The Lamb of God Chronicle July 2020

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 News/Articles Page 2-5 “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: Submitting to the Spirit

Hi brothers and sisters, God be with you.

I have been encouraged by all the speakers at our National Zoom Gatherings and wish to reflect on the last two we have received from Fr John Rea and Michael Staite. Fr John spoke words of wisdom to us four weeks ago, when he noted that Jesus worked so closely with the Holy Spirit, that they were partners in ministry. A ministry of great power. How could this be so? Jesus totally submitted to the Father’s will; He was always docile to God. Michael Staite reminded us that we are living in a fallen world, and encouraged us in many ways, including Paul’s words to the Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Interesting both talked about submitting to God, and one resulted in power and the other in peace. During the week, I have had two scriptures come to mind: John 5:19 Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.[NRSV] Matthew 7:24-27 (Jesus said) ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on a rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ [NRSV] Allowing God to use us requires moving in faith. A risk that we enter into, an unknown territory, and we can be fearful of what lays ahead. But we can be assured that God is with us and that walking in the ways He asks us, will enable His power to be used and His peace to fill our hearts.

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In so many ways, God is prompting each of us with His Holy Spirit and wants to do so more. I have been amazed by ways God has prompted me and the way I hear from other members of the Lamb of God that God is using them, small words or actions that have a great impact on situations. I really encourage you each day to seek the Lord to allow His Holy Spirit to use you, “Lord I put my life into Your hands and give back to you all that you have given me. Lord, I desire to be Your servant”. May the Lord bless you and your families this coming month. God bless, Mark C

NEWS AND ARTICLES

UPDATE: OUR BROTHERS, OUR SISTERS AND MANY CHILDREN IN FIJI This article is a summary of some of the areas of our works in Fiji. You will know that the consequences of the Covid-19 Virus have hit very hard the Fiji Islands these past months. At the end of this summation, I will close with some of the specific current needs of our people in Suva, Lautoka and Pastor Timoci in Nadi. By the way, Timoci has advised me that Nadi is now declared a CITY. Twenty-four years ago, Lamb of God responded to an invitation to take a lead role in working alongside Patmos Community in Suva. The task was to build and develop Christian Community within the well-established cultures of the Fijian peoples. Our first ‘missionary’ to travel to Fiji was Veronica. She was invited to go and give a Seminar to the women of Patmos and friends. On her return home, Veronica declared that she had ‘left a part of her heart in Fiji’. This was the beginning of a mission that would change many in Fiji and bless the Lamb of God Aotearoa in the formation of so many of our youth who volunteered and sacrificed to ‘go serve in Fiji’. Some of the many things we have achieved in Fiji along the Coral Coast- we established a regular ministry base to serve Fijian Youth and local churches at the Coral Coast Christian Centre [CCCC] over many consecutive years. This included Lamb of God Youth Teams of up twenty-five going over to do formation teachings in the mornings then serve the CCCC in the afternoons. Over many years, our teams supplied energy and skills in the massive task of mixing concrete, by hand, then wheelbarrowing up wooden ramps to be tipped into the growing block foundations and walls. Another service was to send a team of fifteen to respond to a request from the Police Post in Navua. When we got there we were kitted up in protective gear then we learnt the ‘task’ was to work in small teams to enter the roadside gutters and trenches to pick up all of the trash, including many dead rats. Yipes. Afterwards, the Police gathered us together and took us to the station. They served a great afternoon tea of all sorts of food and drink. Later the inevitable happened- Fijian Police Team vs The Kiwi Kids at Basketball and 7’s Rugby. Sigh. Events in and around our various trips to the CCCC area built ‘character’ in our youth, and good relationships and respect were made with several local churches. In our relationship and supporting of the Patmos Community of Suva, we held many Family and Formation Events based at the CCCC, again over several years. Then in the Nadi and Lautoka Areas- a critical development followed the many years of service on the Coral Coast. We connected with Pastor Timoci Tuivita, a man with a vision to take the journey of developing more of a ‘community relationship’ in churches. The connection with Pastor Tim led to our agreeing to support and assist the building of Lamb of God Nadi. From the beginning, we recognised that such a venture could not be modelled on a typical New Zealand structure. Some practical reasons- most potential members did not have work or incomes, only one person had a car, very old and soon to die, and no one even had a pushbike. You cannot build a cluster, nor have regular house group, etc. in such circumstances. Thus the building has

