It's been a busy few days. On Tuesday of this week, Jen gave birth to our second child, Joshua Benjamin Carswell. He was born a healthy 8lbs 3oz, dark hair & a good set of lungs. Both Jen & Josh are doing well, and are due to leave hospital in the morning.
Back at home, Sam & I have been holding the fort. Poor boy hasn't known what's hit him. He's enjoyed (probably more like endured) a few days of dad looking after him, dressing, bathing, cooking etc & probably is ready for mum to be home. It's been good fun, though a surprisingly busy time.
In between hospital visits and all that needs to be done at home, I've been doing some thinking. Whilst preparing for Jen's elective C-section, we had the anesthetist come and share the various risks and procedures that would take place for Jen's operation. As we listened to the numerous possibilities of things that could go wrong, and all that they would to try to make things right should the need arise, it really hit home that we are all aware of the sanctity of human life. Sure, some people don't mind cutting short a life before a baby makes it out of the womb, and others like to cut short a life when it's out in the world, but generally speaking, we are all conscious of the specialness of human life. Our desire to preserve and prolong it is there. We really are "fearfully and wonderfully made" and I think we all know it. If you are in any doubt, I'd encourage you to visit our anesthetist as he described the wonder of the human body in responding to low blood pressure - "You get a light head, which is all part of the body's response to tell you to lie down."
As Joshua came on the scene and we got to hold him, hear him, love him and cherish him, again, I was intoxicated with the wonder of new life. As I tweeted elsewhere, maybe that's why Jesus says "You must be born again" and that we're told in Corinthians that "If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come." I believe both of those, and have been reminded again of them, as I enjoy the delights of new life. As a Christian, the freshness and newness of new life is a wonderful part of our Good News message. Jesus came to bring life, and life in all its fullness - without Him, we have no life, as He is "the Life". He holds out the offer of new life, which brings a wonderful fresh start, a new beginning.
I've also been thinking about children, and all the joy & pain they bring us. It is no mistake that Jesus says "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Children are there for a purpose. God makes no mistakes in allowing children into our lives. He could have created us all as adults (think about it - he did that with Adam & Eve!), but instead chooses to bring us into the world as children, to teach us and train us, but also to teach and train us as adults. The simplicity of children, the innocence and love, all provide a vital illustration that remind us of the One who came into the world as a baby, who "grew in wisdom and stature and favour with God and people".
I make many mistakes, and repeatedly fail. God makes none. He never fails. I praise Him for the wonder of childbirth, the delights of new life, the innocence of children, and the lessons they teach me. We're thankful to God for Josh's safe arrival & Jen's good health. In so many ways, God has been good. What a wonderful God we have.
For some time, we have wanted to bring together a small group of students who are particularly passionate about reaching those around them with the gospel. The dream became reality last weekend, as 12 of us gathered on the Kapiti Coast just North of Wellington to think about, discuss and consider outreach and evangelism.
It was a good group, made up with a mix of personalities, backgrounds and experiences. Nigel Pollock and I provided the input. Over the weekend, we considered what evangelism is, what the gospel is, how we engage the culture around us with the gospel, before thinking through some of the specific applications of how this would and could look on campuses across NZ. The group engaged well with the teaching, and seemed to go home to their respective cities with a renewed sense of wanting to share Jesus with those God has placed in their lives.
A real highlight was having the opportunity to talk and pray together about friends and family who we would love to come to know Jesus for themselves. I always find that praying for people by name, and asking God for specific opportunities to live and speak for Him is significant and helpful.
By the end of the weekend, the group had become increasingly gangsta
We long to see increasing spheres of influence, as these folks who are particularly enthusiastic about evangelism would draw others into the orbit of seeing who God is and the needs of those around them, and inviting people to consider Jesus. Over the coming months, I will be trying to follow up with each of those who attended to see how we can encourage others, as well as each other in sharing the gospel more.
