Moody AUGUST KAKURO SOLUTION

Fill in the squares using the digits 1 to 9 so that each row and column adds up to the clue given. Numbers cannot be used twice in any answer.

SUDOKU 6 Ray of sunlight (7) 7 Tropical eel (5) 8 Indian of Mexico (5) 10 Weirdest (7) 12 Flowering shrubs (6) 13 Tree-like grass (6) 15 Scolding (6) 17 Make hard (6) 20 Stiff and formal (7) 22 Class of Indian society (5) 24 Burdened (5) 25 In the place of (7)

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

DOWN

1 Informal test (4) 2 Swordsman (6) 3 Yellowish brown colour (5) 4 Lectern (6) 5 Ventilates (4) 8 Eternal (7) 9 English royal house (5) 11 Thrash (7) 14 Waits (5) 16 Person who operates a farm (6) 18 Right to enter (6) 19 Sarcastic doubter of sincerity and merit (5) 21 Small dabbling duck (4) 23 Conjunction (4)

ACROSS

In September’s issue, August’s Kakuro answer did not appear due to an error, and September’s appeared instead. We’re sorry for any inconvenience

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 to 9

Answers appear next month JOY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2008 25

p25.indd 25

10/09/2008 10:05:54

MIDDLE SECTION |SPECIAL FEATURE

More than 2,500 young people travelled to Portsmouth recently for the dynamic Audacious Youth Conference. Joy magazine reports

Glynn Barrett

Chris Hill

THOUSANDS OF TEENAGERS showed that Britain has a positive future following a ﬁery youth conference. Audacious is becoming one of the nation’s sought-after youth events, with dynamic preaching, energetic worship and inspirational teaching drawing youngsters from all parts of the UK. This year, Portsmouth was the venue for the two-week event, with guest preachers Chris Hill, Mark Ritchie and Andy Elmes bringing strong words from God to challenge the crowd. Audacious leader Glyn Barrett, who also heads AoG’s Youth Alive is raising

an army of no-nonsense youngsters who are passionate for Jesus Christ. American Hill, the former youth pastor for Bishop TD Jakes, is fast becoming an Audacious favourite. In his second year at the Conference, Hill’s ﬁery evangelistic approach is proving popular among the youngsters. This year, he witnessed many teenagers being touched by the power of God, as a strong sense of the anointing of the Holy Spirit ﬁlled the room. There were also testimonies of healing, with a 14-year-old girl reporting that a lump on her breast vanished after

receiving prayer. Hundreds of youngsters spontaneously cried out for their nation each night, while others sensed the call of God to full-time ministry. Stuart Keir, a member of the Audacious team, says he was praying that mature teaching would change young people’s perspective on Christianity. ‘We spoke on moving in your anointing, and about the importance of powerful devotional time,’ he adds. ‘We are trying to show the young people that it’s more than an experience of a meeting, but it’s about living a laid down life for God. We saw the power of God move like

26 OCTOBER 2008 JOY MAGAZINE

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09/09/2008 14:31:15

SPECIAL FEATURE|MIDDLE SECTION

Photos by Dawn Moffatt

FUTURE’S BRIGHT! Some of the young people who attended Audacious

never before; it was quite phenomenal to see young people slain in the Spirit like that. Many were ﬁlled with the Holy Spirit, many made ﬁrst-time decisions to become Christians and there were many commitments to live a passionate life of serving God. ‘We were able to see young people empowered through the laying on of hands. We’re delighted with what God did this year and we can’t wait for 2009 Audacious.’ Youth groups from throughout the UK travelled to Portsmouth for the event. Pastor Peter Cox, of Living Word

www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

p26-27.indd 27

Church in Bexhill-on-Sea, travelled to Audacious with his youth group after hearing good reports from his son and daughter. He says the conference changed his perspective on Britain’s youth, and he left with a fresh hope that God could restore Great Britain. ‘I was amazed at the quality of teaching,’ he explains. ‘I have been in Assemblies of God since I was one week old and I’ve heard many good preachers, but this was phenomenal. Stuart Keir and Derek Smith were preaching with such passion and power. There was one night when

the young people were pleading to God and asking him to change our nation. With this calibre of young people, the future of Assemblies of God is in safe hands. I left knowing that we have a hope for the future.’  Next year’s Audacious Conference will move north. The week-long event, from Monday 3rd August to Saturday 8th August, will be based at the Manchester Central venue, previously known as the GMEX. For early booking information, visit www.liveaudacious.com or telephone the Audacious ofﬁce on 0161 830 7000.

JOY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2008 27

09/09/2008 14:31:53

MIDDLE SECTION | OPINION & EVANGELISM

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH www.praize.com

BEFORE YOU THINK THAT we have forgotten how to spell, ‘praize’ is correct when it comes to this site. It’s probably been chosen because, like Kwik Fit, incorrectly spelled words are more likely to stick in your memory! Praize.com will not leave you ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ with its flashy design – it is safe to say that it’s a functional site. It’s one that could help you meet new cyberfriends and learn more about Christianity from your own living-room. Now, before you pour scorn on those who spend hours online, just think about those who may be housebound or alone and desperately want contact with other Christians. For those who are too shy to visit a church or have just come to faith, Praize.com is a fantastic way of interacting with other believers and building your confidence. And should you be a churchgoer, it’s an entertaining way to spend a little bit of time. Praize.com is an all-in-one Christian community that offers its members a place to meet and communicate with Christians from all over the world. There are some interesting downloads – such as software, video and screensavers; you can also search Christian directories, make friends and even debate points of theology with other Christians across the globe. You can track the latest releases from Christian bands, and there’s an excellent forum for musicians to share views and experiences. There is a lot of information packed on the site, including a Bible search, e-cards and pictures. Beware, this is a Canadian site, so its events calendar doesn’t yet appear to include UK items of interest; but it’s still an interesting site to look around and includes some useful resources for leaders to brighten up a service or cell group.

my goal to net souls for christ! Teenager Aaron Morris turned his back on a career in professional football to focus on preaching the Gospel. He spoke to Joy Magazine While all the other kids are playing football or chatting with friends, one young man can be seen standing on a playground bench trying to get his peers’ attention. Aaron Morris, 17, uses his school dinner breaks to preach about Jesus, and despite having food thrown at him and been hurled insults, the devout Christian is as determined as ever to see his school transformed by the Gospel. Aaron, who attends Father’s House Church in Wath-Upon-Dearne, near Rotherham, has been running a Christian Union at the nearby Wickersley School and Sports College for the last three years. He has seen numerous pupils become Christians, but his mission is far from over. In his remaining two years at the school where he is now studying A-levels, Aaron is asking God for a literal revival to break out there. He says, ‘I am waiting for revival to break out in my school. I’m just an ordinary kid but I know that with God’s supernatural power I can see it happen. Signs and wonders can happen, even in school. ‘My generation needs the real Gospel. Religion and church won’t offer them the satisfaction they need, but Jesus will. Paul said he came with demonstration, and that’s what I’m trying to show.

