twentyfour7ISSUE 005

published by carmel: ministries international

>>expandyourvisionovercoming flat world thinking!

05Editor: Michelle Di Somma

Associate Editor: Lyn Birdsall

Copywriters: Rev. Sarah Stockinger Julian Clarke Jenny Tagg Lyn Birdsall

Design/Art Direction: Darrell Irwin

Photography: Dean Butler, Julian Clarke, Darrell Irwin

abigwelcome>>

carmel:twentyfour7>>For comments and suggestions for the next twentyfour7 please email us on 24-7@carmel-uk.org

carmel: twentyfour 7 is published by carmel: ministries international. Reproduction of this publication in part or whole is prohibited.

thankyou!A massive thanks to all those who have made this magazine possible,

GOD BLESS YOUMIGHTILY

latest news

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guest teaching

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teaching

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missions

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testimonies

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interview

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A personal highlight for Pastor Gerri and myself was the privilege of being invited to Buckingham Palace to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s garden party! This was a result of a member of the congregation writing to the Queen to tell her about the work that we at Carmel are doing, and sending Her Majesty a copy of twentyfour7!

abtc: enjoyed an action packed Graduation with Rev. Wynne Lewis as guest speaker. Carmel Christian School continues to grow. We thank God that real growth is not about numbers but about lives being changed by the power of the word of God as it becomes the foundation.

In this issue, Pastor Gerri’s and our guest speaker Rev. Reb Bradley’s teaching each challenge us to look at how we think and respond in different situations. When such wise and Godly counsel is heeded, it will bring results!

My challenge to you is don’t just read the teachings, articles and testimonies, but ask God to reveal to you what response He desires from you to change something in you that will affect others.

Michelle Di Somma

event date timeMen’s Breakfast Sat 11th Sept 8.30am

Guest speakerTrond Peter Jacobsen Sat 18th Sept. 6.30pm

abtc: Registration Mon 20th Sept 9.30am–12.30pm

abtc: Academic Year Mon 27th Sept 9.15am–12.30pm

Ladies Breakfast Guest speaker Yvonne O’Neill Sat 2nd Oct 8.30am

Empowering for Excellence Wed. 27th Oct Thurs. 28th Oct Fri 29th Oct

Men’s Advance Fri.12th Nov Sat.13th Nov Sun.14th Nov

Special Guest Eric Petrossian Kingdom Come: The Life Of Christ Sat 27th Nov 6.30pm

Positioned For Blessing Thurs 2nd Dec 6.00pm–10.00pm Fri 3rd Dec 6.30pm–10.00pm Sat 4th Dec 9.00am–5.00pm

Special Guest Paul Poulton in concert Sat. 18th Dec. 6.30pm

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contents

abigwelcome>>forthcomingeventsFor any further information contact Lyn Birdsall on 0117 977 5533

churchservicesSaturday night service: 6.30pmSunday morning service: 10.30amWednesday 1st in month (WOW praise and worship) 7.00pm

churchoffice817a Bath Road, Brislington,Bristol BS4 5NL

contactusTel: (0117) 977 5533Fax: (0117) 977 5678Email: info@carmel-uk.org

howtofindus

Directions from Bath:Follow A4 Bath Road towards Bristol, past Keynsham to the Park and Ride on the left hand side. At the traffic lights go straight ahead past McDonalds on your right and turn right into the forecourt of HSBC bank. We’re just behind.Directions from the M4:Take Junction 19 into Bristol on the M32. Take Junction 3, the A4 Link Road, and follow the signs for Bath. Pass Sainsbury’s on your left and at the traffic lights (Burger King will be on your right) continue straight on towards Bath. Follow the road up the hill and continue down the other side. You should see a petrol station at the bottom. Continue following the road round to the right and up the hill under a bridge. You will come to a retail complex (JJB Sports) on your right hand side and a Jaguar garage on the left. Keep going past this and turn left into HSBC bank forecourt and we’re just behind it.Directions from Bristol City Centre:Follow Temple Way towards Temple Meads Railway Station passing it on the left. Follow the A4 Bath Road passing a Kwik Fit garage on the left. At traffic lights with HTV Studios on the right and Burger King on the left follow the road round to the right uphill and continue down the other side. You should see a petrol station at the bottom then shops on the left. Continue up the hill under a bridge. You will come to a retail complex (JJB Sports) on your right hand side and a Jaguar garage on the left. Keep going past this and turn left into HSBC bank forecourt and we’re just behind it.

becomingapartnerA partner is a sharer, an associate, one who engages with another in business, one who plays on the same side as another.

