BLESSED TIMES TO REMEMBER!

Someone said the 'shape' of our group looks like an outline of Australia!

We prayed for wonderful weather and God blessed us!

Uncle Koyo enjoying time with Amarah & Malachai

Three beautiful women of God! ISM is blessed with Jenny, Saling & Dianne

Our first night making new friends, reuniting with long time friends!

THANK YOU to our amazing worship team leaders: Ken Koo and Joel Wicks. And thanks to EVERYONE who shared their gifts with us to lead us in worship. We were truly blessed as we came before the Lord in ONE VOICE!

The AoG Samoan Youth! What a marvelous way to kick off our Kingdom Celebration!

More marvelous island voices from the kingdom of Tonga!

Our lovely dancer from Inner Mongolia!

A 'contagious' mix of cultures on this one! Malaysia, Brunei, New Zealand, America - and additional recruits from Tonga and Japan.

What? Wait - look at all those cultures dancing with the Japanese! Good times.

Our Malaysians from around NZ (and two Kiwi recruits) sharing praise to God.

"Gettin' jiggy with it"... A Scottish twirl, a Spanish whirl and a fun dance for the girls.

It wouldn't be right unless New Zealand was represented! "God of nations, at thy feet, in the bonds of love we meet..."

A fun night to share and care. Our living reality of Revelation 7:9-10

From the UK to Vanuatu - ministry interns Joel and Allen enjoying a pause.

Nonoka and Mana getting creative!

Thanks Allen for your great art!

Is this a new method of evangelism? Hey - isn't this the same concept as "woo" (helkuo - 'dragged by irresistible superiority')?

Hey - there are an aweful lot of big guys on the right.

The final countdown to conference

Look at the above photo. Imagine time with God spent along the shore. As you lift your heart and even your voice towards heaven, the swans and tuis and all manner of nature declare His glory alongside you. Just a brief walk out of your accomodation at Keswick, across the playing field and a few steps more you are at the lake. This is just a part of what you can experience at the ISMNZ Labour Weekend Conference this year.

The Nations at our Conference!

Thank you to all who have registered already! As of this morning - we have ISMNZ family and friends attending the conference from 13 NATIONS! And that number could increase with further registrations.

If you have not registered... EMAIL john@ism.org.nz, or janeen@ism.org.nz and let us know you will be attending. We are working out the final details of rooms, food, and our small groups.

The Nations at our Doorstep

Over the past few weeks we've opened the doors to several nations. Today we want you to have a look at the image below:

Look at the flags above. Can you name the nations they represent. More than that, have you had opportunity to reach out to any students from these nations?

God has blessed our ministry to students from several nations. But as we look to our next 10 years of ministry to international students, let's ask God for divine opportunity to reach even more peoples with His love and truth!

So, here is your challenge: identify the nations in the flags above. Write them down and prayerfully learn a few things about those nations. Wikipedia is a great sorce for quick information. Between now and the conference, ask the Lord to allow you to cross paths with students from one or more of these nations. Begin really praying for the peoples represented by the flags above. That God would open their hearts and minds and ears to the good news of the Kingdom of heaven, that they may know Christ and follow Him.

Over the weekend of 12-14 September, John & Reena Wallis and Janeen went with the interns to Keswick Christian Camp. The camp site is excellent! GREAT location, GREAT facilities, GREAT hospitality, GREAT place to gather and have prayer time, fellowship, study, sport, and enjoy the lake.

We look forward to having everyone get to know the interns over Labour Weekend. They have added their energy and creative touch to the planning, and we are all looking forward to making this ISMNZ conference a joy for you to attend.

Nations in the flags above: S. Korea, Brazil, Turkey, Oman, Iran, Solomon Islands, Vietnam

The Following Takes Place Between 4 September and 17 September 2009

Tourism Malaysia's soothing advertising hymn: "Malaysia, truly Asia" gives you an image of mystery, intrigue and beauty - a sense that Malaysia is a country where migrants of many Asian nations have gathered in one melting pot to create a place that is 'truly' Asia.