‘I don’t want to be known as the school revivalist, but I want Jesus Christ to be known in the school. I want God to get all the glory for what he’s doing there.’ Aaron, who gave his life to Christ aged 12, was encouraged to start a Christian Union after visiting youth conference Audacious in 2005. He recalls, ‘I was listening to a boy who told of how he had seen a revival break out in his school. He prayed over me and other members of my youth group and I got the vision from then on. ‘My school had seen no Christian influence for ten years, and my youth leader had been turned down from sharing God in there.’ But in spite of this, Aaron was accepted, and was allowed to start the Christian Union in the school’s RE department. The success was short-lived, however, and after five weeks Aaron and his small team were booted out after being told they were unfair to other religions. But Aaron kept praying, and after going back to the drawing board, he was given the headteacher’s conference room to hold meetings, together with free use of laptops and projectors. It was at this time when the young evangelist won his first school convert. He says, ‘I was in a German class sit-

28 OCTOber 2008 Joy magazine

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09/09/2008 14:01:44

EVANGELISM | MIDDLE SECTION

ting next to a girl who was very depressed. She was the black sheep of the class and no one really spoke to her. During the class I was praying and God gave me a word of knowledge for her and she started crying in the lesson. For months I witnessed to her and eventually she went to church independently and said she needed Jesus. At our very first Christian Union meeting, she said the sinner’s prayer. That night she texted me and said she had been on the verge of suicide and wanted to slit her wrists. God had spared her life.’ Aaron now runs the Christian Union on Tuesdays at dinner time, and gets up to 25 young people at a time coming to hear him preach. There have been 15 recorded decisions for Christ at the meetings. ‘We get to lay hands on people, praying for the Holy Spirit to fill them, and I’ve seen people crying and shaking as God has touched them. Some of them are very serious for God and have seen a real change in their lives.’ But where most young people would be delighted with that, not Aaron, and following a visit to his church from Daniel Kolenda, the associate evangelist of Reinhard Bonnke, he knew he had to do more. Since then, he started preaching the Gospel in the school playground, and although he has been persecuted for his stance, he has seen up to 75 people gathered at one time to hear him, with 30 of them saying a prayer of salvation. He added, ‘Daniel Kolenda told how he would stand on benches and shout about God to people, and I knew I had to do more. I started getting more passionate and now I stand on a bench, tell my testimony, and talk about the blood and cross of Jesus Christ. Fellow students gather, as do teachers and dinner ladies.’ Aaron’s passion for the Gospel has overtaken his desire for football, when many told him he would make it as a professional. He says, ‘I always thought I would make it as a pro and would use fame to preach the Gospel, but it just wasn’t God’s plan. I had opportunities to trial with certain clubs but it would have meant playing on a Sunday. I still train and play for fun, but know it’s not what God wants me to pursue.’ www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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Joy magazine OCTOber 2008 29

09/09/2008 14:01:47

MIDDLE SECTION | MY FIRST AND HOW TO...

Veyne Austin

MY FIRST TIME ON THE FLOOR I’d heard about what was happening at Toronto. All this falling down and shaking – I certainly had my doubts. It was a bit over the top for this Assemblies of God pastor. But, on the expense of the church, I decided to visit this phenomenon. While in the prayer lines, I was eagerly awaiting a man to come and lay hands on me, but a woman came up to me to minister. I knew God could use women but, if I’m honest, I had a slight prejudice against them praying for people. This woman began to pray, asking God to fill me. I had never fallen on the floor before, but before I knew it, I was laid on my back. I then heard the woman ask the ushers to pick me up again, and she began to prophesy. She knew nothing about me at all, but began to say I was

‘It was not about me falling down, it was God meeting me’ a man of God, a leader of leaders and a preacher. She then called for more women to pray for me. It taught me that God can do anything he wants. It was not about me falling down, it was God meeting me. I’ve never fallen down since, but that day changed my attitude. I now want to go with the flow much more, and it changed my opinion of people who spend time on the floor with God! In fact, I was in Nigeria some time after visiting Toronto, and after preaching, I waved my hand and 300 people instantly fell to the ground! It wasn’t my power, but the power of God! God chooses who he likes. Whether male or female or black or white, he can use anyone! And now I know he often trusts women to do what men cannot…

lessons in reaching students The new academic year can be a time of opportunity for churches in university towns and cities, as AoG Bangor has found. Sarah Giles reports Taking that tentative step to enter a church for the first time is nerveracking for anyone. But when you’re a new student in an unknown town where you don’t know anyone, you’re likely to be even more apprehensive. As well as being a stranger, Christian students face peer pressure from nonChristians who urge them to join the party culture of the first year. And with such tempting fun on offer, it’s understandable that some will turn away from Christ, says Ruth Port, team leader for the North West region of the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF). Ruth works closely with students in several universities and is passionate about churches engaging with students. ‘Consider a Christian student going off to university for their first term,’ suggests Ruth. ‘They might have been part of a church “back home” where they had lots of friends, had grown up through Sunday school and youth group and where most of the congregation knew them. ‘Now think what it might be like trying to choose a church if you’ve never had to do that before. Or imagine what it might be like to arrive at a church along with a handful of other “freshers” and be treated as a group rather than as an individual. Think about how it would feel not to know anyone there and not know any of your peer group either.

‘In doing this, you’re building up a picture of what it’s like for Christian students during the first few weeks of their first term at university. Add to that the peer pressure from non-Christians to be part of the crowd and is it any wonder that many never settle into church at university and turn away from Christ to the fleeting pleasures of the world?’ Some say there is safety in numbers, and ‘fresher’ students may well turn up as a group. But Ruth advises that you remember each person is an individual. ‘Usually when people join a new church they arrive in ones or twos or as family groups; “freshers” arrive en masse but not really knowing each other! That means that the church family needs to be ready for them and make the effort to welcome them as individuals and not just as “the freshers” or as “the students”. ‘Also, you’ll probably find that the first year student group is quite amorphous during the first term as they try out different churches and decide which they will settle in. That means that the big welcome effort needs to be for the whole of the first term and not just for one or two Sundays. ‘Food is always a good way to welcome people, especially students, so do organise a student lunch or something similar early on in the term, and then another towards the end once they have made a decision

30 OCTOber 2008 Joy magazine

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09/09/2008 15:19:46

HOW TO...|MIDDLE SECTION

Christian students can help churches reach nonChristian friends Pic courtesy of UCCF

about which church to settle in.’ Joseph George is a student worker at the assemblies of God church in bangor, a university town in north wales. Strategically positioned on the same road as one of the major university buildings, aoG bangor is well placed to offer the use of its building for Christian union events. and it is here that many Cu freshers’ week lunch-and-discussion events are held. This is a great way to send out the message that the church is student-friendly, says Joseph, who is enthusiastic about outreach to non-Christian students. ‘It’s special because students are full of ambition, energy and enthusiasm. They have a desire to explore life and what it means, questions about destiny and the future. ‘but,’ he continues, ‘Christian students are also very important to us because they form the evangelistic arm of the churches to the student community. at aoG Church bangor, we see student ministry as an investment in future missionaries, ministers, influential individuals, responsible citizens and world changers of tomorrow.’ ruth shares this outlook. ‘hopefully your church will be encouraging the www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