Partnership is important – It releases power to get the job done. We can accomplish the Great Commission together in unity.

Partnership in prayer – We believe it is vital for every Partner to develop a strong personal prayer life, and to pray for the leadership for Godly wisdom and direction from the Lord.

Partnership in caring – We are instructed to watch over and take care of the partners in our charge (Acts 20:28).

Partnership in sharing – The whole ministry of sharing is to give oneself in the areas of love, time, talents and finances.

Account Details

carmel: ministries international is a registered charity (Charity No. 1094052) with Luke 9:2 as its mission statement. All finances sown go into the work of establishing God’s Kingdom through evangelism and preparing labourers for the harvest.

United KingdomHSBC Account No:40–14–06 11341294

Should you wish to donate by Gift Aid please contact the church office.

South AfricaAnchor MinistriesInternationalFirst National Bank, CrestaAccount No: 3000080594

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The ceremony was held at Carmel Christian Centre in the new main auditorium and was once again filled to capacity. We thank God for our new building but can already see it won’t be long until we need to move again!!

The guest speaker was Rev. Wynne Lewis – retired Chief Superintendent of Elim Pentecostal Churches U.K. and also retired long term serving Pastor of Kensington Temple London. With many years of experience, a wealth of wisdom and a servant heart, Rev. Wynne ministered from Matthew 14:22 where Jesus walked on the water towards his disciples in the boat as it was tossed by the storm.

Rev. Wynne drew our attention to how Matthew relates that Jesus ‘made them’ or ‘constrained them’ to get into the boat. He explained that each one of us needs to know that we are constrained by God to what He is calling us to do – we must know that God has called us. Then, when the storms of life come, which they will to test us, we will be anchored by the assurance that we are in God’s will for our lives. He encouraged us to hold on to the knowledge that it is God who has set the direction, the mission and the goal. He exhorted us to keep going by the grace of God and just like Peter who walked to Jesus on the water, to step out in faith and obedience to His call to ‘Come’.

We thank God for this gift to the Body of Christ as he ministered encouragement to the students and challenged them to do all that God has called them to do!!

Our eigth annual Graduation Service took place on Saturday 10th July with family and friends attending this very special occasion. This year abtc: graduated 27 First Year students with a ‘Certificate of Merit’ and 25 Second Year students with a ‘Diploma in Ministerial Training’.

stormingit

It was thrilling to recognise the spiritual growth in the lives of the students through their commitment to studying God’s Word. We trust Him for a mighty harvest from the labourers that abtc: has had the privilege of training and equipping as each student goes on to fulfil that call.

Rev. Wynne and his wife Carol were presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as was Pastor Michelle Di Somma. We surprised Pastor Gerri by presenting him with a gift of a hand stitched leather briefcase. Each of these gifts were but a small token of our love and appreciation of God’s gifts to us in these, His faithful servants. We acknowledged that without the obedience, commitment and sacrifice of Pastor Gerri Di Somma, Founder and President, abtc: would not be here and we would not be able to fulfil God’s command to disciple the nations.

At the end of the evening the graduating students sang with heartfelt sincerity the abtc: Anthem written especially for the occasion. The testimony of their lives, together with the Word of God, drew many others to take their first steps of faith in response to the call to “Come” as they gave their hearts to the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ., to whom we give all the glory.

We now look forward to the next intake of students in September 2004, trusting God at all times to lead, direct and guide us as abtc:takes another step higher!

latest news knowmore?

If you want to know more, then you can request additional information by just filling in the details below. Alternatively you can check out all the very latest information on our websites.carmel: ministries internationalwww.carmel-uk.organchor bible training centrewww.abtc-uk.orgNEW! carmel:churchwww.church.carmel-uk.org

Please return to: carmelcentre admissions office 817a bath road, brislington, bristol bs4 5nl, united kingdom

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01 Who or what will rob a home of delight?

(i) Children lacking wisdom.

Consider these Scriptures: “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.”

“To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.”

“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1; 17:21; 15:20) And here’s the point: “The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him” (Prov. 23:24).

Thus children who lack wisdom are foolish and rob the home of delight.

(ii) Children who do not receive parental love expressed through discipline.

Applying biblical discipline is a key part of delighting in your child. “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace, he will bring delight to your soul” (Prov. 29:17).

We must not intimidate them into subjection but win their hearts to submission.

