The Lamb of God Chronicle September 2017

The Lamb of God Community PO Box 35 054 Christchurch 8640 Phone [04] 232 2297 Mobile 021 0586 909 Email: Office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com Website: www.lambofgodcommunity.net

INDEX TO CONTENTS Reflections Page 1-2 News & Articles Page 2-6 “Challenges” Page 7 Kairos NZ News Page 8

Web Sites Page 8 Members/Info/Records Page 9 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page 9-10 National Prayer Watch Page 10-12

REFLECTIONS – Bloom Where You Are Planted

[This month, we have Andre Geelen from Hawkes Bay sharing his thoughts with us.] When our daughters attended Girls Brigade many years ago, there was a song they used to sing entitled “Just like a Flower.” One part of the song goes: “Just like a flower opens up and is beautiful so God wants our lives to change and open up to Him, for He can change our lives and make them beautiful if we but trust in Him and follow in His ways.” I love the many references in the Bible to plants, trees, soil. Being a horticulturist makes these passages come even more alive. I have just spent about four weeks pruning grapes on the work research station, and it certainly brought home the amount of vine that is removed to produce next year’s crop. If not pruned, the vines would be a real mess. If plants could talk, I am sure there would have been plenty of “enough is enough” being said. For us to grow, we also need pruning. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” One translation of John 15:1 has it as “My Father is the vine dresser.” The Lord is constantly pruning all of us. In fact, Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (v3). Sometimes they have been big cuts when He has pointed out areas that need to be seriously dealt with (like cutting free from an unhealthy habit or relationship) and then there are many smaller things that are all part of the diamond being polished so that we reflect God’s glory more and more. That’s where I have found community life so beneficial and yet, at times, very challenging. In the midst of committed relationships, we have to deal with things in our lives. I have found it easy to blame others

Andre Geelen starting to prune the left side of the vineyard - after finishing the right side!

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for some situation and then had to look deeper and find that what I said or how I reacted was also part of the problem. Even if it wasn’t the words of Jesus to Peter come to mind “How many times should I forgive my brother? Not seven times, but seventy times seven.” It’s interesting how God works, isn’t it? His ways are certainly not man’s ways, and neither are His thoughts our thoughts. He appointed Moses to undertake the world’s greatest exodus - a runaway murderer tending sheep in the desert out the back of beyond. Similarly, Jesus lived in a remote part of the world and chose for his disciples men who are the least likely to influence a nation, let alone in the world. The opposite proved to be the case. This has been a constant encouragement to us here in Hawkes Bay. A small mission branch of the Lamb of God on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, on the last large land mass to be colonised by Europeans. We have faithfully tried to follow the Lord and continue to try and influence those around us in and outside the church since four couples first made a covenant on 13th November 1983 (of those only one couple remains today). Back in those early days our numbers soon mushroomed and within a couple of years, we had some 80 committed people, with over half of them children. We were busy with running seminars, teaching programmes, youth activities and pastoral care. Several years later, the novelty had worn off for some who then left and later when we hit a serious leadership crisis, other families left. We were severely pruned. Our numbers dropped down to around 20, and since then five of our members have gone to the Lord. So we currently have four covenanted families and a nun who regularly attends. We continue to meet weekly and run an outreach prayer meeting once a month. In spite of regular advertising, there are few attendees. We are endeavouring to do our part and believe that if the Lord wants us to grow again that He will. As Paul puts in in his letter to the Corinthians “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6). We are so grateful for the support from the national body of the Lamb of God. Through regular communication, teachings, participation in the prayer watch, etc., we certainly feel as though we belong to something much bigger than just us. Similarly, the Lamb of God belongs to something much bigger than itself through our being part of the Sword of the Spirit. We believe that the Lord has called us to community life and so, regardless of the number that walks with us, we will continue walking in the path He has called us on. Some lines from Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem “If” are worth pondering on:

“ ...If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

… you’ll be a Man, my son.” Regardless of the support we receive from other branches of community and the international community, we are called to “bloom where we are planted.”