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students to see their time at university as a unique opportunity to share the Gospel with their peers. very few will find themselves living in such a contained community after their university years, so now is a great time to learn how to live an evangelistic lifestyle. ‘This means that it is important not to fill the students’ time with lots and lots of church activities so that they never make close relationships with non-Christians. It would be good to find out from the Christian union on the campus what they are planning during freshers’ week and then what regular activities they are arranging for encouraging evangelism and outreach on campus. That way your students will not have to choose between being part

of the Cu mission team on campus and being part of a local church family. ‘at the end of the day, though, it’s not about events or food, but about a church family who love Christ welcoming their brothers and sisters.’ and during term time, it’s also important that students’ home churches don’t underestimate their role in helping shape the future of a young person, ruth adds. As a student finds their feet in new surroundings, a note from home is very welcome. Students don’t want to feel like strangers when they return at Christmas, so it’s important to keep them in the loop of church communications – such as sending them notice sheets and letting them know that the church is praying for them.

FIVE TOP TIPS hErE arE SOME GrEaT waYS ThaT you can help welcome students to your church.  Treat students as individuals  hold events where you can get to know them (ideally with food)

 recognise all the other demands on their time outside of church  help students in their evangelistic activities  Seek to work co-operatively with the university’s Christian union JOY MAgAzINe OCTObEr 2008 31

09/09/2008 15:19:56

MIDDLE SECTION | F EATURES

blast from the past Healing evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman (1907–76) talks about her most reliable companion – the Holy Spirit The healing virtue, or power, that Jesus used is the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead. To understand something of his personality and his work will make it easier for you to bring belief to the stature of faith. Let this simple statement sink into the very deepest recesses of your heart: ‘The Holy Spirit can and will do anything and everything for you that Jesus himself would do were he standing there before you with his hands extended and the radiant light of glory shining from his face.’ In fact, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit when he went to be with the Father: ‘I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.’ That glorious promise in John 14:16 says several startling things. It shows there the three members of the Godhead in divine harmony of action. It reveals that the Holy Spirit will be ‘another’ like unto himself, a comforter, a strengthener. It shows that the Holy Spirit

will continue and abide ‘forever’. Instead of the Great Physician having limitations of the flesh, accessible to a relatively small number, he becomes accessible to all of us through the Holy Spirit. The Great Physician is everywhere today. He is allsufficient, for Jesus not only has power in heaven, but all power on earth as well. This fact alone should be enough to change our entire outlook. It is not

Church planting Ralph Burden and wife Heather know what it’s like to be the pastors, worship team, welcome team – and pretty much every other role there is when starting a church! Having planted Oasis Church in Chippenham, Wiltshire, in 2003, the couple have steadily grown the church to about 40 people. However, for big events, up to 300 young people have packed into the building. Ralph, former pioneer of South

Elmsall AoG in Yorkshire says, ‘We have seen a large number of conversions, including 40 at a Shane Lynch event in 2005 and 30 at an Ian McCormack event in February 2008. We have baptised 20 people, and helped many backsliders return to Christ. ‘Our passion is to stir Christians into evangelism, to encourage extravagant worship, and to challenge churches to go for the lost rather than building “safe” on transfer growth. As a result we have made both friends and enemies!’

merely a matter of getting something from God, as important as that may be to you. It is a matter of ‘practising the presence of God’, of recognising, enjoying and utilising the continual abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Remember that the Holy Spirit is with you whether you think so or not, whether you feel his presence or are wholly unaware of it. If you are a true child of God, then you have the witness of the Holy Spirit which is your assurance of salvation. This Holy Spirit is the same one who worked with Jesus during his earthly ministry in the performance of his healing miracles. To understand that enables you to see what great power there is available to you now. It is the same as when Jesus walked on the shores of Galilee! Since God, his Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit are supernatural, it is natural that we should expect God to do supernatural things for us. We can live in the state of expectancy that he will perform miracles and among them are miracles of healing for our physical bodies, healing all who will reach out and touch the hem of his garment, all who will say, ‘Jesus you are all you claim to be’. The power of God will become real to your heart in a beautiful way when he touches your body and the healing virtue of Jesus Christ flows through you. It will enhance the spiritual blessings which you may have enjoyed for a long time. It will enrich your testimony. It will enable you to encourage others who stand in great need. It will challenge the unsaved, and may well be the means of leading others to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, by far the greatest miracle of all.

32 october 2008 Joy magazine

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09/09/2008 15:14:41

PERSECUTED CHURCH |BACK SECTION

LIFE GETTING ON TOP OF YOU?

PERSECUTED CHURCH

Vietnam: authorities invade church services HO CHI MINH CITY: TEN local police authority ofﬁcers stormed the Church With a Mission house church on Sunday, August 31, creating great anxiety among new converts. Pastor Chinh Van Nguyen reported that Pastor Hieu, guest speaker, has since suffered noise-related health problems. Nguyen, whose church is located in Xuan Thoi Thuong Village, Hoc Mon District, near Ho Chi Minh City, explained that the authorities made the situation even worse when they interrogated and questioned the congregation as to who their leader was, asking ‘Why we are doing this kind of silly thing?’ Nguyen continued, ‘We all replied, “We are here only to worship and praise our God, Jesus Christ, as Christians, based on the teaching of the Jesus.” ‘Disbelieving this, they ordered me to go to a nearby police station for further investigations and interrogations, but I refused to do so because it was on Sunday and they did not give me any basis. Seeing that it was not as easy as they thought to deal with these Christians, they left in anger and with words of warning. ‘Fifteen minutes later, two policemen from the village police station came and

intimidated me into going to the station. I had no choice than to accompany them to the station, where there were already around ﬁve of them sitting in chairs of interrogation, including two from the Security Department of Hoc Mon District. ‘They took turns interrogating me, while one of them took minutes, stating we “had broken the law of Social Security and Order by our allegedly congregating the people and our practising religious activities and preaching the Good News Religion without any permission”.’ Nguyen said the minutes banned the church from meeting together in their unregistered house church again, and if the authorities saw them re-gathering, they would do more harm. Because of this event, and on behalf of his church as an example of persecutions and of violations of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion – and on behalf of many other house churches in Vietnam – Nguyen asked that we do all we can in our power to put pressure on the Vietnamese government to loosen the freedom of religion and of speech, and to urge the government to meet certain benchmarks consistent with international religious freedom standards.

 Supplied by ASSIST News Service. To subscribe to free daily email updates from ANS, log on to www.assistnews.net

Take time out with The Word For Today Daily words of encouragement direct to you for FREE!