(iii) Children who act foolishly through incorrect training

the delightful

We all want a family that’s “delightful”. One where the children don’t cheek or challenge you and where they obey quickly, perhaps? One that’s free from whining, grumbling, complaining and bickering? One where there’s peaceful interaction, where there’s true love and affection? Well, I believe these things aren’t that hard to realise.

Reb Bradley, founding Pastor of Hope Christain Fellowship California, founder of Family Ministries, author of ‘Child Training Tips – what I wish I knew when I was young’ shares his wisdom with us...

family

guest teaching

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02 The ways we promote foolishness in a child can be seen when:

(a) We strive for their affection and approval not wanting them to dislike us. For example, when discipline is followed by indulging them to regain their affection. The Bible calls that the fear of man.

(b) We live for their happiness and allow their reactions to determine our leadership choices. This results in children thinking their happiness is supreme. They become disrespectful to their parents who to them become of no value beyond meeting their needs. And adolescent rebellion seems inevitable.

(c) We rescue our children from their trials because we don’t want them to suffer, e.g. buy them expensive branded clothes so they won’t get ‘humiliated’ by wearing perfectly good ordinary clothes. Because something doesn’t seem a blessing we assume it will rob them of the joy they’re entitled to have. Wrong. Hebrews chapters 2 and 5 say that God used suffering to bring His own Son to maturity. If your faith is never challenged you never grow in faith. Maturity is something that’s developed. So, if we have the wrong perspective, when our children experience a trial, we want to rescue them. “What, your play mate has taken your toy and is not allowing you to play with it. Let me go and tell them not to rob you of your toy!”

Childhood is not a pre-adult playtime. It’s preparation for adulthood and responsibility. It’s the ‘delightful’ maturing of a life. Maturity is postponed if they avoid trials. See Hebrews 2:10 and Acts 14:22 on trials and suffering.

(d) We indulge them and make sure their desires are met; the latest clothes, toys or games. Suggestion: don’t let the children tell you what they want for Christmas. Ask them what they’re going to buy their brother, sister, father or mother.

(e) We allow our children to share in parental leadership. God designed the parents to be leaders and the children as followers. They are to learn to say: “Yes, dad; no dad, what else do you have for my life?” By this they learn the inner control they need for maturity. They do not have the right to exercise control over the family through the decision making process.

(f) We do not require obedience ‘now’. The children decide if, when and how they

will obey and are therefore allowed to share in parental leadership.

(g) We withhold discipline when they need it. It’s usually because we want to be the child’s buddy or protect them from ‘suffering’. Note Proverbs 19:18: “Do not spare for your children’s crying” We must deny ourselves and do whatís good for the child.

03 Aside from subduing self-will, what will create a delightful family?

A delightful family is one in which the children have been raised to love God and love and serve others as theylove themselves. Teens are especially fulfilled when they serve because they are in their calling. A serving child is a happy and contented child.

Here are some tips for teaching children to love and serve:

(a) Teach them daily by your example that loving and serving others is our supreme goal.

(b) Encourage them to secretly serve their siblings.

(c) Make the absence of love the issue of every childish dispute. You don’t have to know who started the conflict. Where there’s conflict, the issue is the absence of love. Ask each one how they failed to love the other, and make sure the issue is properly resolved with repentance, forgiveness and each blessing the other before anything else goes on.

(d) Pour your love into them frequently. Their love tank needs to be kept full to enable them to love (1 John 4:19).

(e) Promote the love of others in your prayer time with the children.

(f) Tell or read them stories about ‘delightful’ children.

(g) Give greater affirmation when they love and serve than when they score a goal. Love is more worthy of praise than a ball in the back of a net.

(h) Let them hear you brag to others about how much they love and serve.

(i) Limit entertainment in which the key characters have a bad attitude.

(j) Do not permit ANY unkind words in your home (Eph. 4:29).

(k) Acquaint them with believers who suffered for Christ to temper their sense of ‘suffering’.

(l) Model love, service and kind speech in your marriage.

With the power of God in your life, all things are possible.

>>“God designed the parents to be leaders and the children as followers.”<<

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God has already given the key. Ephesians 4:17 warns “do not walk as the gentiles walk in the futility of their mind”. George Bernard Shaw said “You say things and say “Why? But I dream things that never were and I say “Why not?”

Anybody that ever did anything exceptional had to overcome the obstacles of others or their own “flat world” thinking – and do what was considered impossible.