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focussed on supporting Timoci in evangelisation and growth. Very successful. We have also provided laptops, and a high specification Smart Phone, and soon to come, Zoom. A stunning development was an invitation to me to assist Nadi Pastors to develop a ‘Fraternal Network’ to build brotherhood and cooperation amongst churches. I did most all of the ‘paperwork’ as such a venture needed Governmental Approval. It was a success, and the Entity formally approved with one change. The change was that the Entity must send representatives once or twice each month to pray with and work with two Police Stations in Nadi towards the target of reducing youth crime. A month later the Police provided 70 special ‘police similar’ shirts for the Pastors Group. Each has a badge which can be used in making an arrest. In such things, I see ‘God at Work’. Timoci leads the connection with the additional Police requirement. My only role was to ‘do the paperwork’.

Our Youth Formation Conferences in Fiji- for the last four years, we have been concentrating on developing ‘Youth Alive’ Conferences in Fiji as a service to churches. Lamb of God Teams has given presentations, but we have added local church youth leaders from Lamb of God Nadi and ICF Church into the wider team. Very successful with high visibility as an Ecumenical Event.

Other notable achievements- we developed a strong connection in serving and supporting the ‘Housing and Relief Trust [HART] of Fiji’. HART is a nationwide initiative caring for women and children. Many are single parents; all are pretty destitute; many have been abused. HART was initially a Catholic Church initiative. We have connected with the CEO/HART, who is now a good and reliable friend. Some members of Lamb of God have visited and served in several of the HART Compounds. One of our young women also gave several months of service to and within the Marist Mission Sisters in Nadi

and other locations. We have also connected with the ICF Church of God in Nadi, and we have visited their National Conference courtesy of Bishop Iliesa Takape and family. Over the years, I have prioritised meeting face on with Senior Church Leaders and Pastors and Bishops. These meetings are to ensure that churches do not see us as a ‘threat’, but rather as a friend and at times a possible source of resources. Late last year I received a reminder that the Catholic Archbishop Peter Loy Chong was ready for a second visit. Amen. Where to now in supporting our Brothers and Sisters? Background: Veronica and I were to have been in Fiji March 8-18 with a pretty heavy programme. The trip was cancelled due to the virus. We rebooked Air NZ flights for July18-28. Then about ten days ago Air NZ advised me that they had cancelled all flights into Fiji. As a frequent traveller, they said they would be in touch in a few months to give me access to re-arrange an online booking. They said the rebooking could be for a more immediate flight or a flight up to one year ahead. We will see. The only set in concrete is the passenger names. They were of necessity pretty vague in detail. Another biggie was pre-paid accommodation [standard for Fiji] for ten-night covering three bases. All advised that the accommodation costs were non-refundable. Not so. I personally emailed them then called the Reception Managers of the three facilities and patiently

2018 FILE PHOTO: From left to right we have- Pastor Solo Rabenawa [ICF], Inoke Delana [Leader LOG-N], Pastor Penina Takape [ICF-Bishop’s wife, Heads School], Kevueli Koroi [Leader LOG-N], Pastor Peter [Ba Branch LOG-N], Bishop IIiesa Takape [ICF], Pastor Levi [Ba Branch LOG-N], Radini Veronica [LOG-NZ], Pastor Ratu Epi [ICF], Pastor Timoci Tuivita [LOG-N and ICF], Brother Tomu [LOG-N] and TalaTala Roger [LOG-NZ]