Call on 0845 60 40 401 or visit ucb.co.uk/wft to get your copy TODAY QUOTE DIRECTWFT

Changing Lives For Good UNITED CHRISTIAN BROADCASTERS

JOY MAGAZINE MAY 2008 33

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05/09/2008 09:16:03 10/09/2008 09:49:36

MIDDLE SECTION | T EACHING

remember – he STARTED IT! children’s ministry is something that some churches simply ignore. But, as Treasure Kids’ leader Liz Ray points out, children are an integral part of God’s plan

This is my confession as a teacher of one of the things I most dread: the playground dispute accompanied by the words, ‘He started it!’ I know the inevitable is coming. I know I’m being drawn into a black hole from which there is no escape. I know both of the injured parties will sincerely believe the other did start it and I know very soon I will be drawn into uttering the words, ‘Well, I’m finishing it!’ I’m sure many of you as parents, children’s workers and really anyone who has contact with other people (not just children!) have also been confronted by those very same words… ‘Well, he started it!’ There is a time, though, when these very same words cause the opposite reaction and that is when I apply the ‘he started it’ principle to children’s ministry. We have been successful at dismissing children’s ministry as some new fangled invention/creation of the 20th century which has dared to invade our postmodern age. We have embraced the social historian view that the Victorians created the notion of childhood. We have also seen children’s ministry as a reflection of the pandering mentality, the nanny state, which is prevalent in society today. Just for a moment, though, what about if we see children’s ministry as God sees it and

embrace a biblical view, reflecting on the concept ‘he started it’? By looking at the Old Testament, we can see how he started it. Children in the Old Testament were considered to be a gift from God; a sign of God’s blessing. Children were a central feature of God’s promise to Abraham. Children were the fulfilment of the creation mandate. God chose people at a young age. Jeremiah was chosen before he was born! Samuel was called to be a prophet as a boy. Childhood was distinct in itself, parents being called to train their children and to teach them the commandments.

‘He started it...’ – it’s a familiar phrase It was expected that one day covenantal responsibilities would be taken up. In the New Testament, Jesus presented the same radical view of children. He cared about their relationship with God. He taught that the reign of God belongs to children. Graeco-Roman culture saw childhood as an inferior stage to pass through, but Jesus made children exam-

ples of entering the kingdom of God; they were to be seen as models of greatness. Jesus called the disciples to welcome the children as he did and so turned the service of children into a sign of greatness in God’s Kingdom. Jesus gave the service of children ultimate significance as a way of receiving himself and so also receiving the Father. Jesus saw children as individuals and disciples. I wonder, did God imagine when he started it that, today, many churches would have taken the attitude, ‘He started it, but I’m finishing it’? In AoG, one in 20 churches has no specific ministry to children, and almost 70 per cent of our churches have fewer than 20 children. Most churches struggle to recruit people to work with children.* Did Jesus, who highlighted service to children as a sign of service to himself, imagine that people would ever utter the words, ‘But God hasn’t called me to work with children’? Did Jesus ever imagine when the disciples pushed the children away that the same would still be happening today? This is a simple cry today for us to see children as God sees them; a simple call to take children out of the holding bay of church life and to serve them; a simple call to remember after all: ‘He started it!’

* Figures and conclusions taken from a national survey carried out by Treasure Kids in 2003, reflecting the responses of over 50 per cent of AoG churches in the UK.

34 OCTOBER 2008 Joy magazine

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10/09/2008 09:16:06

TREASURE KIDS | BACK SECTION

God has given us good gifts. He has given us the greatest gift ever, his son,

in JOY Magazine

u S A E

DID YOU KNOW?

KIDS

Do you have a harvest celebration in school? Harvest time reminds us of all the good things that God gives to us and perhaps makes us think a bit more about giving to others.

JESUS

God has also given us special gifts to help build the church. You can read all about them in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Can you use these letters:

AEIO

to fill the gaps and work out what some of these special gifts are?

M_R_CL_S F__TH W_SD_M H__L_NG

s .. . t f i g d o God o gives g

DID YOU KNOW? Its good to give to God and to others. God always blesses us when we give our best to him.

o o v every good ogvi ft coo oe frvo a bove m s om Read James chapter 1 verse 17.

Pete and Mia were busy helping decorate the school hall ready for their harvest celebration.

O T

Can you fit these vegetables into the grid?

BEAN BEETROOT CARROT ONION POTATO TURNIP How many other vegetables can you think of?

‘It looks great,’ said Pete, as he carefully put the last basket of fruit in place, ‘but it smells like a greengrocer’s shop!’ Mia laughed. ‘What a lot of gifts,’ she said. ‘We’ll have to pack them all up again tomorrow after the celebration so that they can be given to people in need. What a lot of things to thank God for!’

Can you unscramble the letters and find the fruit?

IWIKLE

APER PAP EHAP C A N GORE NNAAAB

Treasure Kids, 26-32 Bridgegate, RETFORD, DN22 6AA 01777 711600 info@treasurekids.co.uk www.treasurekids.co.uk

There are 8 sunflowers. The special gifts are: FAITH, HEALING, MIRACLES and WISDOM.

What kind of things could you give to God?

How many sunflowers can you find?

v v

Colour the shapes with dots.

Joy magazine OCTOBER 2008 35

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10/09/2008 10:07:20

BACK SECTION | OPINION & FEATURE

Relationships stuart Keir

Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are not my forte. More like total failure, to be honest! Every time I had an LDR it ended with me meeting someone who was, well, closer! (When I say ‘every time’ it sounds like there were lots; there weren’t, maybe three or four, but enough to allow me to pass on the wisdom of my failed LDRs.) So here are my top four tips to survive an LDR. First, don’t have one. Why not just call it a friendship? If the friendship develops then you’ll need to be in some kind of physical proximity; at that point, move it into a dating relationship. Second, use Skype. It’s free, and you even get to use video so you can stare into one another’s eyes! Also, guys,

‘Live a full life. Spending every evening on Facebook does not make you attractive’ it means you can use the Internet to check the football scores while seemingly looking at your lady… result! Third, live a full life. Spending every evening on Facebook does not make you attractive to someone. Make someone want to be with you, and so challenge them to move, hence ending the LDR and starting an SDR (i.e. a short-distance relationship). Last, never mention your other friends – especially if they are of the opposite sex. Even if everything is platonic, just the mention of them may end your LDR. To conclude, there is one thing that LDRs are really good for – keeping sexual integrity. It is incredibly difficult to fondle someone hundreds of miles away. The flip side of this is that for the brief moments that you are together, temptation can be intense, so keep your distance!