Andre Geelen - Hawkes Bay Branch

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NEWS AND ARTICLES

AUCKLAND BRANCH NEWS Lord’s Day Celebration – Saturday 29th July 2017 The fifth Saturday of a month is always a special day for all the Auckland Branch members of the Lamb of God Community. It is an evening to celebrate the Lord’s Day and fellowship with one another. A big thank you to the pastoral groups of Alwin and Mira D'Souza and Peter and Jessie Dalgado for organising an excellent evening on 29th

July 2017 at our new venue of Christ the King Hall, Owairaka. We were honoured with the presence of our National Coordinators on the day. The Lord’s Day prayer was beautifully led by Vitus and Arca. Our vibrant emcees of the evening, Delia and Leroy, kept us well entertained and ensured that we all knew what was happening. All the members present participated enthusiastically. Our Senior Coordinator, Mark Challies,

addressed us with encouraging words about our mission and outreach. The games were well prepared and executed. I am sure everyone would agree when I say that the Human Housie game was an excellent way of getting to know our members well through statements of affirmations which described each one very aptly. The spot prizes added to the fun. Everyone participated in all the planned activities. Chris and Neville kept our feet a-tapping with a good selection of music for the young and old. It was wonderful to see so many of us on the dance floor. It was an evening to relax and

spend time with one another. A big thank you to each and every one who served in some way or another. We look forward to the next Lord’s Day celebration. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

- Karyn Coutinho

Women’s Reflection Day – Saturday 12th August 2017 The Women’s Reflection Day was well attended by many of our sisters in the Auckland Branch. We were very fortunate to have Mhel Caballes lead us on this day. Her sessions were inspirational, and the workshops got everyone thinking. Priscilla Martis shares her experience of the day with us: “The reflection day was attended by around 50 women at the Mary McKillop Centre Hall in Mission Bay, Auckland. It was a lovely day to get away from the busy-ness of life, fellowship and learn with the sisters of the community as well some visitors who attended. It was a great time to listen and reflect on what the Lord needed to say in our lives.

Arca and Vitus

Chris and Peter

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Mhel, our newly appointed National Women’s Council Leader from Wellington, talked to us about the various currents we face in our society today, namely materialism, consumerism, hedonism, permissiveness and relativism and the tools to help us through them. In the face of these currents, we have to be awake, alert but not alarmed. What stood out for me was, as women of God, our first priority is our relationship with God and our faith should be like a rock that cannot be shaken in the face of adversity. As the currents in society get worse, we are called to advise and support our younger generation face and get through these challenges. The other thing that really stood out for me was when Mhel mentioned that sometimes God allows unanswered prayers because He has a purpose for us. He wants us to love Him for who He is and not for what he provides or when He answers our prayers. Suffering in life purifies our faith, and we should not shy away from it. Though there may be times when we feel the dryness - desert experience- we should continue to pursue Him even in those moments. After the teaching, we each were asked to spend time alone in His presence and ponder on how we could become women of God in today’s world – to speak with God and reflect on our role in society. Maryanne’s reflection was on a painting by Diego Velazquez titled "The Kitchen Maid with the Supper at Emmaus” and a poem by Denise Levertove which was inspired by the painting. The poem tells the story of the Servant Girl at Emmaus who, hearing the voice of one of the guests in the dining area, knew it was the voice of Jesus. We were then asked to go with another person and experience our Emmaus journey with them.”

- Priscilla Martis Breakthrough Concert – Saturday 19th August 2017: "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth" Psalm 34:1. Jesus the Good Shepherd prayer group from Milford in association with the Auckland Catholic Charismatic Renewal organised their third Breakthrough concert on

19th August 2017 at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland. The theme for this year's concert "From Darkness to Light" was from 1 Peter 2:9, which says, “For He has Called us out of Darkness and into His Marvellous Light." We journeyed through the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament in song, drama and dance to discover

the true light of the world, Jesus our Saviour. This year, 26 members from The Lamb of God Community, Auckland branch were blessed to be a part of this outreach. Some of the other groups that performed were the DRC NZ Praise band, Fusion Youth band, Christian Youth Revolution band and Jesus the Good Shepherd band. Over the last few months, as a group, we have grown in our relationships with one another where we could use our time and talents to spread God's work. I could really see the Lord's hand at work as we joined with other prayer groups and parishes from around Auckland. It was a wonderful evening where we could use our God given talents to evangelise our faith and God's love with the community and people from all walks of life. 800 wonderful people

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were in the audience. We were around 180 participants. It was an amazing night where we could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as both the participants and the audience were able to lift the roof in praise and worship. We would like to thank the elders and all our community members for their prayers, encouragement, love and support.