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advised that we were not ‘tourists’ then I highlighted our works with HART Navakai and Lautoka Lovo. And our works with the poor. And our Conferences for Youth with free registration. I capped it off with some ‘name dropping’ [Paserio Furivi- CEO/HART], John Grey [Architect and dynamic local business man] and Archbishop Peter. Thank God that all responded and assured that they would honour our accommodations. Two have guaranteed our accommodation pre-paid is secured for the same number of nights. The third sent a total refund of NZ$935.06 directly into my ANZ Account. I am still to send that on to a Lamb of God Account. And I am soon to propose to the National Council regarding a future structure to support in Fiji. The situation for Pastor Timoci, Lamb of God Nadi, Bishop Takape and ICF Church Last week I read in the Fiji Times that the country had done pretty well to date in the number of virus infections. The big issue is economic. Thousands and thousands have lost their jobs. The government has apparently declared ‘go back to the land, use your land to grow what you need to eat.’ Late May, Pastor Timoci emailed me his now regular Update. He says that the only way to survive will be returning to the land and basic farming, then seeding the area with many crops then sharing the yields. Then Tim received a very generous offer from Pastor Jitendra Chandra, lead Pastor of a decent-sized Pentecostal Church in Lautoka. I know him and have preached in his church with Timoci a couple of times. Jitendra has ‘gifted’ Lamb of God Nadi 16 acres of his land [not a title but for needed use]. Now that the city lockdowns are now almost over, Timoci is asking our financial help. For his team, they need help with essential farming tools like spades, garden forks, knives, files and gumboots. Tim and the team are meeting tomorrow [June 28] to plan how they might engage this generous offer. Tim also gave me the bad news that his son-in-law Tim Jnr, married to Elizabeth, and with six young children has lost his job at Nadi Airport. Tim Jnr was one of 275 airport workers terminated. Timoci and Salaseini live with Tim Jnr and Elizabeth, plus the six children. Now they live in a no income home of ten. I am also looking to see if we can set up Zoom connections for Pastor Timoci and Bishop Takape. And we are also exploring the Lautoka HART office. Patmos has been on Zoom for a while now. The problem could be data speeds in the Western Division and especially in the outskirt locations of Nadi and Lautoka. Peace in the Lord- Roger

BIBLE REFLECTION AND SHARING: 1 PETER 2:9-10

If someone asks “who are you,” how would you respond? And do you know that your sense of identity affects how you live your life? One of my favourite Bible passages can be found in the first book of Peter. It tells us of who we are in four ways, our mission in life, and it is asking our response. This is especially true for us who are part of a Christian community, as a community of disciples on mission. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV) CONTEXT: 1 Peter is a letter that aims to encourage Gentile Christians who are suffering due to persecution. 1 Peter 2 starts by saying we should “long for spiritual milk” [v2] and pointed to Jesus as the living stone [v4]. We are also to be living stones [v5], and it is a great honour as believers as we will not be put to shame [v 6-7]. Peter then contrasts those who do not believe because of their disobedience [v8]. And then he states the passage on hand.

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BREAKDOWN: Peter starts this passage with a “but,” meaning he is contrasting us to disobedient and unbelieving people. The word “but” is seen twice later within the section, to highlight the contrast Peter is showing us what God has done for and in us. Who are we, according to the passage? First, we are a chosen race. We know that the Jews were initially the chosen race, but we are now grafted into this family. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 ESV) How do you feel about being grafted in to God’s own people? An appropriate response is thanksgiving. Second, we are a royal priesthood. Why royal? Because we are all sons and daughters of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. We are princes and princesses in the heavens. Why a priest? During the Old Testament, priests enter the temple to make sacrifices to God on behalf of God’s people. We are to offer to God ourselves as a sacrifice [Romans 12:1] and intercede on behalf of others to God. Third, we are a holy nation. We are a nation - a community of communities of believers together purified and sanctified by the blood of the Lamb. God’s plan was never for just individuals, but rather a family of families, a nation that can follow and love Him. We are holy because God has bought us for Himself. We are called to holiness because God is holy. Fourth, we are a people for God’s own possession. Other Bible translations have it “Gods’ own people” [Good News], “people who belong to God” [God’s Word]. We are all citizens of heaven [Philippians 3:20], and we are not our own, for we were bought with a price [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]. Those are the four identities we have: we all are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own possession. How do you feel being a part of those four groups? One good reaction can be found in another Bible passage: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. (Ephesians 1:3-4 ESV) Now, we come to the highlight of the whole text. What do the four identities point to? Our goal and mission: that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Why are we a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own possession? We are called to proclaim the “excellencies” of God who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. Other Scripture translations for “excellencies” have it as “the wonderful acts of God” [GNB], “virtues” [Jubilee] and ‘excellent qualities” [God’s Word]. Note that Peter uses another contrast of darkness [where we came from] and light [to where we are now]. So, how do we proclaim God’s excellencies? There are two ways I see: one is by worshipping God – we declare to ourselves before God how great He is. We acknowledge His great mercy and love to all of us. Two is by proclaiming His greatness “to the nations,” or simply to others who do not know God yet. We are to “make disciples of all nations” [Matthew 28:19]. We now come to the end of the passage, where Peter reminds us of God’s lavish graciousness to us: Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. We were nothing before; now, we are princes and princesses of heaven. We used to be subjects of God’s wrath; now, we are recipients of God’s love and forgiveness. We are who we are because of God; we cannot claim merit or be proud of the grace that God has richly bestowed on us, but our response is to receive His gift of grace and salvation with humility. Gratefulness to God for His mercy towards us is another appropriate response we can do.