OPEN THE BONNET! John Eldredge, Director of Ransomed Heart Ministries, tells how he overcame his fear about what lies beneath... I drive this old Land Cruiser, and for the most part, I love it. It’s a simple, straightforward, no-nonsense truck. I went to move it yesterday evening, but the battery was dead. There’s a quirk in the brake lights that makes them stay on sometimes after I’ve turned off the car, and if I don’t pay attention it drains the battery overnight. I solved the problem for the moment by jumping the truck with our other car, but I knew I hadn’t driven it far enough or long enough to charge the battery off the alternator, knew I’d have to deal with it this morning before work. When we jumped it last night, I noticed my battery terminals looked corroded. I thought, Maybe all I’ll need to do is clean them off. Hope springs eternal. As I unlatched the hood and propped it open, I was struck by the fact that it’s been a long time since I’ve looked under the hood. I had that nagging feeling, It’s been a long time since you looked at anything under here. The first thing I see is the radiator. When was the last time I checked the water level? Last summer? Popping the cap off, I see no fluid. Yikes. Better fill that. As I screw the cap back on, my thoughts turn to the oil. A deeper angst creeps over me. When was the last time I checked the oil? I couldn’t remember that either. A sort of discomfort-becoming-dread

fills my stomach like ice water. It’s one thing to forget to keep your radiator filled. If things go wrong, you’ll typically find out right away, because your car overheats and steam comes blowing out. But by the time you realise you blew it with your oil, deeper damage has usually been done to your engine. You don’t want to find out you forgot to add oil by having your engine seize. Now, I’m standing there knowing all this, knowing that I need to check the oil now, but something in me hesitated. I didn’t want to know. I didn’t want to go there. I knew it had been a long time. And I wasn’t sure I really wanted the information lying at the end of my dipstick. Standing there like an idiot, immobile, I was struck by the fact that I didn’t really want to have a look, and I recognised the feeling. I have this sinking feeling around anything I know I’ve neglected, especially if the neglect has carried on for some time. We do this with our internal life most of all. Something will come up to cause us to realise it has been a long time since we had a look under the hood. An argument with our spouse. Fear over a coming presentation. Depression. We sense rumblings beneath the surface, and we don’t want to go there. I had to have a look. This couldn’t go on. So I search around to find the dipstick, pull it out with dread, and sigh with relief to see that, though my oil is low, it is not dangerously low. I sigh when I discover I haven’t been driving without

36 october 2008 Joy magazine

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10/09/2008 10:20:00

FEATURE |BACK SECTION

When was the last time you looked under the hood of life, and faced those nagging problems that you’ve being trying to avoid?

oil for who knows how long, and the pool of ice water drains out of my stomach. But I had been confronted with this part of me that just doesn’t want to be disturbed, not even when the information will save me later on. I see the same thing in all of my friends. We don’t want to have a look under the hood. We don’t want to know what we desperately need to know. This is not a good quality. It is not our friend. Over the years I’ve learned a simple lesson: pay now or pay more later. It’s true in every area of life. I don’t want to exercise, don’t want to pay the price. I just want to coast along. But I end up paying for it later when we’re out on a hike or I’m dashing from Terminal A to Terminal B to try to catch a flight and I’m sucking air and my side is cramping. I know I’ll pay even more down the road in terms of my health. I do it in relationship. I don’t want to ask my wife Stasi how things are going, don’t want the discomfort of what she might have to say. I don’t want to give up the book I’m reading. I mean, this could take hours. So I put off asking until it www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

p36-37.indd 37

becomes a major issue. I don’t want to step into muddy waters with a friend, tell him what I see – that he is hard to be around – or ask him what’s troubling him. So I pay more later when we’ve grown really distant or I even lose the friendship all together because the distance is just too far to cross. here’s what it comes down to: we don’t want to be inconvenienced. Whether it’s the oil level in my truck or an old wound that’s lingering under the surface in my heart, I don’t want the information that I already sense could be bad, don’t want the disruption it could bring. I’d

rather avoid it altogether. Until my car shuts down 100 miles from home or I find myself deep into an addiction I know is rooted in unhealed pain. lord Jesus, I want to shift my posture in this. I want to stop avoiding disruption. I want to be willing to have a look under the hood whenever and wherever you are prompting me. I want to cultivate a willingness to go wherever it is I need to go to face my life. Especially when it comes to the internal issues. I love my old land Cruiser, but it’s a pretty small thing when compared to my heart and my walk with you. I give my yes to you now.

Win... Win... Win... ThIS EXTrACT IS TAKEN, WITh PErMISSION, from John Eldredge’s Walking with god, published by Thomas Nelson, £7.99. We have six copies of the book to give away. Just send your name and address on a postcard marked ‘John Eldredge competition’ to Joy Magazine, PO Box 777, Nottingham Ng11 6ZZ. Closing date for entries is 27th October. Competition open to UK residents only. Multiple entries will be disqualified. JOy mAgAzINE OCTOBEr 2008 37

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10/09/2008 09:43:12

FAITH | BACK SECTION

i want to meet my attackers Jacques Lapergue, of AoG Church of the Harvest, Bradford, was left for dead after a brutal attack in Africa. He plans to return to offer forgiveness

A businessman left for dead after being beaten by a gang in an African village has revealed that he wants to meet his attackers – so that he can forgive them. Jacques Lapergue, who attends the AoG Church of the Harvest in Bradford, was pounced on after he found a corpse in a street in Chipata, Zambia. A baying mob brutally beat the stained-glass factory boss, thinking that he was connected to the death. The Christian missionary was beaten beyond recognition, stripped naked and humiliated in front of more than 40 locals and made to walk on stones in bare feet. However, despite the sickening attack, which left him temporarily without sight in one eye, Mr Lapergue says that he prayed throughout his ordeal. ‘I told the gang that Jesus was coming soon and they just attacked me,’ he recalls. ‘They tried to strangle me, and at one point, one of them told me I was going to die that night. Despite them shouting and beating me, I had no fear and remained calm. I prayed in silence because when I prayed out loud the attacks would increase.’ After being dragged across the village and having alcohol thrown on his body, a naked Mr Lapergue was then rescued by police. His injuries were so severe that he was taken to an intensive care unit at the town’s hospital, where he was handcuffed to the bed by police who wrongly suspected him of murder. After being released

‘I should be dead now, but God delivered me and I enjoyed it! I’m not afraid of dying’ from hospital, Mr Lapergue was put into jail, where he spent a week in cramped conditions with 80 other inmates. While he was there, the plucky missionary used his time to talk about his Christian faith. ‘My first night in jail the conditions were atrocious,’ he says. ‘It was totally inhuman and I suffered so much. There were 80 of us crushed like sardines; there were feet in the back of my head and

in my face. We were completely packed against each other. ‘If I moved at all, I had to dislodge other people, and you have to be careful in a jail because not everybody is pleasant to you. It was the worst I had felt in my life.’ Mr Lapergue was incarcerated in the cramped cell between 4pm and 8am every night for a week. However, when he was free from the cell, he met with others and they used the time for praising God. ‘When we could leave the cell it was wonderful, I met some lovely people and we would sing and talk about God – it was like heaven on Earth. The whole jail was vibrant at times.’ Finally, the charges against Mr Lapergue were dropped due to a lack of evidence and he was free to go. Despite his horrific ordeal, Mr Lapergue insists that it was an experience he wouldn’t have missed, and that he wants to return to the village to forgive his attackers and show his love for them. ‘I should be dead now, but God delivered me and I enjoyed it! I’m not afraid of dying and I got to preach the Gospel to so many people. I am going to go back to the village in November.’ Jacques’ pastor, Christy Moore, said she believed God answered the prayers of people back in England. ‘I’m certain that it was divine intervention that saved his life. Jacques is a great guy who is so hungry for more of God. We couldn’t believe the need he was in, so we immediately began to pray for his safety and release.’ Joy magazine october 2008 39