As I write this on Friday morning, the main event of the next few weeks is the anticipated arrival of our second child early next week. Jen is due in for a C-section, and we look forward to meeting the latest addition to the family and a new chapter in our family's life. Jen would particularly appreciate prayers for the surgery. Sam & I are holding the fort, and look forward to helping mum out with the new baby. We will try to put news and photos online as soon as we are able. I anticipate taking some paternity leave, and God willing, after that, will try to return to posting fairly frequently on here with news of what God is doing in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
February 22nd, 2011 will be forever etched in NZ's memory. It was Jen's birthday & I was up the coast from Wellington at a conference of church leaders from around the country. It was lunchtime & we were discussing the potential opportunities the 200th anniversary of the gospel arriving on these shores will bring in 2014, when our conversation was interrupted. Someone had just received news that there had been a major earthquake in Christchurch. There was little news, but it was feared the quake was bigger and more significant than the first earthquake back in September 2010. We stopped, prayed and then moved back to our conversation.
Within minutes though, it became clear that something major had happened. Those around me started to receive text messages with news from family and friends. One shared how his wife had written "The ground is shaking violently. I'm so scared". It became more apparent this was a big one. The conference programme continued after lunch, but people were distracted. Throughout the next session, people were receiving limited bits of information about the whereabouts of loved ones. A picture of the damaged Cathedral which had been posted on a news website was shown on the main screen. It was then that we realised how serious the quake was. An audible gasp was heard as the possibility of widespread fatalities and injuries became apparent.
After returning home from the conference later that afternoon, we spent much of the rest of the day watching news and hearing reports of the damage and destruction. It was a relief to hear that all our staff and their families were safe. That night, we ended up hosting some who were supposed to be flying back to Christchurch, but unable to get on a flight due to the airport's closure. They were very uncertain times.
Over the course of the next few days, the true horrors of the situation became apparent. As we heard friends share their experiences and watched the news unfold, the devastation of Christchurch really hit home. However, in the midst of these, the miracle stories of survival and protection were also told.
The day after the quake, I was supposed to be travelling through Christchurch en route to Dunedin in the far South. When I got to Wellington airport, it became clear that seats on flights to Christchurch were urgently needed for rescue workers & family who needed to get back to the city. My travel plans were changeable, particularly for those in more urgent need. The following day, I flew South directly to Dunedin where I was involved in Orientation week activities. We hastily arranged a lunchtime talk on "Where was God in Christchurch?" at which I spoke. Looking back, it felt quite raw as I tried to respond to the questions people that were fresh in people's minds. In the group that gathered, were the parents of one of our students, who had come down to Dunedin to get away from Christchurch when so much was up in the air.
Flying back, I had no choice but to go through Christchurch. As we flew through the city, it was obvious a terrible tragedy had occurred. Simple things like the flight path being altered so that we avoided the CBD, where the rescue operation continued & noise was being kept to a minimum. Being met at the airports by Red Cross workers, Victim Support and numerous foreign embassy staff (helping overseas visitors who had been impacted) highlighted that these were not normal times. Boarding the completely full flight out of Christchurch, a number of the passengers were in tears, and there was a general sensitivity and understanding as everyone tried to do their bit to help those whose lives had been turned upside down. Across the nation, there was a real sense of everyone pulling together to support and help those so badly impacted by the earthquake. We've had "Red & Black days" - where everyone has worn the colours of the Canterbury region, numerous fundraising events (including the Fill the Basin cricket match, which I enjoyed), the national news has had significant time and space devoted to the ongoing difficulties faced by the region.
It's now just over 1 month since the earthquake happened. Still, the number of fatalities is uncertain. The impact of the earthquake continues - lives are disrupted and different, and some things will never be the same again. The economic impact is beginning to be felt. People are losing jobs as they have no place of work to go back to. The Rugby World Cup has made the unavoidable decision of having to move all the city's planned games elsewhere. The University closed down for a number of weeks, but has since reopened -lectures now take place in tents, much of the teaching is online, communal spaces for students to gather are few.
Aftershocks continue. Each one bringing uncertainty and unease as to whether it will be a big one. The mental toll on that community is enormous. The physical strain of clearing rubble and silt, repairing damage and living flexible and changed lives is vast. For many, the lack of electricity, running water or sewerage has been a real problem. This Youtube clip shows the extent of the destruction (- it's a lengthy clip with no soundtrack - you may only wish to watch some of it).