ISMNZ has been blessed over the years to minister to dozens of students from Malaysia, many of whom we continue to minister alongside of today.

This week's Nation at our Doorstep: MALAYSIA

Here are some facts about this nation to help you see the strategic importance of ministry amongst students from Malaysia.

With a population of over 27 million, Malaysia is a multi-religious society and Islam is the official religion… approximately 60.4 percent of the population practiced Islam; 19.2 percent Buddhism; 9.1 percent Christianity; 6.3 percent Hinduism; and 2.6 percent traditional Chinese religions. The remaining was accounted for by other faiths, including Animism, Folk religion, Sikhism and other faiths while 1.1% either reported as having no religion or did not provide any information.

Malaysia's population comprises many ethnic groups, with the Malays at 50.4% making up the majority and other bumiputra/indigenous (Aborigine) groups in Sabah and Sarawak at 11% of the population. 23.7% are Malaysians of Chinese descent, while Malaysians of Indian descent comprise 7.1%. Other Malaysians also include those whose origin can be traced to the Middle East, Thailand and Indonesia. Europeans and Eurasians include British who settled in Malaysia since colonial times, and a strong Kristang community in Malacca. A small number of Cambodians and Vietnamese settled in Malaysia as Vietnam War refugees. Malaysia also hosts a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 155,700 from the Philippines, Burma, and Indonesia.

There is much more to learn about Malaysia. Why don't you get to know an international student from Malaysia and find out about their families and their experience growing up in Malaysia. Show them sincere love and hospitality and ask them how you can pray for them as they sojourn in New Zealand.

CALLING ALL PARENTS! IF YOU HAVEN'T REGISTERED OFFICIALLY YET, PLEASE CONTACT JOHN OR JANEEN TO LET US KNOW THAT YOU'RE BRINGING THE KIDS!

In order to best plan for the children and youth programme at the conference, we need to know names and ages of all those kids who will attend. Help us to prepare an awesome time for the ENTIRE family! Email us TODAY!

janeen@ism.org.nz or john@ism.org.nz

ONLY 8 MORE WEEKS TO THE ISMNZ 2009 LABOUR WEEKEND CONFERENCE

That must mean springtime is almost here!

AND that must mean that the cherry blossoms are ready to bloom...

AND that makes us think about Sakura Festivals...

and THAT brings to mind JAPAN.

This week's Nation at our Doorstep: JAPAN

As we head towards our 10 Year Anniversary celebration at the ISMNZ conference in Rotorua, we also lift our eyes outward towards the nation of Japan. God has brought so many Japanese students to our doorsteps, and in fact several of those students have been a part of the ISMNZ Ministry internship programme over the years.

With over 127 million people living in Japan, and out of that only 1.76-2 million reportedly claiming Christianity as their religion, it is important that we turn our hearts upward in prayer to seek God for His salvation in that nation.

Many Japanese have gone to other nations to study and become followers of Jesus overseas, or grown in their Christian walk whilst in other countries. In March 2009 there was a conference held in Japan called the "All Nations Returnee Conference". One of those in attendance, Kenji Okuaki, said this:

"...it is said that more than 1 million Japanese live in different countries around the world. It is a good opportunity for those who live overseas away from daily life in Japan to know the presence of God and be saved. The Japanese fellowships in Indonesia and New Zealand - where we stayed - are also sending back many faithful returnees to Japan. They were enflamed with the faith that they were given overseas, and wish to deliver the Word of God in Japan as well. Recently, we began to see many foreigners in Japan. We have a lot of opportunities to sow good seed in them without going overseas. Whether we are overseas or in Japan, it can be said that the entire world is becoming a place for the ministry of the Word of God.

I feel that a new wave of missionary work started when the first returnee conference was held. I would like to have another such conference, as it is so spiritually moving. With the hope of revival of Japan, I pray that the good seed that can give dreams and hopes to young people is sowed."

“And afterward, I will pour out my Sprit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28 – 29)

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:36-38)

May we be encouraged that God is the Lord of the harvest, and through the movement of His people around the world, He continues to bless the nations.

