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September 06, 2008

I’m writing this blog on the final day of the FES Singapore National Conference. Jen, myself and Val Goold (TSCF’s Head of Student Ministries) have enjoyed time with the students, graduates and staff of FES Singapore. The theme of the conference has been “Integrated Life, Integral Mission” and has been multi-cultural to the core. It is the first time in fifty years of ministry that FES has brought together their English-speaking, Chinese & Indonesian works for a national conference.

A selection of FES students

Every student conference I am involved in has a real buzz about it. That is part of the nature of student ministry – there is a vibrancy, energy and life that comes from uniting students together in the common cause of the Gospel. As we have met with the students here, I have been reminded of my own student days in Scotland. Conferences organised by UCCF were significant times of training, fellowship and growth. As we have joined with students in Singapore, my former colleagues in UCCF have joined together for their annual Forum conference, which I enjoyed and miss. However, seeing students from Singapore as they unite with their brothers and sisters from all over Asia, has more than made up for missing a student conference in my UK surroundings.

The “Asian mindset” is quite different to my Western way of thinking. When it comes to understanding Asian culture, I must admit to still having my ‘L plates’ on, but my understanding has really been helped this week. There have been three main speakers, each from a different culture, bringing different perspectives on integral mission (mission as the proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel hand in hand). I have enjoyed listening to Tan Lai Yong, Jim Tebbe and Vinoth Ramachandra, being challenged in my thinking and urged to think Biblically, rather than culturally. It doesn’t sit easily for a Brit to hear the phrase “Mission in a post-modern, post-colonial world”, but this is the world we live in. I have particularly appreciated Vinoth Ramachandra’s encouragement to the Singaporean students to think how live the Gospel out in their own lives in a way that doesn’t just accept imported models from a Western context.

It has also been unusual being introduced to people as being from New Zealand (rather than from the UK). We are representing TSCF here in Singapore, and it has been good to be asked many questions about NZ and TSCF. I’ve realised that we have learned much already about NZ, but also that there is still much to learn!

It is always humbling to meet brothers and sisters from around the world working in situations which are hostile to the Gospel. This week, we have met and heard reports from believers working in countries and situations that I am unable to report here due to security and sensitivity issues. However, it has been great to be reminded that God is at work despite the best efforts of governments and powers. We need to pray for those in countries we don’t hear reports from in our churches. Meeting men and women who have given their lives to these difficult situations is a reminder of modern day heroes of the faith, doing their work quietly for God’s glory and Kingdom.

I will probably post more reflections on our time in Singapore later and possibly include some pictures too. But for now, I must go – the relentless conference schedule continues (6am through to 11pm each day!), only punctuated by noodles or rice served in brown paper wrappers. Quite different from the food I experienced in UCCF conferences in every way!

by Ben Carswell (noreply@blogger.com) at September 06, 2008 12:40 AM

September 04, 2008

Michael Welsh

Physics Rap

Particle Physics

September 04, 2008 12:26 PM

September 02, 2008

Jen Carswell

Spring has Sprung

I have no idea where the past few weeks have gone but apologies for the severe blogging drought! I think since Julie left we haven't really done a whole lot - though Ben has been busy with work so check out his blog if you haven't already! Tomorrow sees us head to Singapore for a week to spend some time with the TSCF equivalent organistion, FES Singapore, for their 50th anniversary conference. It will be really great to be a part of this and to see what God is doing in another country amongst students, and also to share in Ben's work a little more. We also hope to see a bit of Singapore while we are there..and I am particularly excited at the prospect of going into Marks and Spencer for the first time in 8 months! How sad!

The 1st September marked the official start of Spring and it has certainly felt

more Spring like of late with plenty of daffodils popping up and little lambs appearing in the fields. Not sure there are any lambs in this picture but here are just a few of New Zealand's 4 million sheep!

The 8th September marks the first day of school for my niece Lauren - I can hardly believe she will be heading to school - seems like no time since she was a baby.

I am really sad to be missing such a momentous occasion but I look forward to hearing all about it when we get back from Singapore. This is one of my favourite pictures of her!