- Neville Coutinho

WINTER OUTING – WELLINGTON BRANCH

Several families from the Wellington Branch went to Taupo during the middle of July to have a winter outing. The weather was terrific during the days the group travelled – what a great blessing it was, knowing that there was a stormy weather before and after the outing! The brothers and sisters had great fun together, swam together, and played games together during the weekend – great, wonderful, and memorable times! Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! [Psalms 133:1 ESV]

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

Living Your “Hidden Life” Well - September 2017

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [Colossians 3:2-3 ESV]

The New Testament speaks about our hidden life in God many times. Jesus, in Matthew 6:1-8, alluded to this hidden life. It is as if we are living two lives – one an external life and one a secret, hidden, internal life. This is not the same as living a double life - we act one way with one group of people and act another way with another group. Our external life is the physical one and what other people see – our reputation, awards, career, wealth, possessions and talents. Our internal life is the invisible one that only God sees – our prayer life, spiritual motives, intercessions, secret services, and the unrecognised giving of our money, time and talent for God’s Kingdom. The truth is, there is only that will remain – our secret life. We are all very busy and concerned with our external life – but are we taking care well of our internal life, that one that will last forever? We will all leave our external life behind anyway. Which one is of infinite value? So How Do You Live Your Hidden Life Well? 1. The key to having a good internal life is your prayer life. It is your lifeline with God. Everything else in your internal life flows from your prayer life with God. Invest for your eternity with a daily quality time prayer life. Spend and devote your time to reading and studying God’s Word. Prioritise your life well. 2. Know that there is nothing in your external life you can bring to where you are “going,” and you need to be unattached to all those things, including good things. Be ready to leave them at a second’s notice. 3. As long as you are alive, you will need to put up with your sinful self. That is why you should practice daily repentance. Strive to grow in holiness and avoid temptations – you know well your weaknesses. 4. The two main enemies of having a good hidden life with God are selfishness and self-centredness. You need to battle against them for the rest of your life continually. Conquer the old man or woman in you. 5. Serve God and His people, with or without any recognition. People’s appreciation is not the one that you want to look for, but God’s approval, as He will reward you in due time. See Ephesians 6:5-8. 6. Grow in becoming Christ-like. Learn to be loving, gentle, faithful, kind, meek, and self-controlled, among many other things. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus - even if it is the inconvenient and harder thing to do. 7. Aim to do great things for God. Seek to live an ordinary life extraordinarily; live a Spirit-filled life. Do not live a half-hearted, compromised, and lukewarm Christian life – God will spit you out. You have only one life to live – live it to the full for the glory of God - see 1 Corinthians 10:31. 8. Share the gospel with people you meet – so that they can have an internal life as well, the one that lasts forever. This is the best thing you can ever share with others – Jesus and a new hidden eternal life in Him. OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: 1. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. [Matthew 6:3-4 ESV] 2. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. [1 Timothy 6:18-19 ESV] 3. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. [2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV] 4. Other references: Matthew 6:6; Luke 8:17; 1 Corinthians 2:9; and James 4:8. FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING:

Do you value your internal life with God more than your external life? Does it show in how much time you spend on your internal life? How do you conquer busy-ness to have a good hidden life in God?

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KAIROS NEW ZEALAND YOUTH NEWS

Kairos New Zealand and Singles Schedule of Events - 2017/2018 1 to 3 September Get Set 2017 in Auckland [for tertiary and singles]

7 to 11 January 2018 Summer Oasis 2018 [for high schoolers and up]

SUMMIT

WEBSITES WORTH NOTING

KAIROS South Pacific Web Site – check it out at www.kairossp.com You can network and chat with other young people by going to this website:

http://www.kairossp.com/kairosspnzchatroom.htm We designated every Friday night at 10 pm as a time to meet other young people.

Go and visit the International Kairos Media website: http://www.kairos-media.org/

We updated our Lamb of God website– www.lambofgodcommunity.net. We also have two new domain names which point to the same website: www.lambofgod.nz and

www.lambofgodcommunity.nz. Try them!

The Sword of the Spirit website is www.swordofthespirit.net. This website is where we can know more what is happening in our communities around the globe. The Lamb of

God is a community of the Sword of the Spirit.

Sign up [free] for Youth Culture Newsletter The most recent edition of the Youth Culture Newsletter is now available online. Please visit the website below:

http://www.kairos-na.org/youthculturenewsletter.htm This link is a recommended Sword of the Spirit publication for youth and parents.