Looking forward to celebrating His Kingdom of many nations together soon! Keep those registrations coming! office@ism.org.nz

The following takes place between 14 August & 20 August 2009

Keep those registrations coming! Thanks to all who continue to respond. Email us at office@ism.org.nz to let us know whether you can attend. AND... please, if you want to attend but cost is a factor, let John know!

This Week's Nation at our Doorstep: Taiwan

As we round the corner for our FINAL 10, we need to stop and pray for the nation of Taiwan. Unless you don't have TV, newspaper or internet access, the stories of tragedy and survival as a result of Typhoon Morakot hitting Taiwan this week are sure to have been in your mind.

Last week we focussed on our Tongan family, and we must continue to keep those impacted by the ferry tragedy fresh in our minds. This week we are led to add Taiwan to the prayer list. I am sure many of us have ministry to students from Taiwan, and even know some who have returned home. Some of our returnee boys are probably a part of the rescue efforts, because they are utilising the military to administer aid to the survivors. In case you don't know the details of what happened, here is information from a CNN article:

Typhoon Morakot dumped three meters of rain on southern and central parts of the island. By Thursday morning the government had counted 108 deaths, 62 people missing and 45 people injured from the storm.

In our "A Vision for the World" internship workshop, we have been looking at God's heart for the nations... the 'ethnos' (refering to geneology rather than geography), how peoples from every nation came from one man, Noah! So, as you pray for your families, remember that God made all of us from that one man... so may we care about all peoples as if they too were close family.

Pray for the peoples of Taiwan - those who migrated and the indigenous Taiwanese who live in aboriginal villages in the mountains. Pray for God's mercy spiritually as well as physically and emotionally. And, if you have connections to Taiwanese students, bless them this week in an extra special way. Pray too that the followers of Christ in Taiwan would reach out to those who are suffering and be a major blessing to the hurting.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

The Following Takes Place Between 7 August & 13 August, 2009

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YET? So far we've received confirmation of 49 people who will join in the ISMNZ celebration. Be sure to let John (john@ism.org.nz) or Janeen (janeen@ism.org.nz) know if you will attend. You can download the registration form (on the right of this page), print and complete if you have a printer. Otherwise, just email us with your RSVP.

As we continue to praise God for allowing us to minister amongst His harvest, this week let us turn out attention on Tonga. Every nation has its tragedies, and we do pray for the nations. This week we are focussing on Tonga, not only because God has blessed us with so many students and migrants who continue to be a part of the ISMNZ family, but because of the ferry tragedy that took place earlier this week.

Please pray for the peoples of the kingdom of Tonga... there are still dozens of family members missing after the sinking of the ferry. Many were rescued, and we praise God for that. But for those who the Lord took home, may we weep with those who weep and mourn with our Tongan brothers and sisters.

Dear Lord, we pray for those who grieve the loss of family, friends and neighbors, for those who are injured, those separated and searching for family, for those who have been traumatized. We ask for your continued healing presence in their lives and we commend to your care all those who have died. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, amen.

Psalm 121
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord -- who made heaven and earth. God will not let your foot be moved –the Lord who keeps you will not slumber. The Lord who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper – the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day – nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil – The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in – From this time on and forevermore.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
“Blessed be the God andFather of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.”

The Following Takes Place Between 31 July and 6 August, 2009

NOW IS THE TIME TO BEGIN THINKING ABOUT YOUR MINISTRY DISPLAY, YOUR MINISTRY PRESENTATION... WHATEVER YOU CREATE

THIS CONFERENCE WILL CELEBRATE REACHING THE NATIONS FROM OUR DOORSTEP...CHECK THIS OUT!

WHAT NATIONS ARE YOU REACHING? LET US KNOW.

BELOW IS A SAMPLE OF A MISSION DISPLAY - BUT THE WORLD IS THE LIMIT SO WE ARE LOOKING FOR CREATIVE NEW IDEAS TO SHARE WITH ONE ANOTHER!

