2011

promisekeepers.org.nz

INSIDE

Playing Sevens is physically demanding and with a Coach like Gordon Tietjens pushing us to new heights in our training, we are fully prepared when we take the field. However, as much as I prepare physically I also prepare spiritually.

Earlier in my life when I was about sixteen years old I had a ‘taste’ of God. This was largely due to my cousins’ positive influence on me. They are also well known rugby players, the brothers, Kevin and John Senio. Sadly, my earlier commitment didn’t last long as I became your typical teenager who was into worldly things - frequenting night clubs and doing other stuff that never honoured God or lived up to the decision I had made to follow Him. I was what some may call a ‘backslider’ – someone w h o h a d c o m m i t t e d their life to J e s u s b u t for whatever reasons had ‘s l id back’ i n t o t h e i r worldly ways, not following Him as the Bible says.

About six years ago I arrived at a c r o s s r o a d s in my life. I was at a point where I needed to make a decision for my life as I realised that I couldn’t carry on living the way I was. My life at the time only existed to play rugby, to have a beer with the boys, chasing girls and all the other desires of my head. But this all changed when I asked Jesus into my heart about

six years ago. My wife Lisa [who was] my girlfriend at the time, gave her heart to God and I guess this made it easier for me to get back to God.

Before I played for the New Zealand Sevens my desire to play professional rugby of any sort was unfulfilled. My

desire to be a professional rugby player only happened when I made a decision to make Jesus Christ the Lord over my life. There is a verse in the Bible that captures this very well:

Delight thyself in the ways of the Lord and He will give

you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

This t ime a r o u n d I purposed in my heart that it was going to be different. I knew that I needed God i n m y l i f e t h e w h o l e time, not like before. This is when things drast ica l ly s t a r t e dhappening for me. All the desires of my

heart started flowing into my life and it was only because of the decision I made to trust God for everything. I was a rugby player who hadn’t played provincial rugby, let alone international. I was not known in international circles and all of a sudden I got the opportunity to trial for

the New Zealand Sevens side. At the camp for the trials I met a

strong Christian guy, Onaisi. Having him beside me in that environment where there were not too many believers helped me a lot. Around the selection time the other boys were crossing their fingers, but Onaisi and I were praying in the

DJ Forbes, NZ Sevens Captain

Continued on page 4

corner and trusting God for our name to be called out. God answered our prayers in 2006 when we were both selected. In the same year, about 9 months later I got asked to captain the side, which had to be God. It was the first time that I was playing Sevens and now all of a sudden I

Every day we face a spiritual opponent who is determined to win at all costs. He attacks our hearts, our minds and those near and dear to us, and when all is stripped away, our integrity.

Many Christian men train to defeat the opposition at some time in the future, never realising that the time is now! The opposition is ready – but are we?

It’s time to get in the game, get match-fit as we tackle the opposition head on and gain victory through the power of God.

God tells us we are to be the head and not the tail. As we live in Him and for Him, He will give us success and victory.

At Promise Keepers this year the focus will be sharper than ever before. Participants will be inspired, instructed, encouraged, exhorted and finally empowered to engage the opposition and overcome. At Game On Events this spring, thousands of men will come together before God and cheer each other on! Get in the game!

Read more on pages 6 & 7

As told to Myan Subrayan

Curtain Raisers • 3Sportsmen kick off Promise Keepers nationwide tour

The Anti-Hero • 4Jared Noel on finding meaning in cancer

God’s Gift • 12Encounters with God lead us to mission

Also: New prayer initiatives for Promise Keepers

From Paul’s Desk

Being a Promise Keeper is about being a man of integrity. A man whose words and deeds match up. There is no room for smoke and mirrors. What you see is what you get.

The seven promises are at the heart of what it means to be a Promise Keeper. In fact, they are really at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

Whilst the seven promises can be lived out any number of ways, we want to tell you about the kind of man we see as a Kiwi Promise Keeper.

This man walks with God. He is a man of prayer and a man of the Word. His prayer life includes praying for and with his wife and for his family, his pastor and others.

H e s h a r e s t h i s personal relationship with God in a small group of friends and i s l earn ing to be transparent with them so that God can work in his life.

This Promise Keeper is facing up to his struggles, and dealing with temptations that have held him back. He is committed to loving and leading his family and puts a premium on time with his wife and kids.

This man knows that everything he has belongs to God. He is generous with his time, his talent and his treasure. He doesn’t

MEN OF ACTION 2

“I’ve been here [Promise Keepers] three years in a row, this being my third year. The first year I came, I was a patched gang member, 13 years. Drug addict, alcoholic, very violent. Promise Keepers inspired me. [I] was in a relationship for 10 years with 4 children. Last year when I came, I was convicted [about] living in an unmarried relationship. Given up gang life, drugs and alcohol. Got married on 10th June this year. Approached my neighbour on Tuesday this week, humbly. He pointed a gun at my head, gave me three seconds to leave and was supposed to pull the trigger. God saved me again. I prayed for God to open a door for forgiveness. The next day we shook hands. God is awesome.” Mohi

In the last twelve months we have seen two major tragedies happen in New Zealand involving a large loss of life. First there was the Pike River Mine, where 29 men were trapped underground and killed by the explosions that ripped through that mine. Then there was the second Christchurch earthquake which was sudden, violent and deadly. The earthquake not only shook Christchurch and indeed New Zealand to the core, but the shockwave also reverberated around the world.

In both cases, individual Christians and churches were at the forefront in bringing comfort, counselling and care to many thousands of people. In one interview live on television, a senior Salvation Army officer in Christchurch described what they were about to do - go from house to house, talk to survivors, give counsel and comfort and practical care. The interviewer suggested that he should be very proud of the Salvation Army. The senior officer paused and said very simply, “This is what we do”.

While both the above instances are

tragic and graphic, there is an even greater tragedy unfolding in our nation. Daily many men, women and families are being lost for eternity. Men have an

spend all his money on his car, but what really counts - his family, his church and missions. This man’s pastor thanks God for sending a Promise Keeper to his church.

A real Promise Keeper believes that every follower of Jesus belongs to one Church, even if they gather under different names. He doesn’t let tags get in the way. He loves and serves alongside men from any race or denomination.

You’ll know this man is a Promise Keeper because he is praying for the lost. He brings unsaved friends to church and Promise Keepers Events. His life isn’t just about the here and now - this man has his eyes on Eternity!

Are you willing to be a Promise Keeper?

A Promise Keeper:

• Prays for his wife, family, pastor and others

• Has real relationships with God and other men

• Loves and leads his family

• Gives of his time, treasure and talents

• Financially supports church and missions (if able)

• Serves with all other Christians

• Brings unsaved friends to church and Promise Keepers Events

immense part to play in the spiritual destiny of their families.

At Promise Keepers we recognise this and look to provide opportunities for men to make commitments to Christ and to their families that last a lifetime and determine their spiritual destiny. That is the reason for the Game On Curtain Raiser events going nationwide in the coming months. It is also the reason that we facilitate the national Game On Men’s Events starting in Dunedin and moving to Christchurch, Tauranga, Wellington and Auckland later this year.

At these Events men are challenged to turn from sin, accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, be reconciled to the Father and then become transformed by the power of God.