What is “flat world” thinking?

a) We need to go back in history. In 1451 Christopher Columbus was born in Italy. People then believed the world was flat and you could fall off the edge, but Columbus believed the world was round. The King of Portugal, a flat world thinker, refused to sponsor him in his plan to sail to India the “wrong” way. Many refusals followed until eventually, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain funded his incredible project. The rest of the story is history...but first he had to find a crew willing to go beyond what they thought was the edge of the world.!

When God gives great vision and inspiration not everyone will follow. Their beliefs hold them captive not to experience the extraordinary, most unusual, exceptional life.

Exceptional is defined as “unusual not typical, unusually good, out of the ordinary, excellent, extraordinary, outstanding”. This is the life God wants for all Christians, though many never experience it. Many hinder themselves from experiencing the potential God has placed within for the exceptional, extraordinary, most unusual life.

From the teaching series The Exceptional Life by Gerri Di Somma

The greatest struggle we have is to lead people, churches and organisations when they are flat world thinkers.

Throughout the bible you will find incredible men who were really progressive in their aspirations and their ability in God and trust in God. Most of the exceptional and extraordinary people were people with a really good relationship with God.

b) Flat world thinking is made up of partial truth or false beliefs. This is because flat world thinkers have a blind spot – or “scotoma” – defined as “a partial loss in vision or a blind spot in a normal visual field.”

We act in accordance with the truth as we believe it.

A recent example is in an article in the Daily Mail March 22. It tells how two men with an old, patched and borrowed boat, almost no kit and little experience accepted a 3000 mile rowing challenge. The other highly trained team, with superb, hi-tech equipment and energy food, laughed at their chances. But Chris Morgans and Mick Perants made history, completing the race in 48 days, beating their nearest rivals by 7 days and smashing the European record.

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overcomingflatworldthinking

teaching

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Roger Bannister, famous for breaking the world record for running the mile, displayed the same kind of determination to break the flat world thinking needed to persevere and succeed against all obstacles.

In both these situations, those who scoffed and said it couldn’t be done, allowed the traditions and truths (which were originally established to release them to their full potential) to hinder them.

If the beliefs you hold and the way you think are not based on Godly truth, they cause blind spots or partial vision which hinder you from realizing God’s full potential for your life.

The exceptional life begins with thinking differently.

As long you think like everybody else thinks you will only achieve what everybody else achieves. God did not create you to be average but exceptional, to make a difference in your world.

a) The better life does not begin by trying harder or working harder, but by thinking differently.

b) Scotomas or flat world thinking imprison us because of preconceived ways of seeing things or habitual ways of doing things.

c) They cause us to see what we expect to see, hear what we expect to hear and think what we expect to think. That is why Ephesians 4:23 says to be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

d) It was their thinking which hindered the Israelites from defeating the Philistines 1 Samuel 17:1-11. David was anointed by God. He knew that with God he could defeat Goliath, despite Goliath’s size and strength. The Israelites took one look at the situation before their eyes and instead of being full of faith “they were dismayed and greatly afraid”. Why? Because they had predetermined ideas based on what they saw when they looked at Goliath. Their flat world thinking said that big equals strong, arrogance equals truth, boasting equals ability.

Often giants in your life are nothing more than false values based on what others say.

Good news, bad news.

The bad news is that often we don’t know we have flat world thinking. Signs of flat world thinking are: prejudice, complaining about trivia, resisting change, love of tradition.

>>“Often giants in your life are nothing more than false values based on what others say.”<<

overcomingflatworldthinking

teaching

God has birthed inside of you the greatest ability to gain wisdom beyond your natural years. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. In Christ you are an exceptional, extraordinary person.

David used one stone. Still laughing, Goliath was defeated. It was a great defeat for the Philistine army that day.

One little shepherd boy defeated their great champion because he didn’t have flat world thinking. He hadn’t been captivated by the traditions of the army. He wasn’t held captive by his past or the things that he had experienced. He just knew one thing. He knew God was on his side, within him, that he was not created to perish on some battlefield, but to be the king of Israel.

Four things you need to do to get rid of flat world thinking

01 Challenge your present truth. Is it based on speculation, assumption, tradition, temperament, false beliefs about God, yourself or others ?

02 Consider the benefit of change. In your present position or place, what could you improve, do better, complete quicker, produce more of with less energy?

03 Commit yourself to a course of action. Once you’ve considered it, once you’ve looked at change, challenged the truth, establish a goal and go for it.

04 Confirm to make exceptional living your lifestyle. Don’t miss incredible opportunities by restricting yourself to flat world thinking – thinking the way everybody else thinks, never achieving or accomplishing anything extraordinary, supernatural or exceptional. If you don’t desire it, you won’t try for it and you wonít achieve it.