AND FINALLY... How are you doing on keeping a Journal of Reflections?
If you haven’t started this already, it’s never too late. Think back over the years/months and bring to mind a special memory from your experience of ministry to international students. Perhaps it was helping a student settle in the country and seeing their smile which led to a new friendship. Maybe you were privileged to lead an international student to Christ, or establish them in their walk with Him. Now:

1. Praise God for His gift of allowing you to experience those moments
2. Pray specifically for that person(s) no matter where they may be today
3. If possible, contact that person(s) and let them know you are thinking of them, praying for them, and give them some encouragement.

Over these final 12 weeks, keep a journal of reflections to keep track of those lives you have had the joy and privilege of ministry and friendship with. If you have photos, include their photo in the journal along with those stories. Are you in touch with them today? If you are not, we challenge you to try and reconnect with as many as the Lord enables.

The Following Takes Place Between 24 July and 30 July, 2009

THINGS ARE MOVING AHEAD FULL STEAM!

The word teaches us to "commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed" (Proverbs 16:3), and that "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22).

So this week we are turning once again to you. Thus far God has blessed our efforts in putting the conference together. We are getting great feedback from around the country, and the ideas are beginning to flow in. But, as we want this to be a compete team effort. Therefore, we continue to seek your input on how to make this the best conference so far. You can email us directly at office@ism.org.nz, or click on the "GREAT IDEA FORM" under IDEA BOX and complete the form:

We thank God for His blessing in allowing us to co-labour in this ministry to international students. And we look forward to the conference when we can come together and celebrate!

The following takes place between 17 July and 23 July, 2009

This week let’s take a further walk down memory lane: In reflecting on our time of listening prayer from the ISMNZ 2006 conference, the third highlight God revealed to us was this:

GOD HAS GIVEN US A FORETASTE OF THE FUTURE

ISM is experiencing a Foretaste of the Future: “a great multitude… from every nation, tribe, people and language… crying in a loud voice, ‘salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’.”

Current Reality: Many people (foreigners) will come to seek to Lord and entreat Him… ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one believer and say, “let us go with you, because we have heard God is with you!” (Zech 8:20)

God has prepared a work for us (Eph 2:8-10); and we are instruments of His grace (Deut 10:18); we can reach the nations He has brought us through what God has called us to be, finding those “10” from each country who are taking firm hold. They will be the future shepherds and field workers.

Look at the photo above. Over the years God has drawn young believers from several nations to be a part of our ministry internships. Young men and women who were keen to grow in the knowledge of Christ and be further established and equipped for their future. This photo represents so many nations! And it is only a tiny fraction of the picture God has given to each one of us. Continue to reflect on those lives God has brought into your own life as you continue to reach the nations from your doorstep, impacting lives for eternity.

Reflect on these Scriptures the Lord gave us during our listening prayer time:

Revelation 7:9-10 "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

Zechariah 8:20-23 "This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, 'Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.' And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him." This is what the Lord Almighty says: "In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'"

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 "The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. You, too, must show love to foreigners…

Isaiah 61:2-5 "He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favour has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities long ago destroyed. They will revive them, though they have been empty for many generations. Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards.

The following takes place between 10 July & 16 July, 2009

"LET THE REGISTRATION BEGIN!"

The conference is only 15 weeks away... help us in the planning by letting us know whether you are planning to attend. The suggested registration donation is included on the form you received, but you can also click on the "CONFERENCE INFORMATION" link under the archives on the right to see those details.

Also, we are happy to receive any donations towards helping with the confernce expenses, as well as helping others be able to attend who may not have the funds to travel or pay the fees. Let Janeen (janeen@ism.org.nz) or John (john@ism.org.nz) if you'd like to contribute in this way.

WE WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE YOUR REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORMS NO LATER THAN 15TH AUGUST, 2009! Please print the form attached to the email correspondence, fill it out and return it to ISMNZ, PO Box 6082, Awapuni, Palmerston North 4445 New Zealand.

Thank you!

The following takes place between 3 July and 9 July, 2009

As we look ahead to the conference which is now just 16 weeks away, let’s continue to think about the vision of ISMNZ. Read this and really let your mind SEE… IMAGINE THE IMPACT! Consider the ripple effect of what investing in one international student will have not only here in New Zealand, but into the nations!