That transformation and change is now being cemented in place by Men’s Ministries in churches which are being encouraged and equipped in their growth by Promise Keepers - through resources, workshops, Field Representatives and Coaching.

We are seeing the lives of thousands of men changed across our nation through this process. We are hearing stories of dramatic change as ordinary guys are being transformed into extraordinary men.

There is an epic spiritual battle raging for the men of this nation. Men are tremendously hard to reach because of the spiritual impact they can bring to families and to a nation. So why do we do it?

This is what we do.

“A senior citizen’s gold card, lots of grey hair and a life full of experiences is not a guarantee to wisdom or knowledge – I’m living proof. Two months ago however, I finally realised this and did the smartest thing I have ever done in my life. I totally surrendered to God’s leading. From that time, God has been the leader and director of my life and as a result, my family’s also. He has been my GPS and will continue to be until He finally leads me home. It’s the only way to go.”

Murray

Pull the trigger? Wisdom

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“Winning was what I had in mind when I came here [Manfeild] and that’s also what I plan to do at Hampton Downs. I can afford to settle for seconds and thirds now [and still win the Championship] but I wouldn’t be a real racer if I was happy to do that.” - Andrew Stroud, commenting during the 2010 NZ Superbike Championship series

With a massive career stretching back to his first championship win in 1988, Andrew has had many highlights. Winning two races at Daytona in 1994 on the NZ-built Britten V1000 while setting a track speed record there, is now a legend.

Last year, Andrew won the NZ Superbike Championship for the eighth time. Later in the year, at Manfeild again, he won both races during the second round of the Suzuki International Tri-Series. Earlier in the day at 5.45am, his eighth child, Lucia Elizabeth Stroud was born. “I had mixed emotions today but everything worked out perfect!”, he said after the race. Andrew says his wife Karyn and their family are his biggest fans.

Despite being a sporting star, Andrew is still very down to earth. After riding in the Burt Munro Challenge, Southland Motorcycle Club president Dave Morris said it was an honour to have Stroud in Southland and that he is so approachable and mild-mannered. Promise Keepers thinks that a great Christian heritage may have contributed to that!

Andrew will be speaking at the Game On Curtain Raiser events in Tauranga on Monday 11th April and in Hamilton on Tuesday 12th April. Hear what makes this champion tick! By then, we will know if he has won his ninth NZ Superbike Championship!

Andrew Stroud, icon of NZ Motorcycling

How would you feel if you were facing the All Blacks as a 20 year old South African player?

Pierre Spies responded to the challenge by playing so well that he was named Man of the Match. 2006 was his first year in the Springboks. He was widely expected to be chosen for the 2007 World Cup squad before he fell ill. In 2009, he scored the most tries for a forward in Super 14.

As a teenager, Pierre succeeded at sports, becoming number one in discus in South Africa, number 3 in U20 shotput and he also qualified for the world junior athletics championship. In addition, Pierre excelled at rugby, was in a choir and studying.

“I wanted to be the fastest, the strongest and the best at what I did. When my father was young he was a prominent

sports figure in South Africa, excelling at athletics and rugby. I had the blessing of inheriting these genes. Yet talent is never enough. My father had taught me that the seeds of discipline and sacrifice needed to be sown for the harvest of success to come in. I had to make a commitment,” says Pierre.

Back in 2004, Pierre suffered a broken arm that sidelined him for 10 months. Worse was to come. Two weeks before the announcement of the team to go to the 2007 World Cup in France, he started coughing up blood. After being diagnosed with blood clots on the lungs, doctors said he would never play again. He thought, “What? Blood clots? God, you must be joking! We’re on our way to the

“Success is not the blaze of sudden glory won, it is the effort adding up of strong work done.” Anon

My dad spoke prophetically into our lives from a young age.

World Cup - the highlight of my career! I’m walking in your ways, God. I live a healthy life, look after my body, train hard and don’t use illegal substances.”

Pierre says, “Man has limitations, but with God all things are possible. Doctors said I would never play again. Most people with blood clots never get off the medication, but God is moved by faith and not by belief in world systems. I was able to play rugby again and pursue my career, and got married at the end of 2008.

“In 2005 I met Juanne my (then) girlfriend and now my wife. She is a woman who loves God more than me, who is my best friend and the most beautiful woman on earth - someone who was willing to walk a road less travelled and who had a heart for broken people. That’s

s o m e t h i n g I w a n t e d a n d G o d b l e s s e d me with her, in abundance.”

Pierre is going stronger than ever and is looking forward to the Promise Keepers Curtain Raiser event in Napier on 31 March, before the Bulls take on the Hurricanes that weekend. He has a story worth hearing!

He reflects, “My dad spoke prophetically into our lives from a young age. I will never forget the simple truths he taught me - always be humble and friendly with everyone.”

High achieving sportsmen are opening the Promise Keepers Game On season with rousing Curtain Raiser events! Promise Keepers is going on the road this autumn, taking an authentic slice of the big Events to towns nationwide. Five great sportsmen are already scheduled for these events with more to follow.

The same program that is enjoyed each year will be reproduced in an evening, with a two-speaker format. The sportsmen will tell their stories and how their Christian faith is lived out. There

will be an opportunity for men to become Christians, so invite men who are open to change in their lives. The second speaker will be from the Promise Keepers team. The whole evening will be the genuine Promise Keepers experience, so it is an easy introduction for your friends.

These local events will be the real deal - full on curtain raisers for the Game On Events later in spring, so the impact will be 100% massive!

Plan now to get to a Game On Curtain Raiser. Who is the Holy Spirit prompting you to invite? Have your friends asked

what Promise Keepers is all about? Do you know men who are spiritually open and could make a decision to follow God if they had the right opportunity? Pray for them and invite them along!

Game On Curtain Raiser Events – featuring sportsmen and Promise Keepers speakers!Napier: Thursday 31 March with Pierre SpiesFar North: Friday 8 April with Tim DowTauranga: Monday 11 April with Andrew StroudHamilton: Tuesday 12 April with Andrew Stroud & Ian FosterDunedin: Wednesday 4 May with Eroni ClarkeInvercargill: Thursday 5 May with Eroni ClarkeOther centres: TBCSubject to change. Check www.promisekeepers.org.nz for updates.

I have found purpose in the day-to-day living of my life. The colours are brighter, the

relationships more vivid, and what it means to serve humanity is more apparent.

Men were very moved by Jared’s story of battling cancer when he spoke at four of the Promise Keepers GPS Events in 2010. Jared had already qualified with a Masters degree in Forensic Science when he entered medical school. In November 2008, as a med student and a new husband to Hannah, he was diagnosed with cancer after suffering a bowel obstruction. The tumour was removed but the cancer remained and Jared was prescribed 8 rounds of chemotherapy. Now in March

2011, at age 30, Jared is a qualified doctor and works at Auckland Hospital. He is not expected to be cleared of cancer and has recently completed round 27 of chemotherapy, aimed at prolonging his life. To follow his story, Google “Jared Noel boredom blog”.

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Continued from page 1Statistically, I’m unlikely to find my fairytale ending. The next steps in life for me are probably going to be painful, and full of suffering. I will endure some of the hardest things I will ever have to face, and friends and family will be dragged through the same turmoil. There is no fairytale ending here, only sadness, mourning, loss and grief.