The 15th September marks our 1st wedding anniversary - I really am stunned when I think that it was a whole year ago we walked up the aisle (or down the aisle in this photo!) It seems like yesterday...that must be a good thing surely?!

by Jen (noreply@blogger.com) at September 02, 2008 10:48 PM

August 31, 2008

Ben Carswell

All in a week's work

Last week was the TSCF Staff Conference, which was held just down the road from us in Upper Hutt. We had a good week of fellowship & fun, as we seek to grow together as a staff team. Each morning, we continued our studies in Acts. It was helpful to be reminded of the spread of the Gospel which was accompanied by increasing opposition and hostility. The staff team really does feel like family - it's great to be working together with Gospel-minded people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, whom God has drawn together to work amongst the students here in NZ.

Happy families - the TSCF family.

Yesterday, I was preaching at Lower Hutt Baptist, our home church here in NZ. I enjoyed opening the Bible and sharing God's Word, as well as getting to meet many more people afterwards. Getting to know people takes time, but we are slowly getting to know more and more.

Today, Spring has officially arrived & the sun is shining. I'm due to drive up to Palmerston North to discuss the possibility of training some recent grads in evangelism and developing the evangelistic work at Massey University. I'm thrilled about the possibility of these folks joining us in the work. One of the challenges for me in my role is to train others and pass the baton on as 2 Timothy 2:2 requires. The day will be a long one, but it's a lovely drive up the Kapiti Coast, which makes it a little more enjoyable.

Sunset over Kapiti Island

Wednesday is a busy day - I head down for the day to Lincoln University to join the Christian Fellowship there in a 3 week series trying to encourage them in their evangelism. The students in Lincoln are brilliant at making friends with those around them & we want to encourage them in sharing the Gospel with those friends. Please pray that God would use the series to help them make the most of the opportunities they have at University.

On Wednesday night, Jen and I are heading to Singapore as part of our commitment to the wider IFES family. We are joining the Singaporean equivalent of TSCF, FES for their 50th Anniversary Conference. We're thankful to the folks at TSCF for allowing us to spend some time together in the student work, as well as to the Star Alliance who have given Jen free flights to Singapore, courtesy of Ben's Frequent Flier Programme! We're excited to join with students in Asia in celebrating God's work amongst students worldwide. We're also looking forward to seeing ministry in a different context. No doubt, when we're back, we'll report on our experiences, but till then...God bless!

by Ben Carswell (noreply@blogger.com) at August 31, 2008 02:52 PM

August 29, 2008

Andrew Walbran

Music, birthday

Some people want to buy me music for my birthday. Again, do not feel obliged to buy anything, but if you do, then it may be helpful to know that some artists that I like are: Pink Floyd, mind.in.a.box, The Flaming Lips, Gregorian, Enigma, Radiohead, Scott Andrew, Jonathan Coulton, Evanescence, Oasis, trance[]control, Seal, Moby, Live, [...]

by qwandor at August 29, 2008 03:37 PM

Michael Welsh

Children's Books that never made it

Some of these sound like good reads. #9 has the potential to be a personal favourite. Along with #17 and #21.

You Are Different and That's Bad
The Boy Who Died From Eating All His Vegetables
Dad's New Wife Robert
Fun Four-letter Words to Know and Share
Hammers, Screwdrivers and Scissors: An I-Can-Do Book
The Kid's Guide to Hitchhiking
Kathy Was So Bad Her Mom Stopped Loving Her
Curious George and the High-Voltage Fence
All Cats go to Hell
The Little Sissy Who Snitched
Some Kittens Can Fly
That's it, I'm Putting You up for Adoption
Grandpa Gets a Casket
The Magic World Inside the Abandoned Refrigerator
Garfield Gets Feline Leukemia
The Pop-up Book of Human Anatomy
Strangers Have the Best Candy
Whining, Kicking and Crying to Get Your Way
You Were an Accident
Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will
Pop! Goes the Hamster...And Other Great Microwave Games
The Man in the Moon is Actually Satan
Your Nightmares Are Real
Where Would You Like to be Buried?
Eggs, Toilet Paper and Your School
Why Can't Mr. Fork and Mrs. Electrical Outlet be Friends?
Places Where Mommy and Daddy Hide Neat Things
Daddy Drinks Because You Cry