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Often we are flat world thinkers about ourselves, saying “I can’t, I’ll never be able to, it’s no good” “we’ve never done it that way” “it won’t work” etc

High performance people, exceptional people have less flat world thinking in their lives than those who don’t achieve anything.

We particularly have to watch out for prejudice. We all have prejudice of some sort. If you don’t identify your prejudice you can never change. We must examine our behaviour to understand why we don’t lead that exceptional extraordinary most unusual life, or we are captivated by these prejudices. That’s why Paul says “there is neither male nor female, Greek nor Jew, servant nor slave, but we are all one.” Until we lose that mentality we won’t experience that exceptional extraordinary life.

You become progressive and exceptional, extraordinary when you go to your pastor and say that you notice things that are out of order in the church but that you’ve got the solution. You then become part of the solution and not part of the problem.

The good news is that you don’t need to stay that way!

David challenged Goliath and Israel with their flat world thinking. when he, a mere shepherd boy with no military training took up the challenge to kill the giant Goliath. (1Samuel 17:20–28) Goliath and those who only saw his youth and inexperience were flat world thinkers, and laughed at him.

Saul put his own armour on David, telling him he couldn’t go into battle without it. Do you recognise the flat world thinking? David immediately took it off, took five pebbles and his sling and went out. to the middle of the battlefield. Goliath laughed at him. He must have been thinking “Is this all the army of Israel can send? In shepherd’s clothes, a crook in his hand and he thinks he can defeat me? He doesn’t even have a sword to do battle!” Do you see the arrogance?

David said “I don’t come in my name, but I come in the name of the Lord.” Until you realise who is on the inside of you, you will never experience the potential that is on the outside of you.

God enables us to break that flat world thinking and begin to do the impossible because God’s got witty inventions he wants to birth through you. He has ministries and other things he wants to do through you. As long as you are captivated by flat world thinking you’ll never achieve in this life. Christianity is the greatest experience you will ever have in your life.

exceptionalpriceexceptionallife

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Out of the ordinary, unusually good, outstanding, excellent – the exceptional life that God desires for every Christian.

This teaching series of 6 tapes will enable you to live that as you learn to:

•Make discipline your friend•Speak truth to yourself in love•Overcome flat world thinking•Transform your life with kindness•Resolve conflict•Overcome self rejection

£15ONLY

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missions

thirstaid A mission to Romania, headed by Missions Director Robert Baker, wife Mary, his support team, and seven 2nd year abtc: students.

Friday 28th - Sunday 30th May Left Bristol like sardines among the luggage! Reached German border lunchtime Saturday. Experienced a miracle: fuel gauge not working (didn’t know at the time). Pastor Bob had seen a petrol sign, so decided to refill anyway. As we followed the slip road the engine cut out. We’d run out of fuel! We (plus angels so it seemed!) pushed the bus about a mile to discover the ‘fuel’ sign led us to McDs! But there was a petrol station behind it – which could not have been seen from the motorway. God knew what we needed before we did! Travelled into Hungary, poverty steadily becoming more evident, especially as we drove into Romania.

Monday 31st May Masses of poppies in the fields. Horses and carts instead of cars, tiny houses with wells. Magnificent mountains, plunging valleys – breathtaking but soon seemed endless as the expected 8hr trip doubled in length. Felt God’s peace; He was leading us. Reached Iasi, North East Romania at midnight. SLEEEEEEEEP!

Tuesday 1st June Met our host family. Visited an old people’s home, giving out fruit, juice and a flower. Unfriendly overcrowded building, people’s lives written on their faces. Our simple gifts communicated more than we could with our limited Romanian. People responded well as Clare and John shared testimonies and we sang.

Wednesday 2nd June Visited a kindergarten in slum area. Everything grey, no running water. Feel small in this tidal wave of poverty. Spent morning with 25 children, played games and sang. Gave them sweets and drinks. They had some bread and biscuits – probably their only meal. Heartbreaking – wanted to take them all home! Evening youth meeting. About 15 youths, university age and could speak some English. We gave food and drinks. Felt very ‘us’ and ‘them’ at first. We discussed mission, relationships and forgiveness. They fired questions, and it felt they were ‘sucking’ the Word out of us. Began to realise the wealth we have from abtc: Saw the need for a foundation – abtc: Romania!

