Capernwray Update 2011 - Capernwray New Zealand

does it mean?
such
pective all the things that I give
The Earthquake – whawhot aren
Secondly these events put into pers
eve
beli
’t
don
I
’t aware of the
on.
tati
, reading this
There won’t be many of you if any
stchurch on February 22nd and very
Chri
hit
devastating earthquake that
hit
ting earthquake and tsunami that
soon after the incredibly devasta
are
gs
thin
as
Even
tornados in the USA.
Japan and the hugely destructive
e is some sense of normality to life
ther
and
slowly but surely recovering
gs
questions being asked as to ‘why thin
again; there are still all the deeper
?’,
sins
cific
spe
for
of God’s judgement
like these happened?’, ‘is this an act
er?’
corn
the
nd
return of the Lord arou
‘is God sending a message?’, ‘is the
s given
wer
ans
There will be many different
– and
ity
mun
even among the ‘Christian’ com
above
the
of
t
some would say ‘yes’ to mos
questions.
ement
We could discuss the theology of judg
s ad
sign
es
for sin/suffering/end tim
and
er
bett
a
is
nauseam but I believe there
to
is
that
and
more productive response
al
reve
to
t
wan
simply ask: ‘what does Christ
n?’
atio
situ
this
of Himself through me in
with his
I suggest first with identifying
This was
g.
erin
compassion for human suff
a TV
ething he connected with through
som
not theoretical for him, or just
from
cry
His
but
ary
st suffering at Calv
screen. He endured the ultimate unju
them’! The time for judgement is still
ge
‘jud
not
the cross was ‘forgive them’
here in
Situations such as what happened
to come at the great white throne.
t love
grea
er’s
Fath
We are reminded of the
Christchurch bring us to our knees.
our
in
Son
own
His
ingness to sacrifice
for all humanity that spurred His will
may
e
tim
of
rse
cou
in tragedy or in the
place – so that all who die whether
presence for ever.
His
into
stand redeemed and accepted
l-being, my repu
value to – my possessions, my wel
lives
and intentionally chose to destroy
ally
for one minute that God specific
cific
spe
e
wer
e
the Biblical record ther
because where that happened in
r
inde
rem
l
erfu
pow
(Deut 28); but it is a
covenants and warnings in places
an
hum
as
h
muc
as
tion itself ‘groaning’
that we live in a fallen world with crea
t
I actually value in this life – and wha
do
at
Wh
beings ‘groan’ (Rom 8:22-23).
am I investing in?
be more
A third appropriate response is to
st in
Chri
of
se
cau
fully committed to the
a
was
re
The
r.
eve
the world today than
in
edy
trag
the
remarkable response to
reaction,
Christchurch. There was immediate
in the
ally
actu
se
often heroic, from tho
ger,
dan
from
ple
middle of it – pulling peo
hes
clot
and
food
ng
tending the injured, givi
ably
Not
ing.
ryth
eve
to those who had lost
t of this.
God’s people were at the forefron
r to all of
inde
rem
ng
But this should be a stro
e in the
hav
we
all
us of our obligation to give
hell.
of
m
clys
cata
from the impending
‘rescue’ of our fellow human beings
erty
tragedies heal over and lives and prop
As the immediate wounds of these
to
rts
hea
our
in
ond
opportunity to resp
are reconstructed, let’s not miss the
ver!
fore
st Himself – now and
build on the foundation that is Chri
ray New Zealand
ernw
- Peter Thomas, Director of Cap
Christian Ministries with Disabled Trust
In April we hosted the House Party for the Torch
Fellowship, a ministry within the Christian Ministries with
Disabled Trust. The Torch Fellowship is for those who are
blind or visually impaired and they meet monthly at their
centre in Auckland for worship, prayer, fun and fellowship.
night the students guide the guests around
campus, assist them at meal times, sit with
them in their sessions and generally just spend
time getting to know them. It’s such a busy few
days but full of blessings. What an awesome opportunity it is, not only for our
guests who look forward to coming here every two years,
but also for our staff and students who have the privilege
of looking after them while they are here. As staff we
ensure our guests are comfortable and well-fed but it is
the students who are the real blessing. Each conference
we have a number of students who volunteer to stay on
and basically help the guests with whatever they need.
From the 7.00am prayer meetings through to supper at
We look forward to seeing familiar guests who
have now been for several years and also those
who are new. They are all so amazing, full of fun
and vitality despite their disabilities. The students
received training on how to assist and when
voicing their concerns on not wanting to say the
wrong thing they were told “you can’t offend
any of them”. What a testament to God’s
love and faithfulness.