Living Bulwark Sword of the Spirit – Highly Recommended! This Sword of the Spirit online publication has received more than 43,000 visits (an average of 135 visits each day) in its first year. All back issues for the past 12 months are available at http://www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/archives.htm. To view the current issue of the online magazine, go to www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/index.html.

SENDING NEWS FOR CHRONICLE PUBLICATION

Branches are encouraged to email news, photos, happenings and snippets to Tom Caballes at office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com. We close on the 20th of the previous month.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT OUR RECORDS Membership Records and Data: Branch leaders are responsible for keeping updated records and then emailing all new attendee additions, deletions, address, phone changes, births, deaths, transfers, etc. to: Tom Caballes – email: office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com

BIRTHDAY INFORMATION [Day and month, but the year is optional.] Branch leaders are asked to keep updated records and email all new attendee additions to: Tom Caballes – email: office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com

GETTING CHRONICLE & OTHER NEWS BY EMAIL [1] If you are receiving The Chronicle as an electronic edition, we just need to hear if and when you change your email address. Notify Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz. [2] If you are receiving this by hard copy but you have an email address, please send your email address to Lamb_of_God@clear.net.nz. [3] The Chronicle has a national and international mailing schedule. If you want to add an email address we can send the Chronicle, please notify office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com.

Wedding Anniversaries - Happy Anniversary! NAMES DATE BRANCH

Michael & Diane Staite 14/09 Nelson

Bruce & Mary Joslen 17/09 Christchurch

Tom & Mhel Caballes 19/09 Central

Jaison & Ludeth Mariposa 23/09 Central

Colin & Maria Tan 28/09 Auckland

Birthdays for This Month - Happy Birthday! NAMES BIRTHDAY BRANCH

Margaret McKenzie 01/09 Southern

Monica Caballes 02/09 Central

Briana Forster 03/09 Christchurch

Manuel Lobo 03/09 Auckland

Alfredo Raphael Fernandes 05/09 Central

Peter D'Souza 06/09 Auckland

Terry Ryan 06/09 Blenheim

Pauline Marsden 06/09 Ch/Ashburton

Michael Staite 06/09 Nelson

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Rudy Castelino 07/09 Auckland

Allie O'Callaghan 07/09 Auckland

Nathan Coutinho 08/09 Auckland

Erika Menezes 08/09 Auckland

Dora Tham 08/09 Auckland

Veena Castelino 09/09 Auckland

Richard May 09/09 Southern

Shauna James 14/09 Central

Ayva Collins 15/09 Auckland

Jojo Jalandoni 15/09 Central

Ivy Misquita 16/09 Auckland

Connor Lyons 17/09 Christchurch

Judy Prendeville 17/09 Southern

Kirsten Challies 19/09 Christchurch

Jayden Sequeira 19/09 Christchurch

Helen Elliott 20/09 Christchurch

Olivia Fernandes 22/09 Auckland

Noah Ray Collins 23/09 Auckland

Ethel Caballes 26/09 Central

Colin Tan 28/09 Auckland

Tessa O'Callaghan 28/09 Auckland

PRAYERWATCH SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE Fight the good fight. Reinforce the guard, station the watchmen, prepare an ambush! The Lord will carry out his purpose. Jeremiah 51: 12 NIV Once again September arrives and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Prayerwatch, a major milestone and the faithfulness of many Lamb of God Community members to the Watch. Looking back to 1992 when the Prayerwatch started after having Dale Clark of Alleluia Community in Augusta, USA introduced us to how their Prayerwatch operated and the importance of Spiritual Warfare. At that time, ‘Alleluia’ had operated their Prayerwatch for 14 years and it seemed to me to be something difficult to achieve, but hour after hour, day after day, week after week we have achieved 25 years. Looking back 25 years ago we were watching the videos of the ‘Pagan Invasion’, the new age was being talked about with new ways, trends and fads which over the years have gained ground. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2: 8 During this time social engineering has seen marriage now defined as more than a man and a woman. Today we have pressure to introduce euthanasia, marijuana reform, multiple genders rather than male and female. A need to use drugs for highs, most of them banned and many very dangerous and resulting in a number of deaths recently. Music, movies and television are likely to lead us away from God and his kingdom of righteousness. Rebellion is running rife as many people flout the laws of New Zealand

