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'Godzone': Rugby-themed Gospel
Over the past few years, across the country, we have seen a steady stream of students coming to know, love and trust in Jesus. I am regularly asked if there is a pattern as to how or why they have become Christians.
It is not a blanket rule, but many of those who have come to faith have had two consistent features in their story. The first is that they have had an ongoing friendship with one or more Christians in our groups. The second is that they have been exposed to the Bible – reading it, interacting and meeting Jesus for themselves.
The Rugby World Cup brings us a unique opportunity to bring those two features together. TSCF has led the publication of a small book called Godzone. Designed to be personally given to unbelieving friends, it contains the Gospel of Luke in an easy-to-read format and version.
Interspersed within the book are a ten testimonies of high profile rugby players from around the world - Brad Thorn (current All Black), Deacon Manu (current Fiji Captain), Euan Murray (current Scotland player), Jason Robinson & Nick Farr-Jones (World Cup winners), Doris Taufateau (NZ Black Ferns World Cup winner), David Pocock & Sekope Kepu (current Australia players), Pierre Spies & Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira (current SA players).
Godzone starts with a helpful introduction sharing the beauty of NZ and that the God who created it wants to have a relationship with us. It includes a number of pictures of NZ scenery. The book concludes with a short challenge to consider ‘God’s Own’ Son, Jesus who came to make that relationship possible.
Our desire is that students, graduates, supporters and churches would capture the vision that they could personally give one to their friends and ask them to read it and let them know what they think. For some, it may be better being read over a few weeks, with chance to chat and discuss it informally over a meal or drink.
We are convinced that ‘faith comes from hearing, that is hearing the good news about Christ’ (Romans 10:17), and that for some, through reading the good news about Christ and hearing it for themselves, they will come to faith. If that happened to one of your friends, wouldn’t that make 2011 even more memorable?
The cost of Godzone is $2 per copy + shipping. Why not make a list of friends now, who you could be praying for – and during the RWC give Godzone to and ask them to read it?
To order copies for yourself, email nzgodzone@tscf.org.nz.
Visit the Godzone Facebook page here.
Follow Godzone on Twitter: @nzgodzone
Posted by Ben Carswell on 18/08/2011
VUWCU: Reflections on National Conference
TSCF Conference was great - as always! Some words to describe it include fantastic, full of fellowship, fun, and fine feaching i.e. teaching with an ‘f’ to complete Felicity’s featured feme (theme)! There were the usual fun activities: the game ‘Signs’, dodge ball, soccer, mini-golf, trampoline stunts, talks and walks, card games and late nights in the dining room. But more importantly, there were new friendships and changed lives!
The theme for Mid-Year Conference was the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. I was continually amazed and reminded of Christ’s love for us and the fact that He came down to planet earth and became one of us, taking on human flesh and living as one of us. Iain Provan, from Canada, shared with us a talk titled, ‘Does Matter Matter?’ about Gnosticism and how Matter, as in Jesus Christ in human flesh, really does matter. This talk was quite central to the week, and made us do some deep thinking. Also, Ian Reid discussed some false doctrines and produced some interesting and memorable associations!
We did ‘Manuscript Study’ with Gillian Wildgoose, who guided us with ‘Head, Heart, Hands, Feet’ to help us discover, process and act on what we had learnt. We used highlighters and coloured pens – where we studied, extracted and discussed a Bible passage in great depth.
A highlight of this camp included meeting Ruth and Josue (and their two lovely daughters), who work in Ecuador, where they disciple student leaders on campuses. It was wonderful to hear and compare the student ministry in South America. In order to raise money toward more discipleship training, Nigel Pollock, the TSCF National Director, acted as an auctioneer; he led a comical commentary as he sold scarves, beanies, purses, and soccer shirts from Ecuador. They raised over $700!
The most memorable night at Mid-Year Conference was the 80’s Roller Disco – not a night to forget! We dressed in eccentric 80s gear, did the limbo, danced and grooved, and to top it off we were given roller-skates to skate the night away! Cameras rolled… fun photos flashed… memories remain!
