My Identity #Rehashed

“There is an inner logic to idolatry, but there is also a deep addiction to the domestication of God by the human heart. Those addictions can only be broken by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

— Richard Lint in 'Identity & Idolatry'

These profound words stood out on the page as I read through Richard Lint's compelling book, 'Identity & Idolatry'. Deeply