ignited (march-april 2010)
Embed Size (px)
TRANSCRIPT
Issue No. 3
IGNITEDScripture Union of Fiji
APRIL-MAY 2010
The Biblical Counseling Workshop held on Monday March 1st (a public holiday) organized jointly by Scripture Union of Fiji and the Networks of Christian Educators went very well. One participant, a teacher, came from as far as Nadi. We would like to thank Master Joji Tabua, the Manager of AoG Primary School, for kindly providing the venue at no charge. We also thank those who provided morning teas and lunch. The next workshop looking at Counseling of Young People in Primary and High Schools is planned for the school holidays in May. Those wishing to attend should contact [email protected] or [email protected] or through his facebook.
Trusting in the Lord Just as David DidWe serve a mighty God Jehovah and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Just as the Lord protected David from the lion and bear and helped him defeat Goliath, the Lord can help us overcome obstacles and problems if we will only trust him. In your own lives as students, volunteers, parents and adults we can succeed at what we do if trust in the risen Lord in every aspect of our lives. 1st Samuel: 17:32- 37 Dont worry about a thing,David told Saul. Ill fight this
JOSEPH VERAMU
Philistine! Dont be ridiculous! Saul replied. There is no way you can go against this Philistine. You are only a boy, and he has been in the army since he was a boy! But David persisted, I have been taking care of my fathers sheep, he said. When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamp from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and Ill do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the Lion and paw of the bear will deliver me from the hands of the Philistines.
Scripture Union of Fiji Suite A16 I Grantham Plaza, Raiwaqa I Phone: 3383 322 I Email: [email protected]
A second lesson we learn from this story is that God often uses the simple, ordinary things around us to accomplish his tasks in the world. It is important only that they be dedicated to him for his use. David used small smooth stones to kill Goliath. What do you have that God can use? A pen, piece of paper, a few cents in your pocket, your time. Anything and everything can be a possible instrument for God. But I am just a primary student, a high school student or a school drop out. I am just a worker in a low paying job. I am just a housewife. The good news is that God wants to use you. The Lord would like to use young people and adults in his work in spreading the Good News and in the Great Commission in Scripture Union, your churches, your schools, workplaces, playing grounds etc. The third lesson that we can learn is that no matter how difficult or impossible it is for people, it is possible for God. Do you have a drug problem, difficulty in your school work etc? Remember nothing is impossible. David as Role Model: David (Role Model): Shepherd, Poet, Giant Killer, King, Ancestor of Jesus: in short one of the greatest men in the Old Testament. But alongside that list stands another: David committed adultery with Bathesheba. He arranged the murder of Uriah, Bathshebas husband. He directly disobeyed God in taking a census of his people. He did not deal decisively with the sins of his children. Yet in spite of Davids failures God still refers to David in Acts 13:22 as a man after my own heart for he will do everything that I want him to. David more than anyone else had an unchanging belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of God. He believed with all his heart in the Lord. Yes David sinned but he was quick to confess his sins. His confessions were from the heart and his repentance was real/genuine. David never took Gods forgiveness lightly or his blessing for granted. In return God never held back from David either his forgiveness or the consequences of his action. David experienced the joy of forgiveness even when he had to suffer the consequences. Another big difference between David and us is that while he sinned greatly, he did not sin repeatedly. He learned from his mistakes because he accepted the suffering they brought. Often we do not seem to learn from our mistakes or the consequences of it.
men and women in SU Fiji, PSFC, churches, schools, workplaces etc to do his work. You can overcome problems: You can overcome impossible odds and resist temptation through complete trust in the Lord. Give your lives to the Lord in Building Up the Body of Christ. Dont hold back. Dont be timid. Those who would like to serve SU Fiji better or their mission field in churches, workplaces, schools etc please pause now and offer up a prayer to God. Going through some personal problems? Remember David did the impossible by beating Goliath as the Lord was with him. The Lord is with us and can help us to overcome obstacles in our lives.
SU SCHOOL MINISTRY REPORT: VISITATIONS FOR FEBRUARY (by Te Niurua)Praise the Lord! We have started visiting schools yet again these last two (2) weeks and have seen open doors from both primary (10 schools) and secondary (15 schools) with some of these schools having started SUIS already (LBSS & GHS). We will continue with our visitations next week and hoping to see more schools added to our list when Term 1 ends.