August 29, 2008 03:27 PM

August 25, 2008

Nathanael Baker

I'm Feeling Socially Conscious Today

Just think about it...

by noreply@blogger.com (Nathanael Baker) at August 25, 2008 09:38 PM

August 24, 2008

Nathanael Baker

Mmmm... Interesting Thought

by noreply@blogger.com (Nathanael Baker) at August 24, 2008 05:28 PM

Asbo Jesus on Voting

by noreply@blogger.com (Nathanael Baker) at August 24, 2008 05:19 PM

Sycretism and Joel Osteen

I don't always agree with Mark Driscoll on all theological questions, but I think he gets it pretty right when he critiques Joel Osteen, a pastor of one of the largest churches in America. Listen to this and post your thoughts.

by noreply@blogger.com (Nathanael Baker) at August 24, 2008 05:09 PM

Lying as we "worship"

Our central lie is in the discrepancy between the language of worship and the actions of worship. We confess “Jesus is Lord” but only submit to the part of Christ’s authority that fits our grand personal designs, doesn’t cause pain, doesn’t disrupt the American dream, doesn’t draw us across ethnic and racial divisions, doesn’t add the pressure of too much guilt, doesn’t mean forgiving as we have been forgiven, doesn’t ask for more than a check to show compassion. We “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” expressing our desire to know Jesus, but the Jesus we want to know is the sanitized Jesus that looks a lot like us when we think we are at our best. Despite God’s Word to the contrary, we think we can say that we love God and yet hate our neighbor, neglect the widow, forget the orphan, fail to visit the prisoner, ignore the oppressed. Its the sign of disordered love. When we do this, our worship becomes a lie to God.–Mark Labberton, The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God’s Call to Justice (Downers Grove: IVP, 2007), 71

Worship to me is one of the central aspects of the Christian faith. In its purest and truest form the Christian faith is radically and staunchy monotheistic (We beleive and worship one God.) God is jealous about being worshiped. We are to worship him and him alone, not ourselves, stuff, creation, but him along. We are also here to enact Gods righteousness, bringing about Gods kingdom on earth as in heaven. This means caring for the hungry, looking after the lonely, being there for the widow. Being passionate about ending injustice and helping the underdog. Worship is not about songs, its about the state of our heart. Desiring to honour God in every moment. Desiring to live a life that pleases God because we are bringing love joy and hope.

HT: Alan Hirsh

by noreply@blogger.com (Nathanael Baker) at August 24, 2008 04:47 PM

August 22, 2008

Ben Carswell

This was the week that was...(a brief report of University of Canterbury mission week)

Last week, I was in Christchurch at the University of Canterbury, working with the Christian Union in their mission week. The week was part of a bigger series held over the term called "Is God a Delusion?"

I spoke at several events over the course of 2 weeks, with the main focus being on the lunchtime public talks. We had some very encouraging numbers at specific events, particularly those considering "What does God think of sex?" and "Is God a delusion?" The second talk caused a real stir on the campus - the editor of the University of Canterbury student magazine was there and co-wrote an article disagreeing strongly with my beliefs. There were certainly lessons to be learned from the approach we took and we will endeavour to ensure these are implemented in future. The CU's mission caused quite a stir on the campus, as each day a "daily newspaper" was distributed on campus seeking to engage with the big topic of the day. Within half an hour of the start of the distribution, we were quite abrputly told we must leave the campus due to some complaints received. After prayer, discussions and some negotiation, we were allowed back with some restrictions. The Christian students on Canterbury campus are facing some real hostility. There are a number of reasons for this, but one of them seems to be a secular agenda of a small, but vocal minority.

I think you can guess what the student magazine thought of my talk!

It would be quite easy to only focus on the opposition we faced during the week. I think that much of this is because the Gospel is going out. We should expect opposition, though not actively seek it! There were a number of other events, but probably the highlight of the week was the night in Bishop Julius Hall, where there are just over 100 students in the hall. We had around 40 students turn up for a Grill A Christian, where myself and Scott McKay (who is a TSCF colleague and a good apologist) sought to answer any questions about Christianity and Christ. For three hours, we answered questions and sought to give reasons for what we believe and why. It was thrilling to be able to point people to Jesus in answering their many and varied questions. (My in-laws will be thrilled to hear one of the questions was about what God thinks of animals...I tried to keep quiet my dislike of cats!)