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09/09/2008 13:58:12

BACK SECTION |SPORT

IVAN OTHER CHANCE... When Ivan Klasnic was told his kidney transplant had failed, he didn’t give up but kept his faith. He now thanks God that a second operation was successful and he’s back on the pitch

CROATIA star striker Ivan Klasnic will continue to show his true faith when he joins the starting line-up for new French club Nantes this season. The 28-year-old attacker joined the Ligue 1 side just months after helping Croatia reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 – a year after a major transplant op. And he thanked God in front of reporters for being alive after surviving two operations following kidney failure, which he called his ‘second chance’. The 6ft 1in striker had to wear a fibreglass protective shield during the European competition, knowing that a kick in the wrong place could be fatal. His heroic efforts meant Ivan became the first person ever to play a major football game after a kidney transplant. Ivan was told he had suffered kidney failure in January 2007 and his mother was quick to offer one of hers. But the devout Christian’s body rejected the organ. He said at the time, ‘It was a huge blow

when I heard the news, but I can only think that it happened for a reason. God gave me this challenge, but he also gave me the tools to overcome it.’ Despite the setback, God did give him the ‘tool’ in the shape of a kidney from his father in March 2007. Since then, the one-time Bremen

striker has kept his faith and continued to believe God would help him back to full recovery. And his prayers were answered when he helped Croatia stun Poland with the only goal of the game to take his team to the quarter-ﬁnals. He said after the game, ‘I scored once and had two more chances, and for this I thank God. I’m happy that I’m here at all. As I said once, this is like a bonus from God. It’s like a dream, it’s my second chance. I thank God that I’m alive and that I can play football.’ Ivan scored in the quarter-ﬁnal against Turkey, but it wasn’t enough as Croatia were sunk 3–1 after a penalty shoot-out. Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said that the whole team had joined Ivan in prayer, but it was his strong faith that kept the whole team going! Bilic told reporters, ‘We all prayed for him. We called him on the phone to encourage him, but it was actually the other way round, he encouraged us. ‘His faith is very strong.’

40 OCTOBER 2008 JOY MAGAZINE

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09/09/2008 15:09:28

GIFTS |BACK SECTION

GIFT IDEAS IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE who is about to embark on a missionary tour, then this could be the ideal gift. Or you could buy it for anyone who has a mobile phone and forgets to charge it via the mains. The Freeloader portable charger is powered by solar energy. It can also be plugged into a computer’s USB port, which is useful for the UK! It costs £29.99 from Oxfam.com

THIS IS THE SW-NIV GO Bible from McClean Max. The Bible has been turned into audio form on the device, which means it’s perfect for people who don’t have an MP3 player, or don’t have one with a big memory. You can search the Bible verse by verse, which is a ﬁrst for an audio Bible. It costs £52.99 from deepershopping.co.uk

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10/09/2008 09:19:01

BACK SECTION | CDs

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CD RACK ALBUM PREVIEW

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Dementia Conference

04/01/2008

Looking at practical and spiritual issues within a Christian context Dementia, not cancer, is now the greatest fear for the over 55s, a new poll (May 08) shows. Around 700,000 Britons suffer from it, and it affects the lives of more than 25 million people in one way or another. Dementia poses questions for Christians perhaps more than any other condition. The Dementia Conference in November is designed to help practically, and spiritually. You are invited to bring questions on issues that affect you, and your church. Wednesday 12th November City Temple, Holborn Viaduct, LONDON

Cost £48

Cost includes lunch

For booking forms, send to ‘Dementia Conference’, Pilgrim Homes, 175 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2AL, or email, giving full postal details info@pilgrimhomes.org.uk.

Tel: 0300 303 1400 |

THIS IS OUR GOD HILLSONG

Hillsong are arguably the biggest name around on the Christian music scene, due as much to their continued creativity as to their incredible production rate. ‘This Is Our God’ once again shows that you can’t box Hillsong. Perhaps helped by the inclusion of younger worship leaders and writers, this latest album has a definite freshness to it. There is always a sense of expectation ahead of Hillsong releases, and this one does not disappoint with quality songs that have the anointing of God all over them. It’s great to see Hillsong breaking a little from the format of their more recent releases, and exploring different styles on tracks such as ‘Desert Song’. The inclusion of ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’ is indicative of a rekindled love for old hymns, also evidenced in some of the 15:51:45 other new material. Sadly, this album’s biggest selling point – the track ‘Healer’ by Mike Guglielmucci – has been dragged through the mud recently. However, Mike’s personal crisis should not detract from the fact that this is a fantastic album and indeed that ‘Healer’ itself is an anointed song that has been used by God around the world. I found this album to be the most compelling Hillsong release of the last three years. Price: £14.99 • Label: Authentic

WORTH A LISTEN... trent Radio Everything

JOsh groban Awake Live

Trent are the house band of Nottingham’s Vineyard church. This, their second recorded work, is a finely crafted EP. Trent are developing an individual sound rather than blindly following the generic ‘worship’ template. Price £5.00 • Label: Survivor

Groban, perhaps most renowned for his classic rendition of ‘You Raise Me Up’, brings us a fantastic live DVD and CD offering, with a stellar backing cast of top notch musicians. A great introduction to his work, as well as a must-have for die-hard fans. Price £16.99 • Label: Authentic

www.pilgrimhomes.org.uk

42 may 2008 Joy magazine

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10/09/2008 09:40:13

BOOKS | back SECTION

Building For Your Future Today! An opportunity to live in a unique, fully secure, Christian community.

ann Ramsdale

BOOKENDs PICK OF THE MONTH building bigger people John Glass This book concludes, ‘The Church is destined to conquer. If it is to do so in our generation it must be willing to climb… it has to grow bigger people who believe God can accomplish great things through them.’ What a challenging and encouraging call to fulfil our destiny, by making room for God to do what he has promised, to believe that not only can God do it, but he will do it through us! I particularly liked the chapter ‘Space for Grace’, which used examples from Elisha’s ministry to show how God will fill all the space we make available to him in our lives. This is about church growth, not numerically, but by allowing our roots to grow deeply in order for us to become bigger, stronger people. Authentic • 168 pages • £7.99 • paperback

BOOKMARKS father, forgive Robin Oake Remarkable and moving testimony with clear teaching on forgiveness by a Chief Constable who forgave the killer of his policeman son. Relevant examples are used as answers to questions about why and how we should forgive. Authentic • 150 pages £8.99 • paperback DANIEL THE LION TAMER Elrose Hunter & Simon Smith One of a series of seven books for 5–8-year-olds about Bible characters, superbly written with varied puzzles and activities on every page. An excellent teaching method. Scripture Union • 32 pages £2.50 • paperback www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

p43.indd 43

Reservations for this quality, unique and exclusive retirement development in Eastbourne are now being taken, with a completion date in October 2008.