If we try to find our purpose in the ending, we only end up losing ourselves in the process of getting there. What I have discovered is that the purpose is in the journey, no matter where that journey leads us. The path we are on, no matter how successful or unsuccessful is littered with stories of meaning, of relationships and of purpose. Through finding meaning in the journey, I am at peace that my outcome will NOT be the fairytale ending. I have found purpose in the day-to-day living of my life. The colours are brighter, the relationships more vivid, and what it means to serve humanity is more

apparent. I’m okay with dying and I have come to that place by finding meaning a n d p u r p o s e in the journey rather than the destination.

Let’s also be clear: I’m not

saying that meaning is found by accepting our inevitable and slow demise; I’m saying that by realising it is the journey that is important, the inevitable demise no longer matters. The ending, whether good or bad, pales into insignificance when contrasted against the reality of living the way God intended in our lives now.

I also have to be clear on another point. I have described the meaning found in the journey above without using God language, but the reality for me is that faith is an integral part of that journey. I cannot imagine any of these things apart from God. The meaning, the sanctity of life, the value of serving humanity, all come from one source, and as such, deserve all my attention, all my focus and all my energies.

This is why I’m an anti-hero. I don’t talk about conquering, overcoming or being the victor. I talk about the reality of suffering in my life and why I’m at peace with that. I talk about why, more often than not, there is no fairytale ending.

Someone in my recent history once described me as an anti-hero. The terminology came about as a reference to the kind of message I have been sharing and why it seems to resonate with people in different walks of life.

So often in life, we are sold ideas and methodologies of how to ‘win’ in life, how to ‘succeed’ and how to get everything you want. Such is the fairytale ending that we all seem to be after. Our lives, no matter which part of the journey we are on, seem to be aiming for this ultimate destination where we can say we have won, or succeeded, or found that place where we can live happily ever after. This idea of thinking is endemic in our culture and is also seeping into Christian faith-based practice. It would seem the measure of our life is by how well we have done in either our marriage, our job or our material possessions.

When we are chi ldren, we cannot wait till we are teenagers and the world is our oyster. When we are teenagers, we can’t wait till we leave school and gain some i n d e p e n d e n c e . When we have

left school, we can’t wait till we have graduated to get our first job and start earning money. When we are single, we can’t wait till we are married (or settled down) with the woman/man of our dreams. Then, kids become the panacea, followed by the desire to be rid of them. Finally, retirement seems to be the pinnacle of our life’s achievements. At every step of the way, the next step seems to be the greener grass that we desire. The fairytale ending is just

within our reach, yet just beyond it.By far the majority of us will

never find the promised fairytale ending. Most of us will keep reaching for the next branch, thinking that will be the final one, only to discover it wasn’t as good as we anticipated, or that there are many other branches to climb before we arrive… arrive where exactly? It’s hard

to say.Perhaps that is

why my story r e s o n a t e s with people.

Jared Noel speaking at Promise Keepers GPS Event 2010

Jared Noel blog 11 January 2011

had been asked to captain our national team! Everybody was probably asking, ‘Who is DJ Forbes?’

I knew that God had some big plans still for me, so I accepted the offer to captain the New Zealand Sevens team.

As much as I take my rugby seriously, my walk with God I take even more seriously. More than just praying and having my quiet times with my Bible, some of my build-up before games sees me fasting. Even when we play in the desert of Dubai in 40°C heat and draining humidity I still maintain my fast. Despite this being unbearable, by God’s strength I have managed to go a couple of days without food. My teammates would ask why I was not eating and I would reply and say that I was not hungry and not try to make a big deal about it. After all, it is between me and God, and the Bible teaches us not to make a big fuss or scene about it. God reminds us that our sustenance is not just in physical food but we are to also focus on spiritual food:

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Prayer for me is a big part of my preparation, however it is something that I never push onto any of the other players in the team. We have Bible meetings almost every night and the boys are free to come and join in and give thanks and praise God. If there are any prayer requests we take the time to pray. On the night before the two day tournament we normally go into Coach Tietjens’ room for the jersey presentation where we offer up a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to play in the tournament and represent our country. It is awesome to see the whole

team and management bow our heads and give thanks – we give God thanks for the losses as well as the wins.

On game day I go through the Scriptures and the promises that God has made in His Word. I usually write one down on my wrist with the cross and my son’s name. Having that Bible verse on my arm helps me when the going gets tough, as I can look at my arm and rely on His Word.

This is the last sound we hear, a worship song, before we step onto the

field.

Continued on page 5

Now that I am a father to my son, Titus, Lisa and I are trying to honour God by bringing him up in God’s way.

When the jerseys are placed out we again pray over [them] before we put them on to give God glory. Our Coach says his bit and then while we are preparing we turn on our worship music. The team favourite is “Hallelujah” by Hillsong, which has been playing for the last two years and symbolises what the team is all about. Not many would think it is a worship song that is soft, deep and meaningful that motivates and gets us up to play. It’s certainly not your typical song to pick up a team and prepare them for battle – but isn’t that what King Jehoshaphat did in 2 Chronicles 20? He sent forth the musicians and worshippers in front of the battle and the Bible says that God set ambushes for the enemy and gave them the victory!

Even the so-called non-Christians who are not familiar with God are happy to hear the worship music and no one tries to stop [it] or turn it off. Even our Coach sometimes asks for it to be played when we forget or it is quiet in our changing rooms. This is the last sound we hear, a worship song, before we step onto the

Today’s youth live in a world where entertainment options abound. PlayStation, YouTube, Facebook, Blu-ray and iPod are words that were scarcely heard of fifteen years ago and now make up an increasing entertainment landscape. So do young people live better lives because of this? The abundance of options in many cases has actually dulled their zeal for life and created a “Seen it all, done it all, what’s next?” attitude. They have literally been entertained to oblivion.

Mike has been taking his stepson Joshua to Promise Keepers ever since he turned 11, eight years ago. Every year Mike would sit with Joshua in Transition and they would listen to the speakers together. This led naturally to some really good discussions between them.

Mike says, “It was great to have a third person raise topics that were good for us to talk about. Because they were raised by someone else, there was no embarrassment in talking about these things”.

Mike explained that he and Joshua had been on father/son weekends organised by his church where similar subjects had also been raised and discussed, but Mike has found that the Transition events have been really helpful to keep reinforcing this.

Each year at Promise Keepers Mike and Joshua would pre-register for the following year’s Event and get the free

Christian youth ministries hold the key to the cry of this generation. While it is important to be relevant, the solution is not in running entertaining programs. It’s in helping them discover a real relationship with God and the abundant life He offers. Transition has been carefully planned to effectively reach young men where they are at. When our youth truly enter into kingdom living we see a transformation from passivity and dullness to passion and joy.

T-shirt! As the Event approached, there was never any question about whether the two of them would attend, because they had planned it, bought the tickets and committed to it together the year before.

Often a big group of around 25 young guys from Mike’s church attended the whole Promise Keepers Event together. One year the church put out a call to the adult men in the church for one man to attend the Event with every boy who was going. Mike explains, “Although you will always get something out of going, there can be an extra benefit in attending to help someone else. It’s about looking outwards to see who would go to Promise Keepers if I invited them and went with them, even if I don’t feel like I need to be there for myself. If I’m not going for me, who else can I go for?”