The week was not without difficulty, but was one of real encouragement. It is part of the bigger picture of what we are trying to do within TSCF - to develop our outreach on campuses throughout the country. We're willing to try things, make mistakes and learn. We long that people would come to know the crucified and risen Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. It was also great to be able to work with my colleagues in TSCF, Mark, Scott & Nick.

Today, it's off to Palmerston North for Jen & I. We're going to meet with a few recent graduates to consider what we can do to develop them in their evangelism and what possibilities there may be for regular evangelism amongst students in Palmy. Again, it's part of what we're about -seeking to train others so that in time, we can pass the baton on to our Kiwi brothers and sisters.

by Ben Carswell (noreply@blogger.com) at August 22, 2008 04:07 PM

August 20, 2008

Michael Welsh

Evicted!

Well, not evicted. But it sounds better. Anyway, our landlords have family members moving into our current place, which means we get until the 28th of September to move out. So if anyone knows of a flat that's around the Eastern Suburbs and in our price range (we're poorer than students), telling us will get you dolphins in your head.
Oh, we're looking for a slightly larger place that does allow us to get cable. Woosh is getting too annoying and I need an office/mathspace.

August 20, 2008 05:14 PM

August 18, 2008

Michael Welsh

Ktixevzout

Mpuk hu Lunspzo dvyk, woyhzl, vy zlualujl dopjo pz ayhuzmvytlk puav huvaoly Lunspzo dvyk, woyhzl, vy zlualujl dolu zvtl Jhlzhy zopma pz hwwsplk av pa. Aol svunly fvby woyhzl, aol tvyl thyrz fvby huzdly dpss yljlpcl.

August 18, 2008 08:55 PM

August 17, 2008

Ben Carswell

Missing the news

One of the things I miss about the UK is being able to read/watch/hear British news easily. Thanks to the wonders of the internet & a global world, we get to keep up with news from the UK via a variety of sources, though it's not as easy as it used to be and often requires working out time zones & being around at specific times. Yesterday evening, we were disappointed to miss Debbie Flood racing in the Olympic Quad Sculls Rowing final - it wasn't showing out here, so we followed it on the BBC website, which was tortuous! Debbie was involved in Reading Uni CU as a student and shared her testimony several times with Jonathan & dad. We were proud to see a Yorkshire girl getting Silver, even if she and the others were desperately disappointed.

Every once in a while, we see or hear of some news which brings a smile to one's face. At those times, I want to blog and share the news with others, but am never convinced enough to do it. However, having seen 2 of the funniest news stories in some time, I felt I really ought to blog these clips. No deep, spiritual connection with them - just pure enjoyment.

The first is the story of the penguin who was knighted at Edinburgh Zoo. You may have read about it in the papers, but if you've not watched footage of the ceremony, you really ought to go here (there's a bit of an ad beforehand, but it's worth the wait!).

The second involves Steve McLaren, the ex-England football manager. He had a hard time of it as manager and is obviously eager to communicate as clearly as possible with the local press in his new role in the Netherlands. I suspect we've all done what he does here, possibly just not in such a high profile situation!

Enjoy the news - I miss the UK news, though have to say I do enjoy the Kiwi news - both our local newspaper, the Dominion Post, and our sport-obsessed TV news! (A report on the Uni of Canterbury mission will appear soon!)

by Ben Carswell (noreply@blogger.com) at August 17, 2008 11:42 PM

August 16, 2008

Nathanael Baker

Heavy Metal Monk

by noreply@blogger.com (Nathanael Baker) at August 16, 2008 01:13 PM

Michael Welsh

Phoenix - for free

Simon is in Egypt. Simon's season ticket is available. Two games only. Email if interested. (me, not him).

August 16, 2008 11:48 AM

August 13, 2008

Jen Carswell

Ulster Birds meet Kiwi Bird

Thank you to everyone who read and commented on my previous post. I am really pleased that so many of you enjoyed it! I am writing this after starting back to work following a great few days off. My good friend Julie, from NI, came to visit. It was so good to see her and to spend time together. It really felt like old times and I just loved showing someone from home around New Zealand. It was also great to have another NI accent around - it certainly provided Ben with plenty of opportunities to mock!