The grief of the nation continues. On Friday, Cantabrians gathered to remember those whose lives had been lost on what the PM had said "may be NZ's darkest day". Tears flowed as people looked for answers, responses and hope in the face of many questions and pain.
And yet, in all of this, the gospel light still shines. Across the nation, people are talking and asking those important questions. Even this morning, I have had 2 conversations with people about the suffering people face. In light of the events in Japan, people want to know what's going on and why we suffer. Across the country, churches and Christians have joined together to unite in support of those who are in so much need. Opportunities to speak about Jesus are there, but need to be taken with real sensitivity and care.
The coming months and years for Christchurch will never be the same as before. Much change will take place as people try to cope with and respond to the disruption they have faced. As Christians, we need to help with that, and to live and speak the gospel in the midst of this situation. I have been asked if it makes us not want to be here - of course, we don't want to face undue suffering, but we believe this is where God has called us to be. Yes, there are risks, yes, there's a cost, but God has called us and He is faithful. In NZ, as in Japan, there are people who need to hear of Jesus and trust in Him. We believe God has called us here, perhaps even for such a time as this.
The words of the National Anthem are a prayer asking God to be at work in our country. In times like these, our need for Him is more evident. Pray that the people of NZ would look to the God of all comfort.
Ever since Nigel Pollock took over as the National Director of TSCF, the desire has been to grow the TSCF team and particularly to develop an increasing number of Kiwi staff. Over 3 years ago, when we moved to NZ, we became part of that vision and have had in mind that we want to see Kiwis raised up to reach Kiwis with the gospel, as well as having a larger staff team to enable us to potentially do more.
In the past few months, we have been thrilled to see both those things happen. We thank God for that & rejoice in it, but also want to see the work continue to grow further.
The end of January saw the TSCF team gather just outside of Nelson (at the North of the South Island) for our annual Staff & Families Retreat. There felt like there had been a significant growth in the "family" as over 70 of us joined together for an extended weekend of fun, family, friendship & fellowship. The whole concept of "whanau" (pronounced farn-oh & meaning "extended family") has been an enjoyable learning for us since we arrived in NZ. Here, the wider family is as important as what we term "close family", and the inclusive attitude towards whanau has been something we have enjoyed and benefited from.
With the presence of 4 pregnant women at Staff & Families, we are anticipating further growth in future years!
A few weeks later, it was great to join with a number of new staff & Minterns at our New Staff Orientation. Particularly thrilling was to see 4 Kiwis joining staff, with Simon Rabbidge in Lincoln, Erin Robinson in Christchurch, Richard Deeble in Wellington (Erin & Richard have both previously done MIntY) & Robyn Drake in Auckland. We thank God for each of them. We also have 3 new Team Leaders, including Gina Wong, who has taken over the leadership of the Wellington team from me.
I led the new staff in thinking about evangelism being at the core of who we are and what we do. I asked each staff member to write what they saw their role entailing, but made sure that it reflected the priority that outreach is to us. Below is my "job description". We had some fun with "outtakes" of the pictures, as well as the "serious" ones.
We are deliberately emphasising the priority of evangelism as a movement, both as individuals within the work, as well as in our student groups. We are convinced that this is at the heart of who we are and what we do, and it's been great to see and hear stories and examples of people taking this on board.
Since I've called this post "New Kids on the Block" & Carswell number 2 is on its way in the next week or so, I thought a few pictures of Sam may be in order. He continues to bring us much joy and mischief. "Rascal" is a word that was invented for Sam. In recent weeks, he's joined a local group called "Little Dribblers" which allows youngsters to get used to football skills - he loves it and has been a good activity for dad & Sam to enjoy together.
Thank you for your prayers for us as a family. Of course, we would appreciate your prayers for Jen & the baby in particular, as she is due to go in to hospital on Tues 29th.
Until tomorrow, when I will post on the Christchurch earthquake, Ka kite ano - until I see you again...
After an absence of a few months, there's loads to catch up on. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That's good enough for me - this post will have a few pictures from the past few months, but I still believe words are important.
Thinking about all that's gone on in the past few months, some of the events require their own blogpost with space to reflect and describe what's been happening. Rather than try and cram everything into one post, I'll try to post one a day during this next working week which should bring us up to date.