Some statements that have really struck a chord with me are, ‘We need to show the gospel to all - even Aussies need to know God!’ and ‘This is not a dress rehearsal, but the REAL THING, so don’t miss the opportunity to share what God has done!’
Posted by Felicity Baker on 16/08/2011
OTVCF: Lessons from a Fijian rugby captain
How would you prepare to face the All Blacks in a test match at Carisbrook? What would the final hours before kick-off be like? Presumably each player has their own rituals; each their own way of calming nerves; each their own way of steeling resolve; and each their own way of remembering their training. But Deacon Manu, captain of the Fijian Rugby Team, chose to spend the evening before he played the All Blacks at Carisbrook speaking about Jesus with a bunch of strangers. Through Ben Carswell’s prior contact with him, Otago Varsity Christian Fellowship (VCF) was able to host an event where Deacon spent the evening talking about his life in professional rugby and his faith in God.
Deacon’s story is one that is immediately familiar to many other Christians in New Zealand. He was born in New Plymouth with the privilege of having a church-going family who raised him with some knowledge of the faith. Yet, once he left home he felt that God had only a small part to play in his life. Professional rugby with Waikato and New Zealand Maori occupied his time, and the baggage of his past largely ruled his emotions. Later, after he moved to Wales to play for the Llanelli Scarlets, his next-door neighbour began to speak to him about the reality of following God whole-heartedly and the joy of understanding the gospel of Jesus.
Deacon spoke very candidly about his past and the events that shaped him as a young man. He spoke at length of the joys of playing professional rugby and about some of the highlights in his career. He was as zealous about Fiji’s draw with Wales as he was about things that shaped him as a person: family, education, different cultures and an unfolding realisation of who God desired him to be. His training as a scientist, he assured us, meant that his faith was as much a reasonable response to the Bible as it was an emotional response to the God he encountered in everyday life. The Christian culture that permeates the Fijian rugby team offers him many opportunities to express his heart-felt desire to follow Jesus, and to share his faith with team-mates.
In the build-up to the event we advertised through Facebook, Twitter, the chaplaincy and flyers around campus. About fifty people turned up to hear what Deacon had to say, and they all had the opportunity to ask him questions and speak to him personally at the end of the evening. We were able to advertise our Monday nights studying the gospel of Luke, and Wednesdays for asking any questions people have over lunch or coffee; inviting people to see for themselves the God of Deacon’s salvation.
Posted by Mike Summerfield on 08/08/2011
UCCU: Navigating the Fish Bowl
They say that living at a residential hall at university is like being in a fish bowl. Everyone can see you, all the time. Living around so many people who can see your every move presents a lot of pressure from peers but also unprecedented opportunities to share Jesus.
To think through some of the pressures and opportunities, a group of halls students from Canterbury Uni spent a weekend together in Hanmer Springs. While basking in the stunning scenery of Hanmer we looked at being a true witness in our context. We delved into the topics of flatting and apologetics and studied the message of 1 Peter – living as aliens and strangers. It was encouraging to share with each other the good things and also the struggles that we face when we are called to live a life set apart for Jesus.
We ended the weekend with a reflection time to think about ways we can be living and speaking the gospel wherever we are because although our identity is with Jesus we have been placed here as His ambassadors.
Posted by Paul Denmead on 08/08/2011
VUWCU: New initiatives at Vic
CUers from Victoria are back into the second trimester, freshly inspired by National Conference to take a closer look at evangelism and our part to play on campus. Trying to continue from where the practical sessions at Conference left off, after a Large Group Brainstorm one Thursday night we came up with a list of practical, feasible ways to share God's love on campus that everyone was happy with.
As a result of this, CU will soon be starting giving out hot blackcurrent and lemon and barley cordial at the top of the unforgiving Kelburn hill on those cold winter mornings. Other initiatives, such as a study group for those completely unfamiliar with the Bible, are underway. We praise God for gifting us with members who are willing to serve and enthusiastic about their faith, to help make this happen.