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CONCLUSION: Peter’s use of four contrasts in this Scripture passage draws our attention to our beginning and how far we have come from: we were once in the dark, not God’s people, and have not received His mercy. Now, we are in the light, ar God’s own people, and have received His mercy. Let our hearts be full of gratitude for God’s light drawing us from our darkness. Let us also be mindful of other people who are not yet God’s people, those who have not yet received His mercy – for once we were like them. Let us imagine as if we are in their shoes. As royal priests interceding before God, let us pray for those around us to come to draw close to God, too, and become part of that chosen race, that royal priesthood, that holy nation, and of God’s own possession.

Tom Caballes

A chosen race

that you may proclaim the excellencies

of him who called you out of darkness

into his marvelous light

A royal priesthood

A holy nation God’s own possession

1 Peter 2:9-10

Before:

We were in Darkness

Nothing; Not a people

Not received mercy

Now:

We are in the Light

God’s people

Received mercy

Our Response:

Thanksgiving, Gratitude in humility, Praise and Worship

Share the Gospel to others

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

The Good and Blessed Life - July 2020

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Luke 10:23-24 ESV)

Given a chance, would you be willing to swap your life with that of a son or a daughter of royalty, a famous person, or a wealthy family? Deep inside, are you envious of the lives of the rich and famous? Being wealthy and renowned has its drawbacks. Having many possessions and much riches can lead us to attachments to them. If we focus on this life alone, then we can get swayed easily. But ultimately, we will leave all our wealth and fame behind. There is eternity awaiting all of us – the rich and the poor, the successful and the failure. Only those rich in God’s eyes can keep those forever. Only there in heaven, we will see how good and blessed our lives had been on earth as disciples of Jesus. So, would you be willing to exchange your relationship with God for anything in this world? You are living a good and blessed life now – be thankful for it and enjoy it! So How Do You Live the Good and Blessed Life Even Now? 1. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13 ESV) Contentment with what we have and cannot control means we appreciate what we have rather than envying the possessions of our neighbours. Be thankful for all that you have.

2. Peace is key to enjoying your life now - peace with God, others and self. This might mean repentance and restitution for past offences. This might mean reconciliation with those we had broken relationships in the past. This might mean accepting and loving yourself, including your weaknesses, to have good self-esteem. 3. Perseverance is needed to reach the goal of a good life. We cannot attain perfect lives now as we contend against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The lives we live now are good, not perfect, lives. Only in heaven do we become perfect and get rid of our sinful nature, the world that does not acknowledge God, and satan. Have a mindset of a farmer – the good that we sow now we will reap later in life or heaven. 4. Always look at things in the light of eternity, not only for the short term. Never compromise your eternal destiny by living in sin. Look at sin as something that poisons your soul – why would you ever take poison? Sin is a lie of an empty promise – it never truly satisfies in the long run. Don’t believe in sin’s lies! 5. Do you know that if your friends and neighbours would only recognise the good and blessed life you live, they would also be interested in living the same life? Why? Only a life lived with God truly makes us happy and ultimately satisfies. Be willing to take a risk with your relationships by introducing Jesus to them. 6. As we enjoy a blessed life now, remember to be a sojourner in this life and a true citizen of heaven [ Philippians 3:20]. Don’t be attached even with the good things in our lives – we will all leave them behind one day. The form of this world is passing away. Everything is temporary in this life. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV) OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: 1. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV) 2. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV) 3. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 ESV) 4. Other Bible verses: 1 Corinthians 15:19; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Hebrews 12:1-2; Galatians 6:9-10. FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING:

How much do you appreciate your relationship with God? How often do you look at things in the light of eternity? Do you look at this life, even good things, as temporary?