One of the highlights for me was seeing a real life Kiwi bird at a wildlife sanctuary in Rotorua. They are far bigger than I expected and really were quite bizarre looking

birds! It was so difficult to get a picture because they moved so fast (and you weren't supposed to use flash photography) but we did manage this picture of the Kiwi bird hiding.

I think Julie best described our time together in the message she wrote in our guest book.

"Really great seeing you guys..you pair were a really good excuse for me to visit this wonderful corner of our planet. Thanks for the itinerary and fabulous road trip around the north island - lakes, craters, mountains, forests, waterfalls, spas, beaches, wineries, shops, towns, cities, cafes and much much more! I will also be recommending Motel Carswell to all!"

Julie informed me that she hadn't read my blog for quite a while so we will see how long it takes her to catch up and find out that I have posted her comments!

The weather was great for most of our trip, though we definitely needed to wrap up.

Julie is now in the South Island and I hope the weather will continue to be good for her. We are now looking forward to welcoming mum and dad to New Zealand in about 10 weeks time.

Other things that I have been up to recently include trying my hand at a bit of scrapbooking. I am not (yet) a pro, but I have really enjoyed it and hope to record some of the highlights of our time in New Zealand in this way. I am enjoying watching the Olympics (aren't we all?!) - particularly the gymnastics and diving! The opening ceremony, or what I saw of it, (because it was on very late at night here) was fantastic. Makes me wonder what London will do when their turn comes...

So, it's time to put the kettle on and watch a little more.

by Jen (noreply@blogger.com) at August 13, 2008 09:05 PM

Michael Welsh

Sex Life.

Igpay-Atinlay opensyay upyay ayay ewnay orldway atthay ouyay evernay ouldway avehay oughtthay ossiblepay. Ybay usingyay Igpay-Atinlay, ouyay ootay ancay ulﬁllfay ouryay ascinatingfay uturefay unctionsfay otay ethay ullestfay ullnessfay astfay. Ouyay illway ebay ayay etterbay ersonpay, avehay ayay etterbay exsay ifelay, andyay ebay etterbay anthay ouryay eighborsnay.

August 13, 2008 01:38 PM

August 12, 2008

Ben Carswell

Christchurch in Canterbury - for the second time

A few years ago, I was asked to speak at Christ Church College, Canterbury (UK) Christian Union mission week. It was the first mission week that I was the main speaker at, although I'd spoken at occasional mission week events previously. My memories of the week are good, working with students and UCCF Relay workers in sharing the Gospel of Jesus on campus.

In a unusual quirk of place names, this week, I am at University of Canterbury, Christchurch (NZ) working with the Christian Union in their mission week. The desire is much the same - to share Jesus with the students on campus. I'm working with the students, and TSCF Staff in this task.

Things are quite similar to what I've experienced in UK mission weeks - we meet each morning to pray, then go out and distribute leaflets advertising the day's events (the CU have produced an excellent daily "newspaper" with articles about the day's topic), before the lunchtime talk on campus on a big issue. The big topics this week are: 'Is God a Delusion?', 'Suffering - Is a Loving God a Delusion?', 'Way, Truth, Life - Was Jesus Deluded?' We've already faced some opposition to what we are doing, and whilst we don't actively seek the opposition, it is a reminder that the message is being heard and that Jesus is an offence and stumbling block to some.

The week is part of my work of seeing what is already happening on our campuses and seeking to develop what we can. It's also a great chance to spend with more TSCF staff, who may appear on here in the coming days! Please pray for us as we sow the seed of the Word of God - that some will land on "good soil".

by Ben Carswell (noreply@blogger.com) at August 12, 2008 10:45 PM

Natalie

How boys learn: An investigation

As part of my teacher training, we had to undertake an investigation into the differences between how boys and girls learn. This video is a summary of the findings of my research.

by Natalie (noreply@blogger.com) at August 12, 2008 01:07 PM

Karen Lau

post EARC post 4 - little ol' TSCF

Our team met together every night to catch up. We had heaps to talk about each night and everyone took copious amounts of notes. The students really enjoyed being there. They were really challenged by the talks and also trying to figure how it fits in the NZ context, had a good time with their small group in particular and also the team had to explain numerous times that NZ was not part of the East Asian region but belonged to the South Pacific region and were there on the invitation of the East Asian region.