1st Samuel: 17: 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the Lion and paw of the bear will deliver me from the hands of the Phillistines. The Lord will protect you from harm and will help you overcome difficult situations. Like David, the Lord would like to anoint and use especially the young2 IGNITED I April 2010
VOLUNTEER STAFF We are blessed with 3 volunteer staff who have joined us this year. They are: Mr. Seveci. Nasilisili who will work with Te based in Suva. Mr Inia Nasoi who will work with Luisa based in Suva.) Inia is an SPMTC student attached to SU for 1 year. Miss Amelia Vesikula will look after Nadi / Lautoka based in Nadi. All these three volunteer staff had been part of the visitation team for the past two weeks. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We take this opportunity to thank Dr. Veramu and his team of donors for donating funds that helps us (4 people) in visiting schools these two weeks. We believe that school visitation is a vital component of school ministry and therefore must not be missed. We have witnessed in the past camps and other activities the low turnout of teachers and I would blame the inconsistency of our school visits. Many heartfelt thanks to them for this great help. We also thank School Principals and Head Teachers for allowing us in to be part of their school program and are also convinced that without God they can do nothing. That was the comment made by ACS Principal (Mrs. Salote Nawalowalo) supported by many other school heads during our visit in these two weeks. Thank God! Mr & Mrs Nasilisili lent their vehicle (4 wheel DK 615) for our use on 17th Feb as we visited Nausori & Rewa. We take this opportunity to acknowledge their kind support towards SU ministry. Above all, all praises & glory be to God for His Love and protection over us in these last two weeks of
Profile: Josh Umu: Sportsman for GodWhen I first met Josh, my first question was how he developed the huge muscles and biceps. Was he always big like this?.like Jonah Lomu or was it inspired by the Taylor Lautner character in Twilight, New Moon? No, none of this, he said patiently appreciating that because of the age difference there can be a huge gap in mindsets between babyboomers and the Y generation.Since he took up rugby league as a sport, he had to develop a bigger solid physique to be able to handle the tough and rough world of full body contact. Josh plays for the Police Sharks and has represented Fiji in the Under 19 team. Josh is currently studying for a Certificate in Sports Science at the Fiji National University. He attended Suva Grammar School. His hobbies are playing the guitar, watching movies and singing worship songs. The Ravitaki, Kadavu lad attends Butt Street Church. He likes the Butt Street youth group because we encourage each other and it builds up our faith in GOD. But apart from that, most of the time, we spend inside the youth hall and not out there in the lost world. Josh says he loves being a SUIS Volunteers because it gives me the courage to talk and also helps me to organize things and be responsible. Being a volunteer has helped me to be confident and assertive for the Lord. I am no longer shy. I used to be withdrawn in the past. But my youth group has affirmed and encouraged me to step out in faith and strengthen my mission field so I can extend Gods Kingdom.IGNITED: Newsletter of the Scripture Union in FijiOfficial correspondences and communications to Scripture Union Fiji must be sent to [email protected] Phone: 3383322. The office is located at Suite A16, Grantham Plaza, Raiwaqa. The postal address is Box 1278,Suva, FIJI. Correspondences to the newsletter can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected] Editor: Joseph Veramu; Deputy Editor: Iva Teilai; Graphic Desiger: Saimoni Reporter: Laisani Vuibau, Losalini Tabakei, Keverieli Tavainavesi
Josh, how do you handle temptations? As a young person, how do you handle, say drugs, girls etc? I asked. If someone offers me drugs or wants to come on to me, I turn away from the temptation and trust in the Lord to help me deal with it. I wont do drugs because they lead to mental problems and its not good. If a girl approaches me for a relationship I decline because the Bible states that sex is meant only for holy marriage. He quoted 1st Corinthians 10:13 But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you cant stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. Josh says that he spends much of his free time reading the Bible and praying everyday because reading the Word and praying is very powerful. Josh also shared one of his favourite Bible verses with Ignited Readers; Psalm 139:14 (NIV) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Readers who might want to make contact with Josh can link up to him through facebook, bebo and grounded.
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR We encourage all volunteers and readers of Ignited to send us letters, stories, testimonies, reports etc. These can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]
3 IGNITED I April 2010
Letters to the Editor:Young Fiji Firebrand Lario Kalounivale Letter 1: Dear Mr. Chairman and Dr Veramu, Pastor Dr. Geoff Waugh has published Lario Kalounivales story (which appeared in Ignited Feb issue) on his facebook page. He is inspired and blessed by the article and Lario's faith. Best wishes: Romulo Nayacalevu Letter 2: Bula vinaka Mr Nayacalevu and Dr Veramu I have had a chat with Lario and he has also read Pst Dr. Waugh's email and visited his page on FB. Our young brother is just in awe of how God is using him to encourage people around the world and the encouragement he is getting from great men and women of God like Dr Waugh and people like your good selves. I have also received numerous positive feedback over the last week on the February issue ofIGNITED and especially the article on Lario..Praise God Sitiveni Kalou Editors Note If you wish to contact Lario, check hum out on facebook, bebo,
Central Division- First Term SUIS Rally By Vilimaina Cindy Waqanokonoko
grounded or ning.
NEWS IN BRIEFEvent: YOUTH-NITED 2010 What: Rally Start Time: Saturday, May 1 at 6:00pm End Time: Saturday, May 1 at 9:30pm Where: VODAFONE ARENA
ALL WELCOME4 IGNITED I April 2010
On the 23rd of March the first term rally for the Central Division was held at Adi Cakobau School. The SUIS Rally committee faced a few challenges but indeed The Battle is not ours but The Lords. The theme for the rally was A LIGHT THROUGH THE TUNNEL. The Speaker was Mrs. Fine Ditoka. The rally was attended by the SUIS committee, the volunteers from the School Working Group, the Music team from Nausori ANCF and teachers and students from schools around the Central Division from Navua to Tailevu. Indeed all were surprised that Vashist Muni College from Navua had attended the rally for the first time in history. The program began at 8am with Sing a Long followed by Praise and Worship which was led by the Nausori ANCF Music Team. The host schools Principal Mrs. Salote Nawalowalo gave a welcoming speech which was then followed by an item from the ladies of ACS. There were also ice breakers which included a specific one where students sat not with their schools but with those from other schools. The Speaker, Mrs. Fine Ditoka talked about PRAYER where there was a great need to pray. Students were put into groups according to their birth months and the groups were led by the SWG volunteers in prayer. The prayer points included the nations affairs ranging from the government to the people of the nation. While students participated in the prayer sessions, the teachers from the schools had a meeting with Sitiveni Kalou. After the prayer session, we all hosted to lunch by the ladies of ACS. After lunch, we were brought back into the hall for an afternoon program. This included items presented by each school and presentations from the Friends Rally Committee of the AoG Church and the Youth-Nited Committee. After a day of fellowship and excitement, indeed as they say all good things come to an end, the program ended with a prayer and teachers, students, volunteers and all present at the rally said their goodbyes and made their way home. Indeed we serve a Great God, who has faithfully provided for this rally, without Him this rally would have been impossible, therefore in the end all GLORY AND HONOUR be His and His only.