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Kairos New Zealand and Singles Schedule of Events – 2020

Get Set 2020 – September 4 to 6, 2020 in Auckland [For Tertiary Students]

The Auckland University Christian Outreach team has organised a Get Set retreat in Hunua Falls from September 4 to 6. All university and tertiary students are invited to be part of this weekend. More details to come soon, but for now, please save the dates!

WEBSITES WORTH NOTING

KAIROS South Pacific Web Site – check it out at www.kairossp.com

We updated our Lamb of God website– www.lambofgodcommunity.net.

The Sword of the Spirit website is www.swordofthespirit.net. This website is where we can know more about 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 https://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 member 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 need to hear if and when you

change your email address. Notify office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com. [2] If you are receiving this by hard copy, but you have an email address, please send your email address to office.lambofgodnz@gmail.com. [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! Caballes Robert Ethel Wellington 1 7

Fernandez Edmond Betty Auckland 10 7

Birthdays for This Month - Happy Birthday! Fordham Angela Christchurch 1 07

Zalamea Henri Wellington 4 07

Misquita Lucy Auckland 6 07

Borkus Analise Christchurch 7 07

D'Mello Glory Auckland 10 07

Fisk Leanora Auckland 10 07

Caballes Jerome Wellington 10 07

Fernandez Joanne Auckland 12 07

Kuresa Rosana Auckland 12 07

Gueco Riza Wellington 12 07

Twose Pat Blenheim 14 07

Borkus Tony Christchurch 15 07

MacManus John Southern 15 07

Humphries Julie Christchurch 20 07

Patrao Hazel Auckland 20 07

Lim Patrick Auckland 21 07

Lyons Felicity Christchurch 21 07

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O'Malley Nui HB/Napier 24 07

McKenzie Helen Christchurch 24 07

Dalgado Jacinta Auckland 28 07

MacManus Janet Southern 31 07

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 Looking through the Old Testament at some of Israel’s victories shows a country that was often inferior in size to the approaching enemy and not armed as well. Not surprising that God has the Israelites use tools of everyday life as weapons to achieve victory against superior forces. Starting with Moses armed with a shepherd’s staff, which was used for working with sheep. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt [Exodus 3: - 20:] and when chased, parted the Red sea with the staff which lead to the Israelites escape and destruction of the Egyptian Army [Exodus 13 & 14]. This staff was used in many other ways by Moses at God’s instruction as he led the Israelites towards the promised land. Joshua’s first victory in the promised land was at Jericho by marching around the city silently and then using musical instruments to bring down the walls [Joshua 6:]. Judges 3: 31 sees Shamgar gain victory over the Philistines by killing six hundred with an ox-goad, a goad was a tool used to direct oxen when being used to pull loads. Then Gideon [Judges 7: 19-23] achieved victory using jars and trumpets. An Israelite woman drops a millstone from a wall and kills a Philistine King Abimelech, and the people are saved [Judges 9: 53]. When the Israelites defeat an enemy army, Sisera the enemy commander flees on foot and takes refuge in a tent. When asleep, a woman hammers a tent peg through his head, completing the victory [Judges 4:17-22]. Judges 15: 15 sees Samson use a donkey jawbone in slaying a thousand Philistines. David uses a pebble and trust in God to kill Goliath and start a great Israel victory [1Samuel 17]. Elijah challenged the Israelites [1 Kings 18:] about worshipping God or idols by soaking the altar to the Lord God with water and then praying for fire from heaven which came burning the altar, sacrifice, water and soil. [1 Kings 18: 38]. The most significant victory was achieved by a carpenter’s son using the tools of the trade [wood and nails], to overcome a well, equipped and ruthless Roman army by his resurrection from the dead [Mark 15:-16:]. With these examples, we can see trust in God; our Father is more important than well trained and equipped armies, as everyday tools, etc. became more critical. Everything we have or do can be used by God for his glory as long as we trust in him to lead and guide us. Zechariah 4: 6 [NIV] So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. We need to remember that it not by might or power that we have the victory but by the Holy Spirit, so we need to cultivate the Spirit in our lives at our gatherings, pastoral groups, families and our own lives. The Holy Spirit is vital as we stand in the spiritual wall of the Prayerwatch as he will guide and lead us in dealing with enemies that come against us. Recently a word of encouragement for us to keep up and strengthen the Prayerwatch. Online GCG Prophetic Word May 17 2020 Lamb of God, you have been faithful to me. I will always be faithful to you. I want you to strengthen your walls. Alison Be alert, be vigilant, and be ready for we are at war. Are you standing in the gap [Ezekiel 22: 30] wearing the full armour of God [Ephesians 6: 13-18] strong in the strength which God supplies, through His eternal Son.