The men of Mike’s church rose to this challenge, and as a result, there was a group of 50 men and young men who attended the Event that year.

field. It symbolises where our faith is

and where we put our trust. After a win or loss we still bow our heads in the midst of all the euphoria. We could choose to run around and meet the fans but we choose to ‘take a knee’. After the Commonwealth Games victory we even sang a worship song on the field. We do this not as a ‘show’ but to give thanks and honour to Him who makes it all possible!

My life changed the day I decided to follow God and make Jesus the Lord over me. Maybe you are sitting on the fence and undecided which way to go. Let me say that in a game situation there comes a time when the battle is hard and you need someone to follow, to lead the way. I encourage you to follow Jesus. Everyone likes to follow the crowd and to be popular, but I can assure you that had I done that, I would not be where I am today. More so, I would not be able to receive the gift of eternal life that God has promised for those who follow Him.

You have an opportunity right now to start to live differently. Don’t follow the crowd but follow Jesus. My challenge to you is to do it now and choose to trust in God. Luck has nothing to do with it – it’s all about God. Come on men – it’s Game On!

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Game On: Transition - an event for young men 11 – 17 years

Capture the effort and resources that have been invested into motivating men to get involved in a Promise Keepers Event. If the momentum generated is not captured quickly by a suitable follow-up event back at your church, that investment is put at risk, and will probably be lost. Building on the success of the Event is therefore logical and good stewardship. Having well planned, good quality church-based initiatives increases the credibility of your Men’s Ministry and participation levels.

The planning and promotion for this needs to start well before the Game On Event. Here are some strategic follow-up options that will enable you to capture the momentum created by the Promise Keepers Event:

Using Game On to Build Your Men’s Ministry

1. Sunday ServiceGive your men the opportunity to

testify to what God has done in their lives through the Event at your first service after the Event, while the experience is still fresh. Your men will have been challenged to get involved in regular pre-service prayer for your pastor and your church. The first Sunday back after the Event will be a great time to kick this off.

2. Men’s Small GroupsMen want to grow spiritually and a

Men’s Small Group is the optimal place for this to occur. A Men’s Small Group is a place where men can build real friendships and be honest about the issues they face. Harness the energy from the Event to form new groups. Men will also have formed closer friendships at the Event and will have become used to small group discussion and prayer from their Event experience.

3. Existing Mixed Small Groups

Men need space and context to process the next steps God is asking of them. If your church does not have men-only small groups, ensure that the Event experience is being discussed in any existing groups that men belong to in your church.

4. Follow-up CoursesCourses for men provide an ideal

opportunity to build on biblical knowledge

MEN OF ACTION 6

and strengthen friendships already started at the Event. For example: the Robert Lewis Men’s Fraternity series and Valiant Man course.

5. Men’s BreakfastA men’s breakfast following the

Promise Keepers Event provides a chance for your men to focus on what happened at the Event. Have a few men testify and talk about the things that God is asking them to do next. Use this opportunity to promote and motivate men to join or start a Men’s Small Group and show them how they can get involved in one.

6. Men’s CampsPowerful opportunities exist to help

men go deeper and gain spiritual growth through camps and retreats. For tips on how to organise a successful men’s camp, contact Promise Keepers or check our website.

7. Informal SituationsThe men should also be encouraged

to get together informally to build friendships. They could simply have coffee together or do social or sports activities.

The goal is to create a community that is encouraging and empowers the men to grow spiritually. If you use these examples to build on the momentum from the Promise Keepers Event, you will be providing a strong foundation for Men’s Ministry in your church.

Fire is a sure winner at men’s camps!

Most New Zealanders love either watching or participating in sport. This year the Rugby World Cup is being held in our nation. Men from many different parts of the world including New Zealand have been selected to be part of the national team and then coached by experts to bring out the best of their natural talents and abilities. They are going through the discipline of bringing fitness and strength to their bodies and training to ensure they know their individual part in the team come game day. When all the preparation and training are complete they aspire to win the prize - the Rugby World Cup. As great as that prize is, it pales in comparison with the ultimate prize - eternal life.

Game On Men’s Events provide an opportunity for men to respond to the call of Christ on their life, to fulfil the purpose for which they have been created and ultimately win that eternal prize.

Friday night will commence with the call to join that team. Every man has been selected and drawn by the Holy Spirit to be part of this team. The challenge is - will they accept that call?

Rugby is a team sport. Living the Christian life is a team activity, once we have made the decision to follow Christ. God has given us giftings that are to be released for the benefit of the team (called the body of Christ). Men will come to understand that being involved in the team means looking after each other and doing what is best for the team, using the giftings that God has given them.

The foundation of any successful team is based on character. This includes integrity and honesty. The team is strengthened as character develops. The same is true in the body of Christ. We are called to be men of integrity which is valued even more highly than talent. This will be the message at Game On on

Saturday morning. We will then look at the way a team functions in order to be powerful and effective. Each man has a part to play in this team.

After lunch on Saturday afternoon, while the breakouts are occurring, married men will be challenged with a cause worth living for. Men find dying for a cause easy – it’s living for a cause that is hard. But as we live for the cause of seeing our marriage becoming all that it was designed to be and living our life as a model and example for our children to follow, we will indeed see the next generation given a firm foundation and a springboard to fulfil all they have been called to do. We are called to coach our family.

Saturday evening will see a dramatic change from previous years. There will be an opportunity for every man to be ministered to in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is something that we look forward to with great anticipation – seeing the power of God released to bring transformation in men across the nation.

Game on!

We are always interested in hearing the stories of men’s spiritual journeys - whether or not Promise Keepers has had a role in it. If you would like to share your story or some significant part of it with others, please send it to us. It is so encouraging to see God at work in people’s lives in all sorts of situations.

As a gesture of thanks for taking the time to write out your story, we will randomly select a participant to receive a Promise Keepers polo shirt of their choice. Send your story to: john@promisekeepers.org.nz or mail to Promise Keepers, PO Box 48 123, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0644.

How has God changed your life?

MEN OF ACTION 7

PROMISE KEEPERS REGISTRATION 2011 One form per registration please. Photocopy for additional forms.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

ID No (from your mailing label if available): ___|___|___|___|___|___

First Name:_____________________ Surname:_______________________

Address:________________________________________________________

Suburb:_________________________________________________________

City/Town:__________________________________ Postcode:___________

Phone wk: ( )________________ Phone hm: ( )___________________

Mobile:__________________________________________________________

Email:___________________________________________________________

Full name of Church attended (if any):

_________________________________________________________________

If you are on our mailing list please provide your previous address if this has changed within the last 12 months:

Address:________________________________________________________

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PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR:r Dunedin 29-30 July r Christchurch 12-13 August r Tauranga 26-27 August r Wellington 9-10 September r Auckland 7-8 October

I WISH TO ATTEND: rFull Event rFull Event + Transition rTransition Only

NB: If attending as part of a Group please provide Group/Leader names.