We didn't have a chance to reflect on the week together so we will do that in about 3-4 weeks time. Actually it would be good to do that then as (hopefully) everyone would have processed the week a bit more and from being back in NZ, think about how to apply what we have learnt in the NZ context. But there isn't any doubt that it was a very fruitful trip for us. We have reacquainted ourselves with the issues in East Asian, gotten a few more contacts for students returning home and hopefully what we have learnt will also bear fruit in the NZ context.

Thank you all for your prayers and financial partnership which enabled all of us be part of an amazing week.

ps. I'm still in Japan and am using someone else computer so will upload photos when I return.

pps. If you are interested to read my musings while travelling in Japan, please click here.

by karen (noreply@blogger.com) at August 12, 2008 02:33 AM

post EARC post 3 - community

It was only a week, but we found great community in our small group despite some language
difficulties. But didn't stop anyone from sharing their thoughts, challenges or throwing in something for a laugh. We were from 6 different countries an previously never met each other (well, except 2 of them who have worked together before) but we left as friends in Jesus.

We would always start by sharing our thoughts on the session before our small discussion, but it wouldn't be long before we would go off topic - and usually end up knowing more about the challenges and interesting things about other movements. For example, did you know that in Taiwan CEF, if you want to get married, your spouse will also have to work for CEF or you will have to leave the movement? In Korea IVF, those interested in staff work will send in a long winded application, then some will be select for the next stage - an exam (including an English test, Bible knowledge, writing an essay, and a medical check as well!) which they are allowed to sit for only once. Those who pass will go through an interview from which they will employ some of those who get through the interview. For the rest of the week, whenever I saw a KIVF staff worker, i felt slightly in awe of them knowing what they had to go through to become that.
Inspite of the rigorous application process they still get lots of applications each year. Our small group also ended up finishing our discussion over lunch each day (you can probably see why!)

I am inspired by them because many are in challenging situations, will deal with different cross cultural shifts, interesting in moving to a different IFES movement to keep on making disciples, etc. I am in awe of them and I hope I can at the very least rememeber them in prayer.

by karen (noreply@blogger.com) at August 12, 2008 02:16 AM

post EARC post 2 - X-tension

The conference had kind of a 2 part theme - X-tension: Let's rebuild the world. The X in X-tension refers to the first letter of Christ's name in Greek. As followers of Jesus we will all face tension in this world as we seek to follow him. And being part of a post-modern world, various speakers offered their take on what it meant as well: that we as Christians need to extend ourselves so that we can be faithful followers in this world filed with tension and brokenness; also that in Christ the tension is behind us (ex-tension) as we strain forward keeping our eyes focussed on what is ahead.

The first nights plenary was on the issue of sexual temptation. There is a rise in sexual temptation and experimentation in Asia as much as there is in the West. As young people are influenced by media (movies, tv, books, even comics - apparently in Japan there is porn in comic form).

The 2nd night was amazing as it was about the tension in history and culture. We have 3 speakers: 1 doing the intro, then the main speaker, and one doing the application and wrap up. The main speaker was Japanese and touched on World War II. As many know, Japan invaded many Asian countries. He explained the religious (Shinto) motivations behind it which gave me an amazing insight into Japanese culture. Most notably, he apologised unreservedly for what Japan did to the other Asian countries. The churches in Japan wrote a statement about it in the 50th anniversary of the war. How many Christians from "invading" countries have apologised to the countries that they have left marks on?

The 3rd night was on campus and instead of a main speaker we had 2 of the larger movements share about what they did. It was really great and encouraging to hear the history of other movements, some stories and challenges that they face. Some are similar to what we face here in NZ and some are different. But the passion and determination from staff and students in the face of challenges we can not even dream has really challenged me.

The 4th night Daniel Bourdanne spoke on Kingdom. He also gave us a bit of a geography lesson on Africa (I think I really want to get a Peters projection map now). He reminded us how the Kingdom was universal - breaks down barriers of ethnicity, gender, status etc. And also how the centre of Christianity has moved from the West to the South - Asian, Africa and Latin America. He also spoke and reminded the students about their potential to change the world and many have in the past both Christians and non-Christians alike.