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and more so when it comes to God’s laws. All have a spiritual background to them as we are in a spiritual battle as Paul warns in Ephesians 6: 10-12. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. God has called the ‘Lamb of God’ from the mire and filth of this world to be a special people, with a way of life that is a refuge from the ways of the world. As the spiritual attacks on God’s people are increasing as many people follow deceptive philosophies, new trends and fads there is a need for spiritual warfare to defend God’s kingdom. Back in 1992, God was preparing the ‘Lamb of God’ for to-days world by building a spiritual wall around this way of life. The spiritual wall around the Lamb of God has become more needed and important over the years and continue growing in importance as Christians come under increasing attack that threatens God’s purpose for the Lamb of God. We have a way of life that needs protecting as we are a refuge from the ways of the world, a haven for Christian marriage and family life. • Be Alert – we need to be vigilant; this is the time for spiritual warfare. We should all stand up and be a part of spiritual warfare. Our enemy is not flesh and blood, but of the spiritual realm. We need to know our enemy and be alert when he attacks. We should always be armed with God’s word. We should not sleep nor slumber, for our enemy is waiting for an opportunity. We need to watch out for the traps, avoid falling into Satan’s clutches. Be alert, be vigilant, and be ready for we are at war. Soldiers of Christ, Arise, and put your armour on, strong in the strength which God supplies, through His eternal Son. If you have any comments or questions concerning the Prayerwatch, then please send them to me or give them to one of your branch leaders to send to me. God bless and watch over you all.

Alan McKenzie - National Coordinator, Prayerwatch

LAMB OF GOD PRAYERWATCH - PRAYER INTENTIONS

SPIRITUAL WARFARE Against strongholds of Apathy, Witchcraft, Confusion and other named spirits. INTERCESSORY PRAYER COMMUNITIES Protect and bless the life and mission of SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, Patmos & Cornerstone Lamb of God [Fiji], Families for Christ [Melbourne], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson], The Covenanted Community For Christ, [Penang & Taiping],

FAMILY

Auckland: Yvonne D'Souza, Ashlyn & Felecia Fernandes, Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Martin & Hazel Patrao, Valerie Menzies, Anora D'Costa, Teresa Soares, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Joel & Tiza Sison, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & Mhel Caballes, Peter & Stephanie O’Connell, Blenheim: Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike &

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Cheryl Garrett, Christchurch: Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karin Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai & De Stirling, Niul Kay, Lyn Keane, Pauline Marsden, John & Monica Haughey, Annette Sargisson, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Ian & Pārbati Hamilton, Trevor Wall, Joan Corbett, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville,

OTHERS NEEDS

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

HEALING CANCER

Central: Ron Blackwell, Rosemarie Buladaco, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, David Aberhart, Christchurch: Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Trevor Wall, Southern: Christine May,

HEALING HEART

Auckland: Collin Sequeira, Maryanne Hall, Central: Paul Oliver, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, Philip Middlemiss, Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Niul Kay, Andre’a Forster,

HEALING

Auckland: Winona D'Costa, Mira D'Souza, Peter D'Souza, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Thomas Hong, Vimath Sequeira, Alwin D’Souza, Joan Lobo, Alfred Saldanha, Shalini Saldanha, Allan D’Souza, Simone D'Mello, Karyn Coutinho, Cheryl Lobo, Harry Lowe, Anthony Philippupillai, Christopher Dalgado, Central: Stephanie O’Connell, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes, Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, Cutie Zalamea, Blenheim: Peter Greig, Josiah Grieg, Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Judith Rodgers, Barbara Ryan, Jamie Rodgers, Micah Rodgers, Chris Fredericks, Christchurch: Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, Bernie Black, John Murray, Chris Lyons, Monica Haughey, Bronwyn Harborne, Pauline Marsden, Ian Hamilton, David Black, Fr John Rea, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Daniel MacManus, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Judy Prendeville, Richard May, Others: Julianne Masilomani, John Keating,

BEREAVEMENT

Auckland: Iris & Alfred Saldanha, Blenheim: Chris & Anita Fredericks & family, Fiji: Timoci & Salaseini Tuivita

COVERING PRAYER

National Council, Kairos Ministries, Branch Life, Lamb of God Centre, Branch Visits, Clustering in Auckland, Ministry of Fr John Rea, Employment of Members, Light of Christ Special Ministry, Wellington branch [sickness among extended family], and the Ashburton Group in Christchurch.

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