For a brochure contact: The Administrator, Elim Family Centre, Hartfield Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2AD. Tel: 01323 731843 Web: www.elimeastbourne.org.uk Email: elimeastbourne@btinternet.co.uk

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the all-age service annual vol. 2 Ed. Ro Willoughby Fifteen complete outlines for all-age services, covering major festivals and including series on Matthew and Elisha. Links with Scripture Union teaching materials included. A valuable resource. Scripture Union • 95 pages £9.99 • A4 paperback a certain rumour Russell Rook Starting with the confusion and despair of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we are taken from the Cross to Creation and back again to discover God’s hope which makes sense of the past, present and future. Authentic • 152 pages £7.99 • paperback

9/7/08

WOMENS CONFERENCE

24/25 October 2008 Bethel Community Church Newpor t, South Wales Come and join us as we get away from our busy, everyday lives and take time out to saturate ourselves in God, with powerful praise and worship and dynamic, anointed teaching. Guest speakers Marion Cooper - New Life Church, Hull Helena Croft - Kingdom Faith Church, Horsham Nia Price - Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter ce cost, inclusive 2 Day conferen avoid 5. Book early to of lunch only £3 are limited. ces spa , ent tm disappoin

for further information and brochure, telephone: 01633 212327 email: shine@bethelnewport.co.uk www.bethelnewport.co.uk Joy magazine april 2008 43

10/09/2008 09:33:09

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10/09/2008 12:12:18

OPINION | BACK SECTION

cavanna If you were to draw up a list of your own personal attributes, would you include ‘being good in a crisis’? Of course, it takes a real crisis to come along in order to find out. This was certainly the case when Jonah’s ship, bound for Tarshish, hit a storm of divine proportions, terrifying the brave mariners: ‘All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship’ (Jonah 1:5). It’s a single verse of Scripture, but I believe that we can draw some principles from it to help us respond biblically in the storms. Let’s notice the very first thing that happened: the sailors were afraid. In other words, they had an emotional response to the crisis. Sometimes I wonder if in our desire to be men and women of faith and confidence in God, we can often miss this important part. To be fearful or upset during a trial might be viewed by some as sinful, but people are designed to be emotional beings and some of these emotions are bound to surface, particularly when strolling down Valley Close. Christians must always develop and maintain a church culture that allows people to be honest as they come through Sunday’s doors, especially if they are in a winter season. In the Bible, men and women always behaved emotionally when confronted with terrible challenge. David grieved for his son, as did

the early Church when they heard what had become of Stephen. Jesus himself wept at a funeral. You don’t contradict victory and faith when you shed a tear or wrestle with fear. If tragic news comes to your door, by all means put Darlene on and sing, but don’t forget to have a good cry as well. God grants the gift of tears. Sometimes, to ‘lose it’ is what it means to be ‘good’ in a crisis. The second response the sailors had was a spiritual one, as each prayed for divine help. Of course, these were not Christians or Jews and they called upon pagan deities, but the principle remains. Yes, we may need a moment to gasp

‘Sometimes, to “lose it” is what it means to be good in a crisis’ and grasp our dilemma, but this must not become a resident dwelling place. Rather, it should be the vehicle that takes us speedily to the living God. We have all met people who have thirsted for care but not cure; looking for the sympathy of the crowd, not the solution of the Christ. If your heart breaks, let that pain move you not to bitterness, but to him who binds up the broken. True Christian prayer does not deny the present facts, but believes that God is bigger than the mountain. James says, ‘Is anyone of you in trouble? He should

at a glance... The Communion Service. A special and sacred time of drawing close to God by remembering the loving, sacrificial death of Christ. Commanded by the Lord Jesus, communion or ‘breaking of bread’ www.newlifepublishing.co.uk

p45.indd 45

pray’ (James 5:13). So, the second step is to dry your tears and to seek God. Third, vitally, there was the practical response to the crisis, as the valuable cargo was hurled into the sea. Prayer led them to take action. I have a conviction that one of the ways in which God answers prayer is to help us make the wise decisions needed to solve the problem. Sometimes, rather than God removing the difficulty, he helps us to overcome it. It is fascinating that after prayer, the ship’s captain finds himself knocking at Jonah’s door. Popular though it is, there is nothing in this verse about

involves eating and drinking to commemorate the broken body and poured out blood of Jesus. A time for celebrating our forgiveness and for a little soulsearching, too. Should be done often and in the company of other believers.

‘leaving it with the Lord’. Many problems have a key source; a situation that needs to be actively changed before the sun comes out again. This is often the purpose of the storm. Who knows? The solution may be to deal with the person we look at each day in the mirror! Of course, if you move to this practical part without prayer, you may find yourself taking some very wrong steps – like the ditching of tens of thousands of pounds worth of cargo into the deep sea. Genuine prayer should lead to inspired activity. Three responses in a crisis: emotional, spiritual and practical. The same pattern can be seen during David’s crisis at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30) and Jesus’ challenge in Gethsemane (Mark 14). Storms aren’t pleasant, but you can drop the mask if you like and lift up your eyes – the Lord is your helper. Listen to his wisdom, in prayer and through the pages of his infallible Word. His advice bureau is open 24 hours and guaranteed to transform. Joy magazine october 2008 45

09/09/2008 14:46:17

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The story of the vision given to me concerning looking for awater lifefrom partner? spring born again Christians ofaalltouch ages and WalesForwith of denominations, Beulah offers introductions to ﬁ nd that Welsh gold, where the special friend or marriage partner you have been royal wedding rings come from. looking for. For more details, send a large SAE to: A venture of faith into the unknown, BEULAH FRIENDSHIP BUREAU a prophetic insight. ‘The Venture’ Box 17, by Basildon, Essex SS15 5JN is nowPOavailable mail order from: Cyril Jones Ministries

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‘The Venture’ Venture’ ‘The

The story of the vision given to me concerning spring water from Wales with a touch of Welsh gold, where the royal wedding rings come from. A venture of faith into the unknown, a prophetic insight. ‘The Venture’ is now available by mail order from:

Cyril Jones Ministries:Tel: 01341 423281 www.livingwatersprings.co.uk (EW87)

HOW TO HEAR GOD FOR YOURSELF TO ADVERTISE HERE call 0115 921 7280 OR EMAIL ads@newlifepublishing.co.uk

To ensure your own copy of this vital study e-mail: handofgodministries @googlemail.com Many other studies available upon request