Thursday 3rd June A memorable day. Distributed food and drinks in one of the poorest slums in Iasi. Horrific conditions. Huge blocks of flats with no sewage system, littered with glass, ashes, rubbish, excrement. Children with

every childhood ailment imaginable teemed around us, their eyes bright. About 200 people came to our fiesta of music, dancing and games. Overwhelmed, all we could do was love them. A ‘drop in the ocean’, but making a difference for today. Valentin continues the work after his prayer 10 years ago, “Lord help me to make a difference.” For sure he has.

Friday 4th June Gypsy camp on the outskirts of Iasi. Poor in every way, 10 people living in what we would not use as a garden shed, floor covered in straw and faeces. Children half-naked, black hands, black faces. Played football which crossed the language barrier. Van was bombarded with hands grasping for anything they could get – bread, oil, margarine. One older man unable to walk – hands and feet amputated. Oh Jesus, How inadequate we feel! But the love of God is a seed.

Saturday 5th June Took food and clothes to our hosts cousins, on the Russian border. Subsistence farming appeared a far cry from the scenes of yesterday but still underlying lack. Later, went shopping! Flashy mall which only 5% of the population can afford. Even ‘designer’ shoes are plastic! Everything felt counterfeit because it belied the reality of people’s live’s. Evening, tasted ‘Borsch’ – traditional soup, at Valentin and Julia’s. Good to laugh – it’s been emotionally draining.

Sunday 6th June Church – 100 people, service in Romanian! Afterwards we sang and Pastor Bob preached. They responded well. We had a BBQ with them and played football (we won 7–2!) and other games, building relationships with the young people. Goodbye was sad on both sides; unity was evident.

Monday 7th Wednesday 9th June Farewell to our hosts. It’s hard to leave – there is still so much need. Know we did what we went to do. We took an (unintentional!) scenic route past the Ukrainian border! The next 2 days rolled into one; stunning views, good roadside food and fitful sleep. A fitting tribute, during prayers on Wednesday morning on English soil, a cross appeared in the sky above us, 2 plane lines stretching from North to South, East to West. For us it marked the love of God – wherever we are.

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Rev. Sarah Stockinger, Director of Student Faculty abtc: testifies to God’s healing power

Friday 21.11.03 10.04am Olivia Joy Stockinger was born weighing 7lb 4oz. Caleb Joel, now two years old, weighed 10lb and I had torn badly, resulting in full reconstructive surgery 4 months later. Following Caleb’s birth I was advised to have an elective caesarean, which I did and everything went well. We were thrilled with our little girl.

Saturday morning 22.11.03 I got up on the Maternity Ward and showered. I felt really well, and Olivia was also doing well. I was told I would be able to go home the next day! The doctors did their morning round and friends visited our new little bundle of joy.

Saturday afternoon 22.11.03 I had pains in my abdomen. I was told they were probably after birth contractions, but my stomach was fully extended and I still looked 9 months pregnant. The pain rapidly worsened, the right side of my stomach solid and still extending. I was put into a private room and monitored through the night.

Sunday morning 23.11.03 It was so bad they sent me for an x-ray to investigate the mass in my side. No conclusive explanation was found. I was now in severe pain. I was rushed by ambulance to the main hospital, immediately given a full CT scan and left alone with my husband Andy in a private room. My beautiful baby was left behind in the care of nurses.

Sunday afternoon 23.11.03 The surgeon arrived with the results and said he must operate immediately. They were unsure what was wrong but it was serious. He explained all that could go wrong with the procedure to follow and could not guarantee the outcome.

I had always maintained that if I should for any reason be put on life support, my request would be “Don’t – just let me go home to be with the Lord – I know where I would rather be!!”

The Holy Spirit asked me, “So my lovely, do you want to come home?”

As I lay there, apparently dying, I thought of my wonderful husband, 2 year old son and 2 day old baby girl and then the ministry we were called to. How could I leave, so much still to do?

“No” I whispered, “I don’t want to come home yet, can I stay a while?”

From that moment on, however critical the diagnosis, I knew I was going to live.

I was rushed to theatre. For several hours they operated on me.

Sunday 23.11.03 11.00pm I came round in the recovery room. The surgeon said my bowel had stopped, was greatly extended with body fluids and waste and was badly perforated. It would have split had they not operated when they did, resulting in me dying. He had stitched me back up but told me my bowel was in pristine condition. There was still no explanation nor diagnosis.

It was a complete mystery. As soon as I heard those words I knew exactly where this sickness had come from!! Andy was allowed to join me and I explained that everything was all right and I just needed to recover. We thanked God and knew His healing power.