Group Name:____________________________________________________

Group Leader’s Name:___________________________________________

Event Fee: (see schedule / dates)Reg. Disc: rSummer rSuper rEarly rFull

Reg. Type: rIndividual rGroup

Reg. Rate: rAdult rStudent rPastor $__________

My gift to help other men go to Game On: $__________

Total: $__________I AM PAYING BY: rCheque rVisa rMastercard

Name on card:___________________________________________________

Card No: __|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__

Expiry Date: ___|___ Signature:___________________________

EVENT FEES SCHEDULE ADULTIndividual

ADULT Group

STUDENT Full Event

Summer Discount (expires 29 April) $79.00 $74.00 $54.00

Super Discount (8 wks prior)Dunedin [Mon 13 June] (7 weeks)Christchurch [Mon 20 June]Tauranga [Mon 4 July]Wellington [Mon 18 July]Auckland [Mon 15 August]

$84.00 $79.00 $59.00

Early Discount (3 wks prior)Dunedin [Mon 11 July]Christchurch [Mon 25 July]Tauranga [Mon 8 August]Wellington [Mon 22 August]Auckland [Mon 19 September]

$89.00 $84.00 $64.00

Full Rate $94.00 $89.00 $69.00

Transition $20.00 $15.00

Vocational Pastors’ Rate $49.00

Partial Attendance Rate [Fri pm] [Sat am] [Sat pm] $35.00 Per Break

See website www.promisekeepers.org.nz for terms & conditions.

Mail or fax to: Promise Keepers, PO Box 48123 Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0644 | Fax: 09 627 3526

Thank You Promise Keepers appreciates the support of the advertisers which has made the production of this newspaper viable. Please support these advertisers and mention that you saw their promotion in Men of Action.

Advertising: Ray Curle, Christian Media Services Ph: 09 361 6739Design: Alistair Craig, SeriousMed.comPh: 03 471 2282, nzgodzone@xtra.co.nzPrint: APN Print, WhanganuiCirculation: 31,000

Ph: 09 627 0101Email: pk@promisekeepers.org.nzEditor: John SubritzkyEditorial Assistant: Brenda Forrest

Developing friendships, teamwork and a sense of belonging are all at the centre of the Promise Keepers ethos. Going to an Event as a team is an excellent way to achieve this. Already, most men register as part of a Group.

The “Best Group” and “Best BBQ” awards recognise the value of men working together and having some fun along the way. Barbeque meals have become legendary at the North Island Events, which benefit from being held later in the spring.

Teams that have to travel have an advantage because the whole roadtrip can be an adventure. They may have to survive interest ing accommodation like church halls and maraes. Some organise all sorts of entertainment activities

to let off steam and then to wind down. An innovative idea some Groups use is to pause on Sunday morning before they travel home, to chew over what God has done at Promise Keepers. This is especially useful if there are young men in the team.

If you haven’t organised a Group before, there are a whole lot of tools available to make the job easier for you. Experienced staff at Promise Keepers can assist you with easy ways to do the registrations. They can also guide you through the timeline to put in place the steps most likely to help you succeed. There are proven methods that work. The skills you develop will stand you in good stead for putting together your next church event as well.

Don’t do alone what is better done as a TEAM – because Together Everyone Achieves More!

TransitionTrain hard, give it heaps and go for the prize! You can make a real impact in your world. Transition will propel you forward on your journey to be the champion you were designed to be.

Game On Breakouts

Men’s Events 2011

DUNEDIN: 29 - 30 July - Elim Christian Centre, 67 Harrow St

CHRISTCHURCH: 12 - 13 August - La Vida Centre, 34a Hansons Lane

TAURANGA: 26 - 27 August - Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd

WELLINGTON: 9 - 10 September - Lane Park, 16 Lane St, Upper Hutt

AUCKLAND: 7 - 8 October - Telstra Pacific Stadium, 770 Great South Rd

Session times:

Friday

Saturday

7pm - 9.45pm

9am - 12.30pm

1.30pm - 5.15pm

6.30pm - 9pm

For assistance organising your team contact Promise Keepers.

Men experience many different life stages. It’s not often that you find events specifically designed to equip men to capitalise on opportunities and overcome challenges. That’s why Promise Keepers puts so much energy into these specialised breakouts – because all men are important, regardless of their situations. These breakouts focus on men’s God-given potential and how to realise it.

Church for MenGrow your men – grow your church. Learn

powerful strategies for the process of growing your men spiritually. With 17 years’ proven experience and constant refinements we have created a solid foundation of knowledge on what will work with men in your church. Our Coaches and Field Reps are available to assist you.

StanceIt is time to face the many serious decisions confronting you at this critical point in life. Check that your game plan is taking you towards your goals. Stance will help guide you through the choices and give you confidence in your direction for the future.

Single FocusSingle Focus recognises the unique challenges facing men who have never married, been divorced or widowed. Use this opportunity to focus on God’s guidance for your life and hear Him more clearly.

Young men 11-17 years Saturday afternoon

www.transition.org.nzYoung men 18-30 years Saturday afternoon

Single men 30+ years Saturday afternoon

Pastors & Men’s Ministry Leaders Saturday morning

Men of Action published by Promise Keepers NZ PO Box 48123 Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0644

You can succeed with Men’s Ministry. However, establishing an effective Ministry with Men is challenging for any church - men can be the hardest group to reach. It takes commitment and resources over a period of several years.

Many men want to get Men’s Ministry started but are unsure of what to do or how to go about it. At Promise Keepers we have found a way to offer practical help to churches everywhere - and it’s free.

Field Representatives have proven ability in succeeding in Ministry with Men. They are all volunteers with diverse life and career experience, who are committed to seeing growth in Ministry with Men and are willing to share from their experience. They are local, so you benefit from quick and easy access to them.

These men a lso have ongoing training and access to Promise Keepers information, resources and Coaching staff. In addition, they are able to benefit from the experience of others in the network, so if your specific enquiry is

outside their personal experience, they can still find the answers for you. Promise Keepers Field Representatives:

• Will help you to chart a way forward for your Men’s Ministry using key tips, ideas and strategies

• Have access to Promise Keepers’ extensive resources

• Can understand and relate to the issues in your local environment

• Can organise training workshops in your area

• Can offer advice on mobilising a Group to go to Promise Keepers

They are here to give guidance and strategies on the best way to advance your Men’s Ministry. The service is free as part of Promise Keepers’ commitment to growing men spiritually and building strong churches.

Call now to find out how we can help your Men’s Ministry succeed.

Field Representatives Network - another way Promise Keepers is working with local churches so that everyone wins!

MEN OF ACTION 8

M e n a r e l i k e billiard balls - they connect brief ly with each other and then bounce a p a r t . T h i s superficiality is reflected in the fac t that the majority of men have lots of acquaintances but very few strong friendships. A successful Ministry with Men will call men out of the isolation that many of them experience in church life.

Jesus brought men together from quite diverse backgrounds. Think of Simon the Zealot who had sworn to overthrow the Roman army in his homeland and Matthew the tax collector who worked for the Romans and was a hated fifth columnist. Two men who were d i a m e t r i c a l l y opposed politically and would have hated each other, yet Jesus brought them together in fellowship as His disciples. Their differences faded into insignificance as they became aware of a greater vision. As part of a group that spent time together they came to know each other at more than a superficial level. They were then able to answer the calling that was on their lives.

Ministry with Men should involve every man in a church’s fellowship and encourage them to be an active participant. A successful Ministry with Men will connect men who will then support and encourage one another as they become “men of the Kingdom” and reach out into our society and beyond with a heart for mission.

Coaching – A Winning WayForward

Any sports team that is serious about winning and achieving its goals hires the best coach it can find. This is because the coach has an important role to play, as they train and encourage sportsmen to achieve everything they are capable of. The same principle applies to Ministry with Men in the local church.