Having said all that, sometimes we use too many words when fewer will do. In recent months, I've become a more regular Tweeter. It's not a perfect medium, but it's fun, brief, instant and different. I quite like it. If you want to see what I say in 140 characters or less, you can follow my Twitter account here.
Way back at the end of January, I joined a number of our staff, students & grads at the Parachute music festival. Parachute occurs during the final weekend of the summer school holidays, and attracts over 20,000 people to it. Held in the lovely sounding Mystery Creek, just outside of the city of Hamilton, it is a unique event in the NZ context.
Each year, TSCF has a stand at the Global Expo tent, which profiles mission agencies from around the country. Through the hard work of a number of folks, but particularly Gillian Wildgoose, the scope of our presence at Parachute has increased.
Bringing together some of the students who attend, we have a base which students can camp around, share meals together, chat about & reflect on their experiences of the weekend. We also seek to take turns manning the TSCF stand, so that we can connect well with prospective & current students, TSCF grads & supporters, as well as church leaders who may know of others who could benefit from the work of TSCF.
The mullet - not one of TSCF's better publicity strategies.
A number of folk I talked with described this Parachute as the best they had been to. It was certainly the vibe I picked up during the weekend. Primarily a music event, the standard of the music was generally top notch. I spent most time at the Main Stage and the Massive tent.
Leading the way at the Main Stage was Chris Tomlin, who did a great job of focusing on Christ, singing His praises & allowing the glory to go to God. It was simple, humble and God honoring.
At Massive, the majority of the artists are Pacific Islanders and Maori, and bring a unique flavour to the weekend. It's a part of NZ life that Jen and I have enjoyed in different ways, so to hear their music & get a feel for their enthusiasm for the gospel was a good experience!
Mr T in the Massive tent
This year, much of the hype before the event was about Louis Giglio, making his first appearance in NZ. I have to say I'm not a huge fan of "Christian celebrity", though recognise that's not necessarily the doing of the celebrity themselves. However, Mr Giglio lived up to the hype. His opening gambit of "All I have to speak of is Jesus - my talk will start with & end with Jesus. I have nothing else to say" won me over early on. It was great to see him open the Bible and speak of Jesus plainly from it. His passion for God's glory was evident.
Probably the highlight for me over the weekend was seeing the Prime Minister on stage answering a few questions, and participating in the event. Later on, the leader of the Opposition got his chance in a smaller setting, which allowed him to talk in greater detail. I won't let all my political leanings come out on here, but I enjoyed his friendliness and banter with the crowd. John Key's warmth and engaging, casual style wins people over. If you want to see his time on stage, you can watch it here.
As NZ's biggest Christian event, Parachute is an event we need to engage with. It's a fun event which many of our students go to. We realise we're only beginning to scratch the surface of the possibilities it brings, and looking forward we are keen to develop ideas which connect with what's going on at Parachute, as well as exploring new avenues for evangelism, potential students and supporters in the work of TSCF. Do pray for Gillian, myself and some others who will be looking to build on this as we prepare for Parachute 2012 and beyond.
I've not posted on here for a while - a combination of a number of things has led to this. I'm keen to restart, but just thought I'd check in to see if anyone cares?! Let me know if you are there, you care & if you want, what you have appreciated from previous blogs.
In between hospital visits and all that needs to be done at home, I've been doing some thinking. Whilst preparing for Jen's elective C-section, we had the anesthetist come and share the various risks and procedures that would take place for Jen's operation. As we listened to the numerous possibilities of things that could go wrong, and all that they would to try to make things right should the need arise, it really hit home that we are all aware of the sanctity of human life. Sure, some people don't mind cutting short a life before a baby makes it out of the womb, and others like to cut short a life when it's out in the world, but generally speaking, we are all conscious of the specialness of human life. Our desire to preserve and prolong it is there. We really are "fearfully and wonderfully made" and I think we all know it. If you are in any doubt, I'd encourage you to visit our anesthetist as he described the wonder of the human body in responding to low blood pressure - "You get a light head, which is all part of the body's response to tell you to lie down." 