Jonathan Watt, VUWCU student
Posted by Mel Mylvaganam on 02/08/2011
Wake Up and Dream: The Time is Now
Wake Up and Dream: The Time Is Now was the theme for this year’s triennial East Asia Regional Conference held in Singapore. There were over 600 people from 21 movements. Gina Wong (Wellington Team Leader) and six TSCF students represented New Zealand.
The conference looked at the book of Haggai and challenged students to evaluate what they were building and renovating in their lives and ministry. Haggai challenged the people of his time to wake up, start dreaming and build the Temple of God, where His presence dwells.
Two highlights were delegates being reminded of sustainability and environmental responsibilities, being conscious of reducing food waste and packaging and a plenary session led by Vinoth and Karin Ramachandra and Melba Padilla Maggay challenging everyone to respond as Christians in transforming our society and nation, to move from being security-conscious to becoming a prophetic Messianic-community.
Here is an excerpt from a note of thanks Gina received from Lisman Komaladi, the General Secretary of FES Singapore, on behalf of the EARC Committee:
‘I just would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the TSCF team attending the EARC. You and the students had given additional colours to the conference... I heard from some of our local students who were in the same group with TSCF students, that they were much blessed by TSCF students’ sharing and presence.’
As part of the conference there was an opportunity to hear from some of the movements. The New Zealand team were moved to tears by some, amazed by the courage of those facing persecution, inspired by those who risk their lives for the gospel whilst remaining joyful in the gospel and thrilled by pioneering movements taking the good news of Jesus to their campuses and nations.
Posted by Gina Wong on 01/08/2011
Fiji Mission Trip
As I think about our trip to Fiji last month I am just so humbled; the trip exceeded our expectations! Not only were we joined by five Fijian students and staffworker (and dear friend) Ateca, but our hearts were knit together. Nothing like a bit of struggle to cement a friendship - despite intermittent water for 48 hours, losing our brakes going down a steep hill and a shared tummy bug, no one seemed to complain or get disheartened.
We went directly from the airport to Homes of Hope, Suva; a ministry to abused women and their children. On Tuesday, we split into our small groups for the various ministry sites: prison, construction, special needs school, rest home and pre-school. Students International (SI), the organisation we were working with, has permanent Fijian workers at the various sites.
Auntie Mila, a widow, is one of the Students International staff. Before the construction group got to work, she had a one-room place with an outhouse. On the final day at the construction site we ALL went to the site to celebrate the completion of the roof. Gathering underneath, we praised God for Auntie Mila and her amazing heart for God.
We were so blessed in our times in I John, starting at 6:30am every morning (with coffee!) The students did a fabulous job of leading, and I could see the Word coming alive to the Fijian students.
We spent Easter Sunday at a service at the men's prison. It was moving to see so many men go forward to give their lives to Jesus. Others had come to faith earlier in the week, and at the rest home at least one lady prayed to receive Christ.
Fiji is a spiritually open country. One day, a lady got out of a taxi and came hobbling over to us asking that we pray for her knees. I don't know how she knew to ask us but we praise God for the opportunity nonetheless.
We are already planning future trips. As Fiji is hosting the South Pacific Regional Training Event (SPRTE) next Easter, we decided to tag on five days of ‘mission’ to the conference: so back we'll go to the special needs school, pre-school, etc. We can't wait.