Monday morning 24.11.03 Doctors visited, then Pastor Gerri and Michelle were allowed in. They prayed with us, and stood with us on the promises of God.

Monday evening 24.11.03 My stomach started to extend again and all the previous symptoms returned. The pain was worse than before. The doctors were baffled. They began tests and humiliating attempts to release the build-up in my abdomen again.

Tuesday morning 25.11.03 They gave up. I was rushed into theatre again severely ill. They explained that my bowel had not

myGodmyHealer

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testomonies

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started to function and they needed to empty it again – quickly. They would need to perform a temporary ileostomy, where a section of the upper bowel is pulled out onto the stomach and split to allow all the waste products to empty into a bag stuck onto my tummy.

This procedure allowed the main bowel to recover and after a minimum of three months they would reverse the ileostomy and trust that my bowel restarted.

This was a horrific thought in the natural, but I knew God was with me and I was healed. I had perfect peace as I was wheeled into the theatre.

Andy was allowed to join me in recovery and we thanked God that His hand was upon our lives. Pastor Gerri and Michelle came again to lay hands on me and pray. It was amazing, the presence of God was tangible and I knew I was receiving His supernatural recovery.

26-29.11.03 I underwent 3 more operations resulting in 7 tubes going in and out of my body. I had a long term epidural and was to be tube fed. I was classed as a serious recovery case, but we knew otherwise.

God gave us such peace as He undertook for my life each time I went under the surgeon’s knife. Although my body was sick, my spirit was dancing. I had such revelation of the separateness of spirit and body – my body was dying but my spirit was alive and well.

I also understood for the first time the true meaning of authority and we began to exercise the spiritual authority we have over the body. We rejoiced and praised our heavenly Father. I did not see my newborn baby Olivia or my son Caleb for over two weeks but God took care of us all. Mum looked after Olivia and by God’s grace coped with the strenuous routine of a newborn and Caleb didn’t ask after me once!! God just filled me with His peace and blessed assurance. I knew no stress, no anxiety – just Him!!

Monday 8.12.03 I was allowed home, armed with my ileostomy bag and instructions on how to empty it and change it daily. We moved to my parents’ house to recuperate. Every day I grew stronger and stronger.

Wednesday 10.01.04 We returned to Bristol and I was able to attend carmel: for the first time in what seemed a lifetime. God had changed my life completely –

I was not the same person, He had performed His own surgery on my life and I would never be the same again. Hallelujah!!

The church was phenomenal as everyone rallied around to help. My ironing and cleaning were done, fresh food arrived every day, cooked meals put in the freezer and around the clock help for me and the children as Andy left to work every day. I truly know the meaning of the word ‘Body’ now and how every part joins in to do its bit!! We were completely blown away and so full of gratitude for all the help we received over the coming weeks. God is so faithful – we wanted for nothing!!

I chased the hospital for my check up. The doctor was so impressed at my recovery that I was given a cancellation date for the reversal operation. A miracle in itself!!

04.02.04 Just 10 weeks after the original operations I walked into hospital and the reversal was done. I stayed in hospital just over a week. Once again I was informed of all the complications that can accompany such a procedure but we knew God had gone before us and trusted Him completely. The operation was a complete success and I have not looked back since!!

April 2004I returned to abtc: after a total of 8 operations following the birth of Olivia Joy! Because of God, my body is in amazing shape; because of God my children and Andy coped with my many absences; because of God I was able to choose life.

18.5.04I had my final check up and was told they never wanted to see me again. I was in perfect health! What an awesome God we serve!!!

I thank Him with all my heart, as does my wonderful husband, who trusted God and was my earthly rock during this time. We are complete. We have each other, two healthy children and a bright future in Him. We give Him all the honour, glory and praise – my God my Healer!!

Pastor Gerri and Michelle Di Somma: We recognised Sarah’s illness was not due to sin or disobedience but was an out and out attack from the enemy, to attempt to kill, steal and destroy. Though Sarah’s body was sick, we were not swayed by what we saw. We stood with her and Andy by faith in the Word of God knowing that by His stripes she was healed. God stood over His Word to perform it.

In January, Sarah was appointed to oversee Healing School, and we know that the teaching of he Word combined with the power of her testimony has already begun to change the lives of many who come to sit under the anointed Word.

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What brought you to Carmel Christian School?It wasn’t a quick or an easy decision to join the teaching team at Carmel. I was fully committed to my job and the children I was teaching. Yet I knew it was the right decision! I was working in secondary education as a full time teacher and co-ordinator on the senior management team. It’s difficult to explain – I just knew that God had a specific challenge and calling for me. I knew God wanted to use my gifts and abilities beyond developing my personal career – to continue to motivate and inspire young people.