Promise Keepers is committed to

working in partnership with churches.This will involve the Coach coming a longs ide Pastors and Men’s

Ministry Leaders, getting to know where the Men’s Ministry is currently positioned and hearing the vision for the future. A strategy is then discussed and decided upon that will take the ministry

from its present position to the fulfilment of that vision. Strategy is

like stepping stones that we place our feet on one at a time to move forward towards our destination. As this happens the strategic focus will develop and grow the Men’s Ministry - helping to give it structure, direction and a dynamic and godly underpinning.

A Men’s Minis try Leader has commented:

“Before we had Promise Keepers Coaching we found that as a team we weren’t heading in one direction and found ourselves reinventing the wheel.

With the guidance of Promise Keepers we have looked at how we should be steering the boat. Now the whole team has a single focus. We have synergy amongst the members and we are

heading in the same direction.”Coaching is a service that Promise

Keepers offers throughout New Zealand and right across all the denominations, working with both large and small churches alike. The experience that has been gained over the past 17 years is used to benefit all Ministries with Men that receive Coaching.

Once a church decides on Coaching, a contract is established to facilitate regular contact. The cost of the Coaching is met in part by the Coached church with the balance subsidised by Promise Keepers.

In the words of one Men’s Ministry Leader:

“Coaching is one of the best investments our church has ever made. The step-by-step advice I have received so far has been amazing. Why reinvent the wheel of Men’s Ministry when Promise Keepers already leads the way?”

For more information please contact Promise Keepers Coaching Director, Brian France, Ph 0800 77 66 47.

Nick is an enthusiastic can-do sort of guy who has volunteered to help men succeed in Ministry with Men. What has his journey been to this point?

I left home at 16. My mum suggested I enlist in the army, so I joined up and became a squaddie in 2 Scots Anti-Tank Regiment. Later I became a driver in the Royal NZ Corps of Transport. Despite my protests, I was sent to Officer Training School and came out 2nd Lieutenant, which started a new journey in my life.

Since the military, I have been involved in insurance. I have also been in Scouting for 16 years, in charge of 13 Scout troops and leading two trips to the USA. I am also a qualified outdoor leader for the Mountain Safety Council and do risk assessments.

I have been a Christian since 2005 after I had a strong encounter with God. One day while I was driving through Shannon on my way back to Palmerston North, He called me. Within 6 months I became a Men’s Ministry Leader, but I didn’t know what that role looked like. I trusted God

100% and the ministry had God’s hand all over it, because it was centred on prayer. As a result, that Men’s Ministry quickly grew to 35 men.

Promise Keepers asked me to be a Field Rep but said first I had to ask my wife. That was the scariest thing I had to do, to seek my wife’s permission. But now she is my biggest fan and my biggest supporter in my role with Men’s Ministry.

I have never missed a Promise Keepers Event. I have met some truly inspirational men and that really motivates me. To see men come to Christ and then to grow and rise up into leadership is fantastic. This year I feel that God is saying to me to let go of other activities and to purely hear from Him – to follow Jesus and to be effective in Ministry with Men.

Any sports team that is serious about winning hires the best coach it can find…

The same principle applies to Ministry with Men.

Continued on page 9

Field Representative

MEN OF ACTION 9

Coaching a Small Rural ChurchPromise Keepers Coaches work with

rural, urban and inner city churches across all denominations. The size of a church is no barrier as both large and small churches can benefit from the help given by Coaching.

A real life example of this is a small church in a close knit community in a rural town. Coaching was commenced a year ago when not a lot was happening but Tom, the Men’s Ministry Leader, realised that he needed help and saw Coaching as the next step.

The first thing that became apparent to the Coach, Brian France, was that Tom was doing far too much. Brian suggested a reduction in the number of commitments he had. These were prioritised. Also, the need for a team was addressed to bring in the gifts and skills of other men and to reduce Tom’s workload, releasing him to spend more time with his wife and family.

Over the months that followed, significant growth occurred, resulting in both open and closed groups being formed. As this happened the need for resources became apparent and Brian was able to suggest material and supply it from Promise Keepers.

Tom is a man of great enthusiasm and

drive, but he had little knowledge and experience in setting agendas or running meetings. Brian was able to help him upskill, and now Tom is able to function confidently in these areas. The progress that has been made with his church’s Men’s Ministry is significant and now as a result of Coaching they have:

• Structure and purpose to their meetings• The programs and materials required• Time prioritised• The Pastor is prayed for daily by the men of the church• Four Men’s Small Groups have been started

• Ten open group meetings were held last year with 15-20 men attending

• Thirty one men attended last year’s Promise Keepers Event

When asked what difference Coaching had made to him, Tom said it was huge and that the guidance he had received was “amazing”.

Coaching a Large City ChurchThis is a large inner city church that

is well established with a significant pastoral team and many years of experience and growth. The Men’s Ministry Leader, Michael, has been

Recent decades have seen a major shift in acknowledging the importance of men, the value of their involvement and how they function in families, society and the Church.

Promise Keepers has been at the cutting edge of this change, resourcing and advocating for Christian men. Men from Kaitaia to Invercargill have been deeply impacted through Promise Keepers Events. However, the change is far wider than what is achieved at the Events – our vision is to see ordinary guys transformed to extraordinary men by the power of God.

You may have been one of the many men impacted at one of our Events. You may now be benefitting from being in a Men’s Small Group as a result of being challenged at Promise Keepers. Your church might now have, or at least be open to, an effective Ministry with Men.

None of these things have come easily. The price has been paid, both by men carrying Promise Keepers’ vision, and by

many people supporting that vision for over 17 years. The effect of a transformed life on all those around is immense. This is changing our society and creating a shift in our culture.

God is working through many men in this important ministry. There are no superstars, but lots of great guys doing their part. Without that support, Promise Keepers would not exist. In reality, that support is hundreds of men like you who are prepared to pay the price to enable this ministry to impact thousands of others. If you can give a donation, or better still, ongoing support, that will significantly strengthen the foundations of the ministry.

As you can see from the graph, only 32.1% of Promise Keepers’ income comes from Event registration fees. 44.7% comes from donations.

Some loyal supporters have had a tough year and a few cannot continue. If you are able, would you please consider and pray

Sponsorship10.5%

Event Fees32.1%

Donations 44.7%

Resource Sales 7.5%

Other 0.8%

Advertising 2.5%

Coaching 1.9%

Income

Promise Keepers year ended 31 December 2010

Salaries25.8%

Event Expenses20.4%

Postage, Printing & Communication 17.4%

Admin & Office Expenses 6.2%

Event Venue & Technical 6.3%

Coaching, Field Reps, Workshops

3.7%

Wise Choices 5.9%

Event Printed Material 2.4%

Event Travel & Accomodation

5.4%

Resource Purchases 6.5%

Expenses

about providing the financial fuel Promise Keepers needs to keep pushing on?

Your donation will be doubled! Any donations made before 1 July 2011 will attract a 2 for 1 matching donation from a sponsor, so your contribution will be doubled!

receiving Coaching for the past three years. He has a young family and feels the pressure of balancing church commitments with family responsibilities. He commented:

“Many times I have thought of benching it as it’s so big, but the many Coaching sessions I’ve had always leave me feeling encouraged, motivated, inspired and empowered to keep on pressing on.” Michael goes on to say that without Promise Keepers Coaching his Ministry with Men would not be where it is today. It has become vibrant and is growing numerically. More importantly, he is

seeing men transformed and becoming more Christ-like.