ISMNZ’s vision is that:

• All international students in New Zealand have the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ;
• Students from many countries – some inaccessible to traditional missionary endeavour – grow as followers of Christ while studying in New Zealand;
• Continue to serve God throughout their lives,
• And help many in their home countries and around the world become and grow as followers of Jesus Christ;
• Thereby reaching their communities and countries for Jesus Christ.

WOW! Read that again. That IS an amazing vision. Almost overwhelming. And yet, that’s exactly what God has raised up workers for ISMNZ to do for His glory. You can testify that it is true, you are witnesses to God’s amazing spreading of His kingdom as we impact the nations one life at a time.

In The Lost Art of Disciplemaking, LeRoy Eims tells the story of a young man named “Johnny” (and if you are reading this, you know who you are  ). Leroy says:

The Vision of Multiplying Disciples

I was visiting a foreign mission field and spoke with a veteran missionary. He told me a story that still haunts me; I can’t get it out of my mind. It seems that he went overseas some fifteen years before we met and began the usual programmes. About the time he arrived on his field, he met a young man named Johnny, who was involved in something quite different.

Johnny was a committed disciple of Jesus Christ, but he was going about his ministry in all the wrong ways according to the “book”. In contrast to the typical missionary approach of the time, Johnny was spending the bulk of his time meeting with a few young men in that country. The veteran missionary tried to get Johnny straightened out, but the young man kept on with his “different” approach. The years passed, and the veteran missionary now had to leave the country of his service due to new visa restrictions.

As he sat across the coffee table from me in his home, he told me, “LeRoy, I’ve got little to show for my time there. Oh, there is a group of people who meet in our assembly, but I wonder what will happen to them when I leave. They are not disciples. They have been faithful in listening to my sermons, but they do not witness. Few of them know how to lead another person to Christ. They know nothing about discipling others. And now that I am leaving, I can see I’ve all but wasted my time here.”

He continued, “Then I look to what has come out of Johnny’s life. One of the men he worked with is now a professor at the university. This man is used mightily of God to reach and train scores of university students. Another is leading a witnessing and discipling team of about forty young men and women. Another is in a nearby city with a group of thirty-five growing disciples around him. Three have gone to other countries as missionaries and are now leading teams in those lands who are multiplying disciples. God is blessing their work.

“I see the contrast between my life and his and it is tragic. I was so sure I was right. What he was doing SEEMED so insignificant, but now I look at the results and they are staggering.”

Are you getting excited to come together over Labour Weekend and CELEBRATE the Lord’s harvest? In some sense, this time together is not unlike the feast that God initiated to celebrate the harvest. This feast was called, “The Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths)”, and it was thus named because pilgrims travelled from afar to meet together. During the celebration week, they dwelled in tents (sounds like a camp site to us!) Deuteronomy 16:13-15 reads -

Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. Be joyful at your Feast--you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levites, the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns. For seven days celebrate the Feast to the Lord your God at the place the Lord will choose. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.

Let us celebrate the harvest God has brought to our doorsteps, and praise Him for the privilege of being His workers in His fields! May you experience complete joy.

The Following Takes Place Between 26 June and 2 July, 2009

So, have you been thinking about how to make this a CELEBRATION of what the Lord is doing to reach the nations through ministry to International Students in New Zealand?

We should continue to come before the Lord in prayer as we daily reach the nations at our doorsteps. Lorne Sanny once remarked to Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators, "You impress me as one who feels he is a man of destiny, one destined to be used of God."

Dawson replied, "I don't think that is the case. But I know this: God has given me some promises that I know He will fulfill."

"During earlier years Dawson spent countless protracted times alone with God, and out of those times the Navigator work grew - not by methods or principles, but by promises given to him from God's word." (Lorne Sanny)

One thing Dawson used to do was retreat to a hillside with a prayer partner every morning. Under a tree on that hillside was buried a small tin box that contained a world map. The men would pray that God would use them to raise up labourers to go to every nation, and specifically pray for each nation. Today there are over 4,000 people from 61 nationalities serving in over 100 nations with the Navigators!