What’s different about Christian education?Christian education is based on the Word of God through a personal relationship with God – which is available to every child. It’s concerned with catering for the whole person – spirit, soul and body – not just the intellect and the emotions, although this is important. Our emphasis is on equipping the student with the ability to make wise decisions “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God”. (James 1:5) All the teaching is based on Godly principles. For example, we teach the students the principle of honouring their parents and one another, training them to respect themselves and others.

This summarises what we do: We change the expectations of children by getting them to believe in themselves because God believes in them. When you change their expectations, you change their attitudes; when you change their attitudes, you change their behaviour; when you change their behaviour you change their performance.

>> carmel: christian schoolfounded in 1997 part of

carmel: ministries international

Sylvie Watt, Principal, takes time out to answer some questions. Sylvie has a background in Business Management, with BA Honours Degree in Accountancy Studies, PGCE in Further Education and PGCE in Secondary Education.

pacesetters

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interview

Have you seen God change the lives of the children?Many times! For example, children with little or no motivation to do academic work have become totally transformed in their attitude in a short space of time – spending considerable lengths of time working independently and achieving high test results. We’ve seen changes in children who would be considered to be introverted speak publicly in front of the whole school Assembly and perform confidently in drama productions before live audiences. Parents frequently tell us how much they’ve been encouraged by the transformation in their child.

How many are in the school and what age can you provide for? We currently have 16 students and we’re anticipating growth in the near future. We cater for ages 5 to16. Students at Key Stage 4 will do a Diploma, International Christian School Certificate. This has a similar point structure to GCSE, A Level and A/S Level.

Is there a cost and do the children wear uniform? The fees are very competitive compared to other independent schools, and it’s kept to a minimum. Where there is more than one child, there is a reduction. Uniform is worn – it’s neater, smarter, and easier for parents to maintain. It’s also practical – students are easily identifiable when on a school outing.

What does the school teach? The syllabus is based on the International School of Tomorrow Programme. This includes 6 core subjects – Maths, English Language and English Literature, Science, Social Studies (History and Geography), Etymology (word building). In addition, we teach Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Information Technology and Modern Languages – these are based on the National Curriculum.

What facilities are there for sports/other activities? As part of the curriculum, we also have recreational activities such as PE and swimming. We use a local swimming pool and sports hall.

How are the children taught? They’re taught to become independent learners and encouraged to work at their own pace and level of ability. This is done via ‘PACE’ work – interactive workbooks in the 6 core subjects.

Might some parents question how this could work – especially if their child is not self motivated or is not considered a high achiever? From experience, we’ve found the opposite to be true. The children are clearly motivated because they

consistently work at a level that correlates with their ability. They are therefore continually inspired and motivated, knowing that they have the potential to achieve – and they see the fruits of their labour.

Also, as each student completes a PACE, he or she does a PACE test. Traditionally, most children don’t like tests, but we’ve observed that our students find this very rewarding.

The test gives instant recognition of their progress – which is vital for healthy development.

What challenges do you face – and how can they be overcome?We anticipate growth in the future and envisage that we will outgrow the facilities we currently have.

We’re already making plans to invest in more spacious facilities – an I.T. suite for example. We’re continually looking for qualified teachers who would be fully committed to a dynamic and growing team.

What are the plans for the future of the school – immediate and long term?In the Immediate future – we’re looking at the development of the curriculum to ensure that we fully cater for the individual student, that we have a healthy balance of academic and work-related subjects. We’ve also recognized the positive influence of parental involvement on the learning environment and as a result we want to explore and develop this strength ñ especially in the senior school.

We have plans for the students to engage in practical community involvement – visiting Homes for the Elderly and supporting charitable organizations, to encourage the children to become more socially aware within the local and the wider community.

In the long term –we anticipate increasing our asset base – our own premises, sports hall and gym. At the moment we have access to a mini bus, but eventually we’ll need our own.

How can we encourage parents to recognize the importance of Christian education?The word of God says “Train up a child in the way he should go” The big question to all parents is therefore “Where do you want your child to go?”

Christian education teaches children God’s ways. First and foremost to love God and to love others. In order to love others, they first must love themselves. When people respect themselves, this empowers them to appreciate the world around them and make wise choices. Christian education is training a child for life.

>>The word of God says “Train up a child in the way he should go”

The bigquestion to all parents is therefore “Where do you want your child to go?”<<