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Lincoln: Lincoln Reunion: Multiplied Harvest
Held in conjunction with Lincoln University’s Alumni Office, Labour weekend 2011 saw the first ever Lincoln CF reunion. The idea came from Lynda Bayne, who became a Christian in the ‘1970s. 40-50 people were present, most of whom had been students in the ‘1970s. The University hosted attendees in the Halls, and catered for the event.
The same weekend the All Blacks finally regained the Rugby World Cup, a bunch of older combatants retraced their steps to the hallowed turf of Lincoln University. For me, it had been 36 years since graduating with my B.Ag.Sc. Most of us had come to faith at Lincoln.
I had come to Lincoln from a sincere but nominal Christian background. Naively, I signed up to the Christian Union at Orientation - after all, I was a ‘Christian’! I attended cell group and was shocked to discover that these people actually had a personal relationship with Jesus. Finally I attended a church service, and fully surrendered my life to Christ. Wow! Why had I waited so long!
Photo: Following Jesus 40 years on!
In my first year class of about 75, only three or four had been committed believers. Through their witness and prayer, by the end the year I was one of ten who had come to a living faith in Jesus.
At the end of our fourth year nearly 20 out of 60 were believers. A number of us chose to remain on campus as a strategy to better connect with nonbelievers. Some set aside a day a week to fast for Lincoln – challenging, as again it happened to be my rugby practice night!
We attended a wide spectrum of churches from conservative traditional to charismatic and pentecostal. At CU we took care to show consideration and respect for differences in theology and expression without focussing on them; we had plenty in common in Christ and plenty of unsaved to reach.
Our reunion focussed on retelling some of the ways Lincoln had impacted our lives. It was fantastic to hear the way so many had come to faith during their time there, and how that had been a springboard into serving God in many amazing ways. The harvest continues. And the next reunion may well happen sooner than 2047!
Dave Moore now works as pastor at Harvest Apostolic Church in Rotorua.
Posted by Tim Hodge on 22/03/2012
Minty Fresh Faith
We have absolutely loved having our 2011 Minterns on board, and seeing the way God has worked in their lives. Here are some of their reflections as they end their internship with us:
Kaitlyn Ng - In ten months of Minty, I storyboarded, filmed, edited videos and led many Bible Studies. I was part of the mean TSCF machine and felt the hearts of those who are fuel to the movement, during times of vulnerability and strength, whose eyes are constantly on God.
My knowledge about Jesus grew in depth through one-to-one Bible studies and personal study. My knowledge about how to respond to Jesus grew during supervision, where I was kept accountable for my money, time, relationships and projects.
My filming opportunities also provided me with a bigger and fuller picture of who TSCF really is. Each campus group had such a different feel to it – but with one heart and mind. Just being reminded of this unity was incredible.
At SLC, I came to the realisation that the way of life God planned for us is far superior to anything we can dream up. Although my future seems uncertain at this point, I know that His faithfulness extends beyond my comprehension. May God help me remain fresh and green through the years, and cling to Him even when I’m old and grey.
Chris Watterson - This last year I have grown in discipline, personal Bible study, understanding of God’s heart for justice and my role in that. SLC reinforced my convictions towards mission and opened some doors to get involved in social justice oriented initiatives in the coming year. And I am all the more excited to be starting Health Science at Otago this year, with the possible end goal of being a missionary doctor.
The year in general was tough; I sometimes found it hard to fill my time or to feel like my work had much direction. Sometimes I felt I wasn’t really doing much. But I am stoked to have had the mentorship and accountability provided by my supervisor James, helping me to grow in a more focused, intentional and stronger way. And I’m stoked to have forged the relationships that I have, and hope they will continue to be mutually supportive going forward.
‘Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.’ Proverbs 14:31
Posted by Mel Mylvaganam on 22/03/2012
Waikato: Transitions to new spaces
An old issue of the magazine Fuel, but I am finding the advice useful for myself as we move. Check it out if you're on the move too. http://www.presbyterian.org.nz/sites/default/files
Posted by Li Lian Lim on 21/01/2012