Thus is the blessing of a heart focussed in prayer. Just as Dawson prayed according to the will of God, so we at ISMNZ can pray with expectation that God is doing something amazing to reach the nations through our mission field. We can pray according to God's will - that many international students in New Zealand will be transformed by believing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray He will bring us disciples to reach and equip who will return to their home countries - thus reaching the world for His sake.

Let us pray fervently. This week, next week, and all the weeks leading up to the conference. Pull out a map of the world and begin to ask God specifically for disciples from whatever nations He puts on your heart at that time.

Keep track of your prayers and how He leads you, and lets REJOICE in the work God is going to do in answer to prayer. We will have so much to celebrate with Him during Labour Weekend.

God Bless your time in His word and in prayer! His mercies never cease! His love endures forever.

The following takes place between 19th June and 25th June 2009

Have a look at the photo below. This is the meeting hall at Keswick! Now, IMAGINE it filled with ISMNZ family, friends, children, and co-labourers.

Next, picture this hall filled with the praises and worship of people from many tongues and tribes and nations... go ahead... IMAGINE!

Right now that room looks a little - well - colourless. But HOW can we bring our vision, our mission, our REALITY into it? How do we show that we are "reaching the nations from our doorstep"? What nations are we reaching? What is our testimony?

We need you all to be creative and send us ideas on ways to make this a TOTAL experience. Worship, prayer, time at the feet of Jesus in His word, fellowship, fun... offering all we are to the Lord.

We've had feedback - things like culture night (food, worship in many languages, etc.) and ministry displays. But now we need more ideas to compliment and complete what we've been receiving. Pray for a vision and keep those ideas coming! Let your voice be heard.

Please continue to pray for this conference! May our time be one of unity and purpose, with our hearts fixed on Jesus. Have a wonderful week!

The following takes place between 12 June and 18 June 2009

To the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ sharing God’s love with international students: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. (Adapted from Paul’s thanksgiving for the Colossians; Col 1:2-6NIV)

In sitting down to prepare this week’s blog, we are convinced as much now as ever before the importance of prayer, the power of prayer, and the protection of prayer. So as we are reminded this week about the ISMNZ conference it is time to focus our hearts in prayer.

Last week in the Palmerston North ‘Connect’ Philosophy of Ministry Bible study, one of the focuses of shepherding a community of disciples was praying for our disciples. We looked at the way the Apostle Paul prayed for his disciples and the churches he was a part of planting. His prayers were filled with thanksgiving, they were intercessory for protection, and in so many cases, the goal of his petitions was that followers of Christ would grow in their knowledge of God, their discernment of Truth, their faith to act, and gain hearts of understanding.

So, as we travel this road towards the ISMNZ conference...

Let us pray that our time together would:

• Draw us nearer to God
• Cause us to grow in our love for one another
• Bring praise to our lips as we testify of the harvest He has given us
• Encourage us to know God and share His word amongst the nations

Also, please seek God for His guidance as we plan TOGETHER how our time together will glorify Him: Pray -

• Whether you can be a part of the planning team
• For the central ‘theme’ of the conference to be revealed and illumined through the Holy Spirit
• For those with musical gifts to come forward with a desire to serve in our time together
• For those who are responding from as far south as Dunedin and as far east as the USA to have the resources to be able to attend.
• For our returnees who are a big part of the focus of this conference, that their testimonies would convict and inspire us.

May God bless your week. We are still in need of your feedback! Give John or Janeen a call at the ISMNZ office 06 357 0762; or email us at:

janeen@ism.org.nz

john@ism.org.nz

The following takes place between 5 June and 11 June 2009

God promises us John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

You receive another joyful reminder to mark your calendars to attend the ISMNZ 2009 Labour Weekend Conference, to be held @ Keswick Christian Conference Centre on Lake Rotorua; 23-26 October 2009!

Making Time to Reflect: How are you doing with your reflections? What mentors, friendships, disciples has God brought to mind as you look back over your experience with international students.