So, let's start rebuilding!

by karen (noreply@blogger.com) at August 12, 2008 01:55 AM

post EARC post 1 - Let's start rebuilding

Gideon Yung, IFES East Asian Regional Secretary, spoke on Nehemiah over 4 mornings. He is very systematic (well as much can as we needed to deal with chunks at a time to cover just over half of the book in 4 sessions) and really connects well with the students. I know see why chapter 3 is a great one to pull out for leadership. He emphasised Nehemiah's character deeply rooted in his dedication to God, the community aspects of rebuilding the wall and social justice.

The theme of the conference was "X-Tension - Let's start rebuilding" thus using Nehemiah as the theme book. The challenge to students was to rebuild God's kingdom in the countries they are in by being faithful followers of Jesus who will also transform the fabric of their society economically, politically and socially. There are many issues across the East Asian countries: corruption, the widening gap between rich and poor (a worldwide problem), various political issues, injustice. Looking across the room I could see the amazing potential for transforming world through this new generation of students. Some of Asian movements are involved in social justice issues and in the past some have been involved in political demonstrations which have brought about change. I'll definitely be keeping an ear open to whats happening in the East Asian region.

I only hope that we are able to disciple our East Asian students well to be agents of transformation and reconciliation in the societies they will return to.

by karen (noreply@blogger.com) at August 12, 2008 01:28 AM

August 10, 2008

Natalie

on feeling sad

sometimes i feel sad.

when i feel sad i want to hide or disappear or be wrapped up.

it feels like it is never going to be better.
it feels like i can't do anything anymore.
it feels like i am no good to anyone.

it feels like all of the bits inside of me don't quite fit together properly.

it feels very very lonely.

sometimes i get sad lots and lots and just when i think i have finished feeling sad something else comes along and i feel sad all over again.

sometimes i get tired of feeling sad all the time.

sometimes when i feel like this i feel guilty because i am not allowed to be sad. i am especially not allowed to let people know that i am sad. because then what would they think of me?

sometimes when i am sad i want people to look after me.
sometimes when i am sad i don't want anyone to look after me. i want to throw myself away so that no one has to look at me again.

a lot of the time when i feel sad i cry. but sometimes i just feel an aching deep down inside me that i don't think will ever go away in this lifetime.

sometimes when i feel sad it starts to turn into feeling panicked because i don't know when it will stop if it will ever stop and i am confused and scared and sometimes out-of-control and i don't understand and i don't feel safe. it takes a long time to feel normal again.
i think that that is the worst kind of sad.

sometimes feeling sad comes out of nowhere.
sometimes you can see it coming from a long way off but you don't move out of its way.
sometimes it is both at the same time.

sometimes writing about it helps.

i have lost a friend. i miss him. i wish i could talk to him but i can't.

by Natalie (noreply@blogger.com) at August 10, 2008 09:26 PM

August 09, 2008

Natalie

things from Matthew

- There's no 'I' in team, but there is one in 'Natalie'!

by Natalie (noreply@blogger.com) at August 09, 2008 08:58 PM

August 07, 2008

Ben Carswell

From King of the Road to End of the Road...

It's sometimes hard to convey how remote parts of NZ are. I'm writing this sat in Gisborne Airport. Gisborne is a city on the East coast of the North Island and recently had a significant earthquake. It's fairly near to where some of the film Whale Rider was filmed.

Jen and her friend Julie, (who is over from N.Ireland) have been on a road-trip, and since I've been working, we decided this was the best and cheapest place for me to meet them. I flew here with 10 others, the Pilot doubled up as Cabin Staff, and I am now sat at the airport where you can stand next to the runway to meet passengers as they disembark. Once again, there were no security checks to go through before I boarded, and I've just watched the plane be refueled by a man on a step-ladder. The runway here is small, and is rather unusual, in that it is bisected by a railway line!

At times, NZ feels rather remote and rural, but as I travel around, I'm reminded over and over again, that these people need Jesus as much as the cosmopolitan cities where life is so different!

by Ben Carswell (noreply@blogger.com) at August 07, 2008 08:48 PM