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‘Preparing for His Coming’

the now and future King Jesus Christ coming soon to a location near you Briton Ferry, S. Wales. 30 Oct - 2 Nov ‘08 Thurs 30: Pastor Steve Uppal (Wolverhampton) - 9.30am & 11.15am Pastor Robert Maasbach (Folkestone) - 7pm Fri 31: Pastor Robert Maasbach - 9.30am Pastor Andy Holland - 11.15am Pastor Jarrod Cooper (Hull) - 7pm Sat 1: Pastor Jarrod Cooper - 9.30am Christer Dahlberg (Czech Republic) - 11.15am Sun 2: Pastor Andy Holland - 10:30am Pastor Steve Uppal - 6pm The Christian Centre, Graig Road, Briton Ferry, Neath, S. Wales SA11 2YY 01639 760300 or 07792 614293 www.christiancentrebritonferry.org

10/09/2008 11:20:32

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13/08/2008

09:42:01

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My faith set me free Serial criminal finds release after 24 years in prison

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Kirkholt, Rochdale • Newcastle • Cape Verde

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Real Hope for Wigan

We have clothed Christ too heavily in our likeness says Joel Edwards

NE WS

A SOBB to her ING mother who stabbingson who died paid tribu he is now incident said in a horr te she was ific Distr with God. sure dow n aught Grace Idow and kiss take n ed the u, 48, broke of lovin last phot spoke of her g son David, unshakea 14, as o Mum ble faith she “We love Grace said . you mor you, Davi in a state men d, e. t: but God “Dav loves ther, but id is with we shal his heavenly Davi l see him Faagai nstd had been agai n.” due knife crim e to spea k out at the sam e

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David and mum Grace conferen stabbed ce as Ben Kins to deat h last ella, 16 – also Inste month. blood ad he was yards left in from his wark , a Sout h home pool of repeated in Sout Lond on, hly David stabbed in afte r bein Academy – a model pupithe heart. g – beca l young me the at Walworth victi m 19th trag gun crim of Brita ic in’s e He beca epidemic this knife and me the year. victi m seco of nd youn hospital rising knif gest e switched life supportcrime when mac hine his off last His mon was 18, and pare nts and th. brot hers James, side. Mum 13, Pete r, Grace were at his his life said bed10 year to Jesus Chri : “Dav id gave s old.” st when A 16-ye he was Cam berw ar-old has appeared with Davi ell yout h befo  Youn d’s murder.cour t char re ged g peop knife crim le need to feel e news love focus on Page d... 2

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she sent irational burn . friend sion that text the mess , was be beIt read she was reas sent by Lucy age to her and getti : “It’s so toug sured and , from Swan ley was not the time ng very brea h at the mom worriedin Kent, told . thless. her “I had It’s diffient. I am not about dyin g. sleep cult tryin then wenta roug h ride g to be ing muc h with the to ‘my plac this mor ning strong all intently kindest eyes e’ with Jesu and got quite frigh at me. s and . He didn he was “And tened. ’t say I anyt hing standing  Cont I was wash ed there inued , he just on Page over with looked reassura 2 nce and love. Trus t in

07/08/2008 05:28:09

Three great packages: Lineage only for £1.30 a word (20 words Min = £26.00) Add a logo for an extra £14.10 Put it in an Box for an additional £14.10 (based on a 3cm x 1 column advert) Extra space required ask for a quote. Prices are inclusive. Special Discounts apply for registered charities. Please Ask. Wording: ................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................................. Use separate sheet if needed. Please tick the most appropriate for you:

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10/09/2008 11:21:10

BACK SECTION | GUEST FEATURE

the road to selby St Paul received his message from God on the road to Damascus. But for Matt Woodcock it was on the A19 to Selby, North Yorkshire I had been a reporter for seven years. An average day in the York Press newsroom would see me reporting on car crashes, job cuts and all manner of human dramas and tragedies. Then everything changed. Within months I went from journalism to evangelism – from reporting on bad news to spreading the Good News. It all started in October 2006, as I drove along the A19 to report on a court case in Selby. I had been a committed Christian for about ten years, but was doing nothing more spiritual at that moment than listening to U2. As strange as it sounds – and as hard as it is to explain – I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense that God had

something urgent he wanted to tell me. It was like someone shaking my insides really hard to try to get my attention. I thought such sensations were reserved for extreme charismatics or monks out fasting in the wilderness! My battered Ford Fiesta nearly left the road as I struggled to deal with the shock. I pulled into a lay-by, took some deep breaths and told God that I was perplexed as to what he could be asking of me. I prayed that I was open to whatever it could be. No angels appeared, no bushes caught fire, and I noticed my fellow lay-by users staring at me like I was a man who talked to himself a lot. I drove on to Selby magistrates, more at peace but with no answers. The next day I visited John Lee, my vicar at St Paul’s, Holgate in York. Before I could tell him about my A19 moment, he said, ‘Have you ever

revival snippet The son of a top Hamas leader has converted to Christianity and prays that some day his family will also accept Jesus Christ as their saviour, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of West Bank Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef, revealed for the first time in an exclusive interview that he has left Islam and is now a Christian. Yousef, 30, turned to Christ four years Tim

ago, but has only recently gone public on his commitment. He said, ‘I know that I’m endangering my life and am even liable to lose my father, but I hope that he’ll understand this and that God will give him and my family patience and willingness to open their eyes to Jesus and to Christianity. ‘Maybe one day I’ll be able to return to Palestine and to Ramallah with Jesus, in the kingdom of God.’

thought about working for the church as an evangelist?’ I sensed God tapping me on the shoulder and saying, ‘That’s what I wanted to tell you!’ Aside from my decision to stop watching York City, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I knew God had called me into Christian ministry. I was appointed St Paul’s community evangelist, funded partly from the church and also through personal sponsors. My role involves helping co-ordinate the church’s evangelistic programme, co-leading our alternative Sunday night services and finding fresh ways to communicate the Gospel and work of the church. So far, I’ve occasionally turned the church into a music venue for charity; organised a Christian wilderness adventure for 12 blokes; and led exploring Christianity courses for everyone from a prostitute and ex-prisoner to a senior insurance executive. I now combine my role at St Paul’s by working as the Archbishop of York’s new media editor. Life – and faith – is never boring with Dr Sentamu around. How many 59-year-old Archbishops do you know who throw themselves out of a plane with the Red Devils to raise money for charity? I get the privilege of writing about his exploits in the hope that people might explore Christianity for themselves. It has been a wonderful, often painful ride since my calling on that Selby road. Hopefully, God won’t be prompting me to pull into a lay-by again. But I’m avoiding the A19 just in case!

50 october 2008 Joy magazine

p50.indd 50

09/09/2008 14:44:12

The Delusion of

EVOLUTION • Read how the latest research clearly points to an Intelligent Designer. • Evolutionary dating exposed. • Get this into the hands of everyone in your community. “An excellent booklet! It covers the topics in a very clear and accessible way.” Colin Garner PhD, Professor of Applied Thermodynamics

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