Life Accumulates, hopefully for the good
"A full life
does not necessarily mean
I am living a full life"
It’s Monday, the 9th of July. I got up at 6am this morning thinking: “If I do not write a newsletter today, it won’t happen until end July"
IN THIS NEWSLETTER A. Two Books that might just help you grow in God, and influence your community
B. Brainstorming in the UK: New Centre for Christian Formation
C. In my own words: What is YWAM-UofN again? D. Last leg of the Masters: Let me finally catch you up. E. “The Single Table” A monthly get together for singles in KP… it finally started to happen.
F. Tipping points: A final word.
A. TWO BOOKS
Difference Makers: A practical guide as to how we can be involved and bring change in our immediate communities.
During Module 6 I was introduced to this fantastic book. After an amazing and intense conversation about church planting and bringing change in our communities in England (with non-Ywam friends in the ministry) I thought to introduce this book to you.
Why do I appreciate this specific book?
It is for ANYONE who wants to see change come to their immediate village where they live and work. I do not like to engage with material that is only head knowledge. If I cannot change information into a practical outcome - why bother?
The second book is an audio book that was introduced to us a couple of months ago during the masters program. If you have downloaded the APP “Audible” you can listen to this brilliant book “Invitation to solitude and silence” (Yes - its for parents too) by Ruth Haley Barton. I personally think this is a key message to us today. I especially listen to it while I drive, and then do the practical application at home. For me it means I am not only reminded about this life style in the morning during my quite time, but that to “Be still and know that I am God” is an ongoing practice during our day too, while at work, with the kids and when alone.
B. BRAINSTORMING IN THE UK
Centre for Christian Formation Meeting
I am back in SA after two weeks in the UK. Of course they kept me at immigration even though I had a UK visa... this is WHY I need a strong Word from God before I fly to the UK!
Finally, after checking my record and tons of questions, my invitation letter from the YWAM base let me through those gates where my dear friend since 2002, John Sexton waited for me. More about Southport later.
“Centre for Christian Formation and Discipleship”
WHY I WENT TO THE UK:
THIS NEW CENTRE had its first official gathering to brainstorm new initiatives. Very Fruitful is what comes to mind. I am so grateful that I was able to make it. You can ask me in person about this.
WHAT IS THIS CENTRE ABOUT? The goal of the centre is to facilitate growth in followers of Jesus so that they are rooted in the love of God, established in a community of faith, and drawing on Holy Spirit to love and responsibly serve God and others for the sake of the whole world, as Jesus did.
The Centre for Christian Formation and Discipleship is distinct from the Int’l Discipleship Training Centre in that, while the IDTSC is specifically focused on serving the Discipleship Training Schools, we will serve audiences both in and outside the mission. In addition, the Centre for Christian Formation will support the efforts of the IDTSC with further equipping and resources.
The Centre will produce educational initiatives (seminars, courses and degree tracks) that integrate theories and content from each of the following categories in the development and application of effective models of Christian formation: The nature, character and work of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and His purposes for people and all creation The Biblical narrative, the Gospel, and God’s provision for redeeming people and all creation How people grow and learn (identity & character formation, human development and adult learning) How to facilitate the Christian formation of communities and people through classic Christian practices Christian vocation or God’s calling
C: In my own words: What is YWAM-UofN again?