A really exciting aspect is that new leaders are emerging and that the leadership base of the Ministry with Men has more than doubled over the Coaching period.

A final comment from Michael:“For me personally as a leader, knowing

that I’ve got Promise Keepers there gives me the added confidence that I can contact them at any time for support or to bounce things off them. I believe it’s been a key part in my Ministry to Men as I’ve grown as the men’s leader.”

Tax refunds Donations to Promise Keepers are tax deductable. Remember the charitable giving rules have changed:

• Since 2008-2009, there is no cap on the amount of donations that are tax deductable up to the amount of your income. Previously the cap was $630.

• Donation refunds are separate from income tax returns. Use form IR526 to get your refund, even if you do not file any income tax returns now. You can now claim refunds back several years.

Yes! I would like to support the mission of Promise Keepers:Name: PK ID#

Address: Postcode:

Phone: Day ( ) Mob: ( )

Email:

Amount: $ r Credit Card r Automatic Payment r Online Banking r Cheque (we will send a form) (see below*)

Credit Card # _ _ _ _ | _ _ _ _ | _ _ _ _ | _ _ _ _ Exp: _ _ | _ _ Card Name: Signature:

*Promise Keepers Online Banking Details: ASB Bank 12-3082-0105255-04

Continued from page 8

Imagine your children waking up every morning to an empty house.

You have already set off, before the sun gets too hot, to fetch water from a stream. It’s a long walk.

The arduous task also means you can’t be there to make breakfast for your little ones and so they go to class hungry and without being able to have a wash.

This isn’t just a one-off, this is a daily scenario and it was life for Nancy, her family and many others living in the Guadalcanal province of the Solomon Islands.

The really terrible thing was that the water Nancy used to walk miles to collect wasn’t even safe. Animals drank from the same stream and people washed their clothes and bathed in the same water. So, when her children eventually used the water to wash or drink they would contract skin infections and other water-borne diseases.

“We used a stream to bathe and do washing. These cause increases in skin cross-infections,” explained Nancy.

Today, however, it’s a different story and the caring mum who lives in the village of Logulava finds she now has reason to smile.

Over the past two years, 172 New Zealanders, who Nancy has never met and who she will probably never meet, cared enough about her plight, and that of others also living in the Guadalcanal

province, to agree to become a World Vision Pacific Partner at a Promise Keepers Event in New Zealand.

Donations from these generous men have been put to good use. Funds have now helped build water pumps in nine communities. The water supply is safe and taps are strategically positioned so that villagers like Nancy have easy access to one close to their home.

“Now people are so happy with the easy access to clean drinking water as it addresses many other issues such as workload,” enthuses Nancy.

“We spend more time in preparing food for our children and making sure they are clean at all times. We are able to prepare food for our children to go to school.”

Regional manager for World Vision New Zealand, Rupert Ross, said Promise Keepers participants had made a huge difference in the Solomon Islands.

“Clean water is one of the essentials of life. A water pump literally transforms a community, not just from a health point of view, but also socially, with mothers having more time to spend with their children and school attendance also improving. This is the sort of transformation we’re now seeing in the Solomon Islands.

“The best bit is that providing water is only one aspect of our work there. We have also been able to help with agriculture, for example, to ensure children and their families have enough to eat.

“This is exciting work and we are really looking forward to partnering with Promise Keepers again this year to achieve even more.”

If you wish to help people like Nancy and partner with Promise Keepers go to:

worldvision.org.nz

Nine communities in the Guadalcanal province of the Solomon Islands now have access to water pumps thanks to Promise Keepers participants.

MEN OF ACTION 10

When a wife is abandoned or a husband dies, the church rallies around to meet the immediate needs of the woman and any young children. But how can a church provide regular assistance for as long as the need exists – even for years? Men’s Team Ministry is a practical, simple solution that provides assistance and security in a way that shows the love of Christ.

Small groups of four men spend two hours each month serving the same care recipient until the person no longer needs help. All the teams get together for breakfast, planning and teaching before

they go out. This works well because men are growing by doing significant work together; it becomes missional when the person tells others why a team is willing to help them; and finally, there is the power of a large group of men when the teams come together for breakfast each month.

The Men’s Ministry at Harbourside Church in Auckland has been successfully relaunched, based on these teams that they call “Team 1:17” after the verse in Isaiah.

In two years, our Team 1:17 Men’s Team Ministry has grown from 3 teams to 13. Each month around 60 men of all ages gather for breakfast, prayer and

organising practical arrangements before visiting their “care receiver”. What we did not realise was the huge impact Team 1:17 would have on the men themselves – the whole Men’s Ministry at Harbourside has been revitalised. Men form relationships as they work and pray together. They learn skills from each other and help each other. Their self esteem is high because they are doing the right thing. They are much more open to other ministry. The men encourage one another to attend other men’s initiatives, and true discipling is taking place. They are comfortable and encouraged to bring friends to men’s events and church – and men are getting saved.

By Rowena Speirs

Richard Eames, Harbourside Church

Women have always been Promise Keepers’ most enthusiastic supporters and advocates. Women recognise the spiritual battle that their husbands, children and grandchildren are engaged in. They see the work of Promise Keepers as a beacon of hope to reach their men.

Since Promise Keepers’ inception 17 years ago, there have been thousands of women whose marriages and home lives have been blessed through the ministry of Promise Keepers. Many of these wives, mothers and sisters would love to pray for this work and know the impact of ‘standing in the gap’ for husbands, brothers, fathers and sons. They know it will have a profound impact in our nation.

“Behold, now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor 6:2

Now, Women for Promise Keepers has been established.

The announcement of this prayer initiative at the GPS He Leads Me Events last year was followed by an email to Promise Keepers’ supporters outlining the vision and asking women to be “Deborahs” (Judges chapters 4 & 5). In the battle against Sisera’s Caananites, Deborah stood beside Barak, exhorting and encouraging him to victory as he charged down the mountain against Israel’s enemies. What a challenge!

This challenge has already been enthusiastically taken up by women around this country, evidenced by the email response from Jude in Tauranga. She writes:

“This is fantastic and I would be very privileged to pray for Promise Keepers. We have reaped as a family so much from your Events... I am blessed with a wonderful husband who has taken on so much of what you have taught him, and three amazing sons, two of which are old enough to come along and have been grounded on His amazing foundation. I would love to be a ‘Deborah’ for Promise Keepers.”

You may be asking - what does being a Woman for Promise Keepers involve? Simply this:

Pray regularly as the Holy Spirit directs

for Promise Keepers. In particular:• For godly husbands and fathers to be

raised up throughout New Zealand.• For children to be raised in families

that honour God.• For men to be encouraged to attend

Promise Keepers Events.• For men to be involved in men’s groups in their churches, so that they can be encouraged in their marriages and their work and that their families will be blessed.

We need women who have a passion to see marriages restored and children raised in a godly way in this country - to stand with us in defeating the enemies of marriage; those spiritual forces which would bring chaos into marriage, causing divorces and misery among children, damaging the very fabric of our society. Will you be a Deborah?