Have you had opportunity to follow up with someone who has actually gone home? Have you met their family? What was their response to you? Write down in your journal those experiences. Remind yourself of the encouragement you received that you never even expected. How is God using those people now? How is He using you now?

Don’t forget about Facebook to reconnect to some of those you have been out of touch with. You may just find them again! http://www.facebook.com/

A further walk down memory lane: In reflecting on our time of listening prayer from the ISMNZ 2006 conference, the second highlight God revealed to us was this:

God calls us to be United in Diversity:
Take some time to reflect on these verses:
Harmony amongst us by God’s working within us. (Eph 4:1-5; John 17:22,23; John 15:5)

Reflecting God in:
Humility (Micah 6:8)
Servanthood (Is 43:6)
Witness (Is 63:10-13)
Love (Mark 12:30-31)
Trusting God = Strong Faith (Jer 17: 7,8)

ISMNZ is made up of a body representing many nations. As many nations in unity we serve God as one body reaching the nations at our doorsteps. This brings God glory and acts as salt and light! Praise God! What a blessing to be called to this ministry.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1-6

The following takes place between 29 May 2009 and 4 June 2009
We thank everyone who has responded with ideas and willingness to serve at the conference. We are starting to hear that the KIDS are looking forward to this. So, run and get the kids (and kids at heart)... we'll give you a few ticks of the clock...
What would YOU like to experience at this year's ISMNZ conference at Lake Rotorua? This year we're celebrating, and many of the ISMNZ kids have known each other since a young age. We want you to feel a part of the family too!

So let's be creative and think of some great ways to bless the Lord, experience His joy, have fun together, and CELEBRATE! Games, Music, Bible study, drama... we need your feedback.

And to all the kids AND kids-at-heart, have a look at the image below. See anything you'd like us to try and arrange? We'd love to hear from you. Also, it would be great to begin getting some numbers on how many of the younger crowd are coming along. Pray that we will find someone as wonderful as Jenny McIvor to team up with us to make things extra special for our kids!

Once again, thank you for your encouraging responses. We are all blessed to be in the ministry to international students! Let's continue to celebrate the beauty of the diversity of God's kingdom...

The Following Takes Place Between 22 May and 28 May, 2009

We are seeking YOUR feedback! In order to make this conference one that blesses everyone, we want to hear your heart on some things. So here are a few questions we’d like you to prayerfully consider answering (feedback survey attached to email):

• What fun recreational activities would you like the committee to organise? This could be at the conference centre and/or around the Rotorua area.
  
• What kinds of “workshops” can we arrange in order to better help you in the ministry God has given you to international students?
  
• Is there a particular study or skill that you are willing to contribute at the conference? We welcome YOUR willingness to be a group leader, speaker, facilitator, etc. This could be anything and everything from teaching discipleship, training us how to help the students with English, ice breaker games and skits, worship leading, prayer initiatives, newsletter writing, fundraising tips and help, sports, kids, hospitality, team building… and whatever else you can think of that God has given you a heart to “pass on”.
  
• List at least THREE things you would like to experience at the conference (you know, like an expectation, a need, a hope, etc.)

Please continue to reflect on the plans God has involved you with, whether as an international student yourself, or in ministry towards international students. Who are those special friends, disciples and mentors that God brought into your life? Where are they from? Where are they now?

If you haven’t done it yet, over these next 24 weeks begin to keep a journal of reflections to keep track of those lives you have had the joy and privilege of ministry and friendship with. If you have photos, include their photo in the journal along with those stories. If you want a sample of a journal, email Janeen@ism.org.nz and she’ll send you an example.

**By putting together your reflections, you can use those thoughts and memories towards creating a ministry display and presentation for the conference. We plan to have a “creative” afternoon to share ideas on how to communicate or ministries, how to PROCLAIM the goodness of the Lord in our mission to international students.

United in Christ, we praise the Lord “May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah. May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You.” Psalm 67:3-5

And with unity of purpose in reaching the nations at our doorstep we proclaim: “All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name.” Psalm 86:9