3553 Cambridge Road, Cambridge, 3495, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 823 1800
office@capernwray.org.nz
www.capernwray.org.nz
Capernwray New Zealand Newsletter – Autumn 2011
Autumn 2011
Newsletter
Capernwray Update 2011
Peter Pan once said, “To die would be an awfully big
adventure.” To die: to stop living, to become extinct, to be
forgotten. Nine months ago, I would have told you Peter Pan
was insane. How could a person want to die, when they can
live? To live: to remain alive, have an exciting, fulfilling life.
But what is a fulfilling life? I measured it based on success,
intellect, education, status, and yes, I thought I was living. I
was a varsity athlete, but academics
came first in order to maintain
honour roll. I did not hang out with
the ‘wrong’ crowd, I watched my
language, respected my elders, did
as I was told, and was responsible.
I would go to church on Sunday,
Youth Group Tuesday, Bible Study
Wednesday, read my Bible when I
could, and would of course never
forget to pray before going to bed.
I was a believer living independently
of the Lord. I thought I had it all
figured out; follow the Law, do
what He commands, but still have
control over my life and make my
own decisions. In Revelation 3:17,
Christ says to the church
in Laodicea, “For you say, I
am rich, I have prospered,
and I need nothing, not
realizing that you are
wretched, pitiable, poor,
blind, and naked.” That
was me. When I came
to The Crossing, I was
obstinate, guarded, and
entirely independent,
as those here could tell
you. Very quickly, the
Lord opened my eyes
to what I really was: wretched, pitiable, poor, blind,
naked, defensive, weak, afraid. It sounds like the elementary
step to entering into a relationship with Christ, yet it is the
principle the Lord continuously has been teaching me through
this year. Submit. Depend. Trust.
I believed in the Lord, and thought I loved Him, but I did not
depend on Him. I was afraid to put my trust in Him, or in any
human for that matter. I wanted His love and a relationship
with Him, but on my terms. Though I have learned many truths
about the Lord, this is the primary theme which has surpassed
all that I have learned this year about my relationship with
the Lord. I can put my full trust and dependency in Him and
He will never let me down. To live is Christ. For Christ to come
and diffuse into my entire being and live through me is not
by anything I can do alone, but in humbling myself in full
conscious submission to Him.
In Revelation 3:20, the Lord says to that same church, “Behold,
I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and
opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and
he with me.” Christ was knocking on the door to my heart,
and though it terrified me, I learned to answer this door, and
willingly sit down and submit to Him as Sovereign in my life.
As Major Ian Thomas said in the first
class we had here at The Crossing, “It is
only when each seed is to die to what
they really are, that they are alive to
what they are intended to be.” Sorry
Peter Pan, you’re wrong. To die would
not be such an awfully big adventure.
But to die to self, and allow Christ to
live in and through me, now that is
the greatest adventure of all.
I had to learn to die this year. But in
this death of self, I have found true
life, the life of Christ in me.
Nine months ago,
I was not the same
person I am today,
but then none of us
students here are
the same people.
In walking through
the door to The
Crossing, we began a
transformation that
will continue as we
leave here, and will
not be complete until
we go and join Him in
glory.
Galatians 2:20 is a well known verse at The Crossing, one we
have heard many times, but one that the Lord has brought
me to continually this year. When I think back on my time
at the Crossing, it is this verse I will turn to and be reminded
of all that the Lord revealed to me this year. For “I have been
crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who
lives in me. The life I now life in the flesh, I live by faith in the
Son of God, who loves me, and gave Himself up for me.”
A Student view from The Crossing – Emily Way
Capernwray New Zealand Newsletter – Autumn 2011
Upcoming Events
Jumpstart at The Crossing, Geraldine
Mon 30th May – Fri 3rd June, 2011
Jumpstart is a five day teaching event aimed
at Christian young people between 15 and
17 years who are looking to have the
foundations of their faith reinforced, and their
personal relationship with Jesus Christ firmly
established.
BaseCamp at Monavale, Cambridge
Fri 15th – Sun 17th July, 2011
BaseCamp is a weekend teaching event aimed
at those young people between 16 & 20 years
dealing with life’s challenges or about to
head off to university. Teaching will include
apologetics and how to defend your faith in
a largely secular world, as well as the Person
of Christ and the outworking of His life in the
believer.