We are asking for something very powerful and effective... your prayers!

We will not ask for funding through this network.

If you or someone you know would like to be a “Deborah”, be added to the Women for Promise Keepers team and receive regular prayer request updates, please call 0800 77 66 47 or emailprayer@promisekeepers.org.nz

Our game plan is to evangelise the men of our nation through prayer. Promise Keepers’ goal is to see more of us in prayer, which means more intercessors and more prayer meetings across the country.

We have always had local prayer meetings leading up to each Event, but this year will see us pass the ball right down the line from man to man, using every man on the field. We would like to see you signed up for the team and receiving the “Game Plan” prayer strategy.

It’s time to counter the enemy’s attack which comes through lust and pornography, domestic violence, depression and apathy. Imagine the Adversary being defeated by the prayers of the saints as we stand together against his work in New Zealand!

“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness

Game Changers - Prayer Warriorsto light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:17-18

Christ called Paul to evangelise the Gentiles and He has called us to evangelism also. We are going to pray to see this happen in our nation. The 3rd Tuesday of every month leading up to our Events will see us gathered across the country in prayer. We have started a meeting at the Promise Keepers office in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland. If you wish to start a meeting on the same basis, let us know so we can keep you regularly updated and informed.

We believe the impact of this prayer will affect thousands. After each Event there will be a “Replay”. We will send out the highlights of the Event as guys are touched and transformed and your prayers are answered.

Sign up today and get in the game!email: prayer@promisekeepers.org.nz

Be part of a movement of men across this nation where ordinary guys are being transformed into extraordinary men by the power of God!

A key element that is vital for the success of Promise Keepers’ ministry is the assistance we receive from our volunteers. The team of men and women who volunteer are one of our most valuable resources and we deeply appreciate the contribution that they make.

Shaun, Denise and Aleena are all from Hosanna, Porirua. They use their annual leave and travel to every Event at their own expense. If you have been to any of the annual Promise Keepers Events in the last few years, you have probably met them. Shaun is on stage as principal dramatist, using his creative skills to make a point. When he is off stage, he helps with set up, organisation and pack down. Denise and Aleena work in registrations, resources and DVD duplication.

They are part of the team of volunteers who enable Promise Keepers to be effective. It is amazing how many people are involved in very diverse roles. Many men invest time into putting signs up. These signs have a big impact, raising awareness of Promise Keepers and the Events. Another key area is prayer,

which has several different facets - from intercession at Events and regular prayer meetings, to prayer networks, including the recently formed Women for Promise Keepers.

Year round, as well as at Events, hundreds of people are giving their time, abilities and energy to make Promise Keepers happen. Most Sunday nights after church, Steve is at the Promise Keepers office working on computers and servers as part of the IT team. Other people come in to help with mailers, database, phone calls and logistics. We even have a volunteer helping every day with Facebook!

Do you have the time and ability to commit to working with Promise Keepers? Can you step up and be involved in serving men through this nationally significant ministry? If so, we want to hear from you! See all the roles and descriptions on our website or contact Promise Keepers now on 0800 77 66 47.

MEN OF ACTION 11

Be part of the team Help in a practical way

We need women who have a passion to see marriages

restored and children raised in a godly way in this country - to stand with us in defeating the

enemies.

Dramatists Alex & Shaun

MEN OF ACTION 12

My first mission trip was to India. There, standing on a busy, crowded street one day, God said to me, “You see a crowd but I see individuals and I know everyone by name, and I sent My Son to save them”.

As I stood there, I realised that my perspective had changed and I saw people God loves. The world is full of people who need the love of Christ. You are here because someone brought the love of Christ to you.

Encounters with God are to lead us to mission. When Isaiah encountered God, he got an awareness of his c o n d i t i o n ; h e experienced God and got personal cleansing. He heard the heartbeat of God, “Who shall we send?” And he said “Here am I, send me!”

The church at Antioch was a sending church. “...Now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”. Then having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:2-3) God so loved the world He gave (or sent) His only Son. The heart of God is a heart full of love. It’s a heart that wants to give. God gives

By Mike Connell

us to people. You are a gift, if you will let God love people through you.

Apostolic means to send on a mission, to expand the Kingdom. God calls all of us to be apostolic in that sense. God wants to send you. He wants to shift the thinking of the church from the pastoral mindset into an apostolic, missionary mindset. Wherever you go, God sent you. Wherever you go, you are to carry the love of God, the life of God and to impact the people who you meet. Wherever you go, you carry something of the Kingdom of Heaven and your experience with God.

In the first mention of the Church, it was called the House of God and the gateway for Heaven. The Holy Spirit is given to every believer. Why? B e c a u s e G o d wants you to be a gate through

which He can flow and touch the lives of those who have never known Him. Someone did that for you. Someone opened their heart and their life and God flowed through them and touched you.

The Holy Ghost sends us. The initiative comes from the heart of God. It’s in the heart of God to send us to people who desperately need Him. You may not know how God can use you, but if you open your heart to Him and say, “Here

am I, send me”, then the Holy Spirit will provide you with the opportunities. There is a process and a journey.

1. God puts a seed of desire in our hearts – a seed of destiny. Ephesians 2:10 says we were created for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. God wrote a scroll for you before you were born. When you get connected to God, the scroll starts to unroll and be revealed line by line – a little at a time, as we step forward into it. There is always more.

2. God connects us with others. Barnabas was connected with others in the church. He started with spiritual formation, then he was shaped and then launched. He got strengthened in God and developed a greater capacity.

It doesn’t happen just in nice church meetings. It takes place when you face difficulties, setbacks and challenges. In the midst of that, when you rise up and get hold of God and are broken before Him, then you start to flow out and impact others. When you deeply trust God, you realise that it’s not about you and what you can do; rather it’s about God flowing through you.

Every one of us is called by God. We all have a seed of destiny. There i s a scro l l written in Heaven for you. Open your heart to God.

Adapted from a message by Mike Connell, first published in

WiseChoices

Alistair Craig & Stuart Hight baptise new believers, Kerala, IndiaPhoto: Leslie Murgitroyd

In India, Rickshaws are a major method of taxi transportation for people taking short journeys. Those going to and from work and school, shoppers and business people all ride on Rickshaws. They are also used for moving goods and courier jobs. The government promotes their use as they are non-polluting.

Sponsoring a Rickshaw enables an Indian family to have a debt free, good income producing small business that permanently supports them. This provides food, housing, clothing, healthcare, and a proper education for their children.

When you sponsor a Rickshaw for an Indian family, you are sent photos of the family with their new Rickshaw along with a plaque with all of their names, which is personally authenticated by the thumbprint of the husband.

If requested we also sign write the sponsors name and/or message on the back of the Rickshaw. This is a treasure that you can display in your home or office to remember your Indian family by.

Sponsoring a Rickshaw is truly a gift that keeps on giving, day after day, year after year.

Set a family free from poverty online today

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Rickshaw sponsorship, it sets a family free from poverty – forever!

Rickshaws For IndiaSetting Families Free

T h e m o r e WiseChoices you make, the less regrets you will have!

WiseChoices is part of Promise Keepers’ commitment to help men experience success in their Christian life.

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God wrote a scroll for you before you were born. When

you get connected to God, the scroll starts to unroll and be

revealed line by line.