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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 The Sword of The Spirit, Patmos & Cornerstone Lamb of God [Fiji], Families for Christ [Melbourne], Vanuatu Group, Light of Christ [Nelson],

FAMILY

Auckland: Neville & Karyn Coutinho, Valerie Menzies, Anora D'Costa, Teresa Soares, Blanche Hollingsworth, Wallace Fernandes, Simone, Glory & Leslie De Mello, Central: Jun & Angie Briguera, Henri & Cutie Zalamea, Robert & Ethel Caballes, Tom & Mhel Caballes, Peter & Stephanie O’Connell Blenheim: Mark & Mary Jackson, Mike & Cheryl Garrett, Christchurch: Roger & Veronica Foley, Robert & Karin Van Doorn, Darren & Julie Humphries, Tai & De Stirling, Niul Kay, Lyn Keane, Pauline Marsden, John Haughey, Annette Sargisson, Chris & Maureen Lyons, Ian & Pārbati Hamilton, Trevor Wall, Joan Corbett, Steven & Maria Sequeira, Chris Aston-Grieve, Ron & Helen Elliott, Southern: John & Janet MacManus, Mike & Judy Prendeville, Paul & Shauna James,

OTHERS NEEDS

Auckland: Clifton & Anora, Cynaika, Antacia D'Costa, Tili Hunt, Southern: Florence & Susan Quigley,

HEALING CANCER

Central: Ron Blackwell, Sr Maureen Richardson, Blenheim: Carol Cullimore, Jenny McElhinney, Rebecca Jarvis, Christchurch: Mary Anngow, Robin Corbett, Trevor Wall, Peter Anngow, Southern: Christine May,

HEALING HEART

Auckland: Brian Lobo, Blenheim: Chris Fredericks, Philip Middlemiss, Christchurch: Dorelle Ham, Undine Cavanagh, Niul Kay, Andre’a Forster, Southern: Mike Prendeville,

HEALING

Auckland: Mira D'Souza, Peter D'Souza, Maria dos Anjos D'Souza, Thomas Hong, Alwin D’Souza, Joan Lobo, Alfred Saldanha, Shalini Saldanha, Simone D'Mello, Karyn Coutinho, Anthony Philippupillai, Christopher Dalgado, Olivia Fernandes, Bruce Donald, Patrick Lim, Philomena Coutinho, Cherylyn Donald, Jo Collins, Iris Saldanha, Cynthia D'Souza, Adam Collins, Dorothy Fernandez,Central: Stephanie O’Connell, Jacob Muollo, Henri Zalamea, Aly Fernandes,

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Jojo and Ellamae Jalandoni, Cutie Zalamea, Josiah Grieg, Jenny O’Connell, Karen Geelen, Dascha Cooper, Blenheim: Grace Weston, Mike Garrett, Anita Fredericks, Barbara Ryan, Chris Fredericks, David Aberhart, Christchurch: Lisa Borkus, Karin Van Doorn, Chris Aston Grieve, Veronica Foley, Siobhan Forster, John Murray, Chris Lyons, Bronwyn Harborne, Pauline Marsden, Ian Hamilton, Fr John Rea, Joan Corbett, Roger Foley, Debbie Anngow, Southern: Fr Merv McGettigan, Steven & Judy Homes & Family, Rhoda Woodfield, Alan McKenzie, Judy Prendeville, Richard May, Susan Quigley, John MacManus,

BEREAVEMENT

Auckland: Maureen & Harry Lowe, Central: Christine Oliver, Diane & Michael Staite, Blenheim: Christchurch: John Haughey, Kathleen Black & daughters Bernadette, Maureen, Catherine & Rosemary, COVERING PRAYER National Council, Kairos Ministries [YCP, UCO, EJ, Pre- EJ, YA], 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