Men’s Retreat at the ABS Lodge,
Lake Karapiro
Fri 12th – Sun 14th August, 2011
The Men’s Retreat is an opportunity for
the guys to take some time-out from the
challenges and pressures of daily life. It is an
opportunity to relax and enjoy some good
Bible teaching, as well as to enjoy good
company and fellowship in the wonderful
and tranquil setting of the Adventure Lodge
on Lake Karapiro. Our guest speaker is Ron
Lowery – Ron was Principal at Capernwray
New Zealand for 6 years and is now Pastor
at South Hill Bible Church in Spokane,
Washington.
Woman to Woman Spring Conference
Fri 7th – Sun 9th October, 2011
This is the seventh year of our Woman
to Woman Spring Conference and it is
appropriate that our guest speaker for this
year is our own Elizabeth Thomas. The theme
for the conference is The Year of the Lord’s
Favour.
Jesus said “He has anointed me to preach good
news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
freedom for the prisoners and recovery of
sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the Year of the Lord’s favour” Luke
4:18-19
Staff
It was with sadness that
we farewelled Matthew
and Morgan Finlayson.
Interns
ett last
last course, and Joe and Beth Barr
We had Jodi Steckly with us this
friends
d
goo
ome
bec
they
us for a short time
year. While these people are with
students.
and are a positive influence on the
Speaking of influence…..
the fact
’t see themselves as leaders. Despite
Most of the students joining us don
dership
Lea
get themselves onto such a course.
that they were motivated enough to
ership
lead
rt Briscoe does, where he defined
is vital, especially if we see it as Stua
to
due
But
and a doing of the divine will.”
as “leading people into a discovering
e,
mor
and
discipleship, sin, inexperience, age
many factors such as apathy, poor
gs
thin
e
thes
people to step up to lead. Some of
there is a reluctance for our young
may be legitimate but many aren’t.
and use
I like to do as John Maxwell does
So rather than use the word ‘leader’
people
k
just using a different term, I thin
the word ‘influence’. And while I’m
rather
g;
tends to speak of a journey, of bein
can see themselves in this role. It
“entry
ple
ss. Stuart again talks of giving peo
than a role of responsibility and stre
s and
litie
sibi
the word ‘influence’ opens up pos
level opportunities”. I think using
finding excuses not to lead.
opportunities to be such, rather than
l fed and
domestic side making sure all are wel
e disciples…” does speak
Cloudy continues to run the lodge
due to
ons
e in Matthew 28 to “…go and mak
ricti
hav
rest
we
diet
date
with
man
ing
The
com
ple
peo
e
of serving. I think we can
housed. It seems that there are mor
h more to me speaks of influence;
stmas to do
muc
Chri
r
but
ove
ip
e
tim
ersh
lead
took
e
of
Sh
.
plex
com
job thinking of those we
allergies, making life for her more
we are not
can influence but we have a harder
this
we
se
pite
tho
Des
of
p.
k
thin
cam
e
all
Bas
est
Ever
to
some trekking in Nepal getting up
can lead. planning any alpine ABS.
e so we get
- Peter Bichan, ABS Director
James is from Southland near Gor
James Bruce is our latest addition.
the
nt
spe
has
He
English is improving daily.
another overseas staff member! His
aru so
reation at Aaoraki Polytechnic in Tim
last two years studying Outdoor Rec
rned
inte
He
.
him
e new outdoor tricks from
I’m looking forward to learning som
at
ying
stud
be
also
t for the next ABS. He will
last term and will now replace Mat
Monavale over the winter.
After joining the Adventure
Bible School leadership team
for the February 2007 course
Matt has stayed with us for
over four years. During that
time he learnt to instruct,
teach, lead, fix, counsel
discipline, put up with me
snoring and got married to
e. They have
for their coming baby, due in Jun
Morgan. Now they are preparing
around at
to
t
t his family as they need Mat be
moved back to Australia to suppor
who they
ls,
loca
ABS staff family and by the
this time. They will be missed by the
came to know well.
BML Update
It was encouraging to run our first ten week BML (Business, Ministry and Leadership)
course last October to December and Dave (Firth) put this together and led it extremely
well. We only had a handful of students but they came from diverse backgrounds and
nationalities (Norway, USA, Germany, Canada, and Australia). As well as Dave’s input,
we were well supported by guest teachers and instructors all of whom brought practical
work-place experience as well as sound Biblical teaching. Two who particularly stood
out were Martin Kelderman (well known around NZ as a national leader in work-place
ministry) and Michael Bell (a past Alcan Vice President of Business Planning and who
now travels the world sharing Biblical insight in living out of God’s resources alone and
not those of our own making). We plan to have both these teachers back again! We have
had encouraging feed-back from the students; that what they learned
on BML was not simply Biblical techniques,
concepts and skills but the much more deeply
important truth that Christ is Lord of all!