Quotes from the students:
This life-changing trip was a 12-day and lifelong challenge to 'not love with words or speech but in action and in truth'! The lives we came into contact with in our ministry sites allowed us to better know the Father heart of God for the lonely, abused, neglected. At the same time, lasting friendships were being formed over such a short time. Abby
One of the things that challenged me was what it meant to love others genuinely, and ‘in actions and in truth’ even when it is hard and uncomfortable. It was awesome to see that even in that brokenness the power of Christ to transform at all levels is real and tangible and living. A real highlight was living and working with the PSFC students as friends and as part of a team, and knowing that despite our differences we have so many more similarities and are united by a common purpose. Annaliese
I was really challenged by the injustices faced by the women and children in Fiji - equality/equity isn't something I've had to fight for in my life, so I was blind to the fight that's still going on in the rest of the world. I was so encouraged by the wonderful people in Fiji - seeing their joy and praise-ful hearts having come out from under this burden of abuse really convinced me of the power in the name of Jesus - He is already victorious. Becca
One of the most awesome experiences of my life! Thanks so much to everyone involved, you guys are all amazing people. It’s been a real privilege to get to know you and call you my new family. This trip has really helped me grow spiritually, and I’d encourage anyone thinking of doing this next year to go for it! Wananavu! Hudson
Posted by Jane Pelz on 20/07/2011
Global Reach to Bangladesh
A world perspective to mission being one of our four core aims, partnership with other IFES movements is a priority to TSCF. We want to be a movement which along with providing for our own ministry needs, seeks to support our brothers and sisters around the world in reaching their own universities.
The Bible Students Fellowship of Bangladesh (BSFB) is one of the movements we have committed to supporting. We consider ourselves hugely privileged to partner with the work in Bangladesh, and have been providing scholarships to staff workers in Bangladesh for theological study.
The last staff worker we have supported in this way is Mr. Nohemio Biswas. Nohemio has been a Senior Staff Worker for the BSFB since 2000. Studying at the College of Christian Theology in Bangladesh (CCTB), Nohemio has now completed a Bachelor of Theology.
‘I was very thankful to you that you gave me financial support for my B.Th degree. I completed this course very well. It was very helpful for my ministry work. I worked with college and university level students. I can talk with them clearly about the Word of God, share the gospel and try to solve their different kinds of problems by the Word of God.
‘As a staff member of BSFB I basically serve the students in several ways. I teach the Word of God, I make disciples, I train Bible study leaders, and I train young people to read the Word of God clearly.
‘I am also responsible for various training with different churches in Bangladesh, and building relationships to 
enrich youth communities for God’s glory. I also develop Bible study materials, and in the last five years taught contextualisation for tribal pastors and evangelists.’
Nohemio will serve the BSFB for five more years, having completed his B.Th.
‘Again, I am thankful to you for your love and concern; I hope that many students get the same support from TSCF’s ministry, and make good disciples for God’s kingdom. I want higher study of Theology. Please pray for me and our ministry.’
We have now started supporting another BSFB staff member, Charles Elias Soren. This is his fourth year in his B.Th at the CCTB.
‘At first I give my thanks to Almighty God for blessing me all this time. I am studying at St. Andrews Theological Collage in Dhaka. It is a great blessing for my BSFB ministry work and my personal life. This is now my fourth year of study and I need one more year to finish this B.Th course. It is helping me in my work.’
Charles has been participating in placements, involving divinity lessons, leading Bible studies, preaching, leading worship and sharing with youth, women and men’s groups. He also accompanies the minister in taking communion to the sick, attends ecumenical activities in the community and participates in community development projects.
Charles has to keep a daily log of activities and a personal diary of reflections during these placements, to reflect on key questions relating to cross-cultural mission. The General Secretary of BSFB, Peter Mazumdar, expresses his warm approval of the training the scholarship provides for: ‘This is [Charles’s] fourth year in this course, and it is very helpful to be able to teach BSFB students in a systematic manner… The lessons he is studying from theological college are very helpful for teaching the village pastors.’
Our prayers remain with both Nohemio and Charles, as they pursue their study and serve the students of Bangladesh.
‘At last,’ Charles writes, ‘I give my thanks to TSCF who generously supported my theological expenses. I have been taught many things and it makes me strong in my ministry work.’
Posted by Mel Mylvaganam on 03/05/2011
Not Just Any Book: IFES Bible Consultation
Amidst film nights, topical discussions, guest speakers and massive fundraisers in TSCF campus groups, there are specific things which root and unite all that we do in TSCF - not the least of which is the Bible. It is meeting around the Word which is central and transformative to sharing Jesus on campus; this is true not just in New Zealand, but across the world.
In light of this, it was a privilege to be part of a February consultation in Singapore with representatives from across IFES discussing this very issue: Scripture engagement and the current challenges and opportunities that we are faced with on campuses across the globe. With 25 countries represented amongst the 30 people it was truly international in flavour, with a mixture of young staff, a few students and some more experienced team members. The aim was consultation and not conference: to represent the issues surrounding Scripture engagement in our movements and regions, and to compare, contrast, evaluate and ask big questions of how to seek the Lord’s Will on furthering effective Scripture engagement with students.
Representing the challenges and opportunities of the South Pacific was a tall order, but it was good to partner with Ilaitia, a volunteer with PSFC in Fiji, in attempting to span scope from urban Sydney to jungle Vanuatu and everything in between. It was also exciting hearing how God is at work through his Word across the world as each region shared specific examples of Scripture engagement in context. How amazing it was to hear of the evangelistic Bible study network in Hungary, started by one student catching a vision of just how straightforward it could be to study the Bible with his friends. Translating material into Hungarian, writing their own studies and establishing a website has seen over 30 evangelistic Bible studies spring up across campuses in Hungary. From Singapore, we heard about understanding the Word from three world perspectives: the world of the text, the author, and the reader, in interpreting Scripture in context.
Ana Miriam from Mexico shared with excitement the ‘T.T.T.T.’ method they have been using with staff gifted in drama - ‘Text, Theology, Theatre, Transformation’: working through a text or book of the Bible together, performing it on campus and inviting their friends along for the performance. It was so interesting to see the creativity in new and old styles of engaging with Scripture that God is using across the world.
There are similarities in challenge and opportunity with Word engagement, but also some real differences across the globe; much to do with culture and context. In some areas, oral cultures struggle with ‘traditional’ methods of engaging with the written Word. Personal Bible study seemed to be identified as a challenge in most regions, asking questions of how to help students engage well with Scripture on their own. A shared challenge for many regions was motivating and equipping students to use the Bible in evangelism effectively. One of the overriding common themes was how to effectively use new media in Scripture Engagement: where Facebook, Twitter, websites and Bibles on your phone fit in, and how we can effectively employ these media to help students in individual study, linking with others and seeing Scripture engagement primary to what we do on campus.
We were able to spend much of our time thinking through these issues in groups and presenting back the ways we would love to see them advanced in our movements. For me, it was exciting to think through these issues in a South Pacific context – the unique cultural challenges, ideas that might work well, and which things might apply specifically to TSCF.
We also had a lot of fun and were hosted so well by the guys in FES Singapore: sampling delicacies, exploring the city and spending time with old and new friends. It was a privilege to grow in love for Jesus together with brothers and sisters from across the globe, united in our heart for students rooted in Scripture and transforming campuses across the world.
Posted by Gillian Wildgoose on 01/05/2011
Vision Congress
The day before the Christchurch earthquake saw the beginning of the tri-annual gathering of the New Zealand Christian Network at El Rancho, to encourage one another in our ministries and be challenged about what lies ahead for NZ. As well as being inspired by what God is doing in different corners of the country, for a number of us the Vision Congress was an opportunity to ground the learning gained from the World Evangelization Conference in South Africa last year, into our local context.
Inevitably, the Congress was changed by the earthquake hitting Christchurch on the second day, provoking an encouraging response of fervent prayer; a response that should not, however, require such a drastic event to call us to this as a faith community. Over the Congress was a growing vision and conversation for recapturing the gospel story at the heart of NZ's early history, particularly in light of the upcoming 2014 anniversary of the first sermon in NZ – as well as a renewed commitment to the power of the gospel to reach secular NZ. The way ahead will not be easy, but we were encouraged by this reminder of our whanau in the Body of Christ, with whom we serve our God.
Photo supplied by NZCN
Posted by Val Goold on 30/04/2011