We’re looking forward to the next BML
course starting on October 10th. This is great
preparation for life as well as ministry and the
work-place – please let others know about this
special opportunity.
Chef Dean
As I started to think about my time at Capernwray I
realised that I have been here for nearly 7 years. This has
been the longest time at any one job and with that it has
been the best time at any one place. I believe that having
a regular turn-over of students keeps thing fresh all the
time.
So I have been cooking for nearly 20 years now and have
been in a lot of different styles
of restaurants. I worked my way to the top of the ladder
in the industry in some good
establishments. But you know, at the end of the day there
was something missing.
I can still remember the phone call asking if I would consid
er working in the kitchen at
Capernwray. My first response was to laugh. Not becau
se it was a silly request. But
rather I had an instant peace about the idea. My church
had just finished doing a series
on using our gifts and the purpose for them. So I knew
what was going to happen and it
did. Working at Capernwray was not going to be a financ
ial or career choice in any way.
It’s an especially good way for
new students to find travelling
companions for the trip over.
All questions and comments
are welcome and our registrar
checks regularly to answer the
more serious questions that
may come through. So, see you
there!!!
Capernwray New Zealand Newsletter – Autumn 2011
So we are thankful to God for bringing us as a family to
Capernwray; to be apart of the
student’s lives while they are here.
Amen.
The Online Store
We are continuing to add new items to our Online Store. Not only are
there a selection of books and conference and teaching DVDs, but we
have now expanded the store to include a selection of MP3 teaching
files that you can download direct to your computer! Files include
a number of classic Major W. Ian Thomas teachings as well as other
Capernwray NZ lecturer series.
New Website Launched!
After a number of months of planning and design, a refreshed Capernwray New
Zealand website was launched in February! The new design is easier to use and
better showcases the many aspects of the ministry at Capernwray, from the
different course options available to the different course locations. The new
website has also enabled us to make better use of picture galleries..so that you
can check out student life at Capernwray..and in New Zealand (as seen through
the students cameras!).
Also, the trial launch of our online distance learning course is now underway!
Capernwray Online is an interactive course that allows anyone, anywhere to study
God’s Word via the internet, and even better at their own pace! We are currently
looking for a few more people who would like to participate in the free trial of the
first unit of teaching. If that sounds like you then email our registrar at office@
capernwray.org.nz to arrange sign-up and registration.
If you haven’t already been to the new website we would love for you to visit and
to let us know what you think. www.capernwray.org.nz
For more information visit the website or email
Dave Firth at davef@capernwray.org.nz.
Since we have been involved with Capernwray we have
seen many blessing from God,
some of which we believe would not have happened if
we didn’t take the step of faith in
coming here. I was talking to a student just a few days
ago about trials and adversity.
These are the time when we rely the most on God to get
us through them. We have
faced trials and hurdles over the years, but we know God
is always there for us and his
blessings have been timely and great.
But making the move to work at Capernwray was a family
decision and it has been one
of the best decisions made. At the time Sarah and I had
1 child, Annalise who was 6
months old. Now we have Sophie who is nearly 6, Amelia
nearly 2 and another little
one on the way. The environment of Capernwray is great
to raise our kids in. There are
so many different areas for them to be involved in and
they get to have so many big
brothers and sisters who love them as their own. My girls
especially love ‘family nights’
when they get to hang out with the big kids, playing games
and having tons of fun.
Capernwray New Zealand
Facebook group
If you’re wanting some first hand knowledge on what life at Capernwray New Zealand is
all about, have a look at our facebook page. Whether you are looking for new classmates,
wanting to ask questions about our courses and campuses of current students or looking
to keep in touch with old classmates facebook is easy, friendly and popular. We have just
started referring all ABS, Monavale and The Crossing students to our page and recent
activity has increased immensely.
There are so many good role models for the kids here.
There is a down side to this for the
kids though. It comes at a cost for them. The cost is when
our family group students go
home. There is a big gap; no family group to play with.
But the beauty of Capernwray
is that in just a few weeks they get new friends to spend
time with and there the cycle
begins again.
Capernwray New Zealand Newsletter – Autumn 2011
But wait, there’s even more!! We have also added a selection of
Capernwray New Zealand branded tee-shirts for purchase. Four
colours are available (including classic Kiwi black!). The tees are
available in 4 sizes: small; medium; large and xtra-large, and cost
$25(NZD) – which includes postage & packaging.
You can visit the Online Store by clicking on the green arrow on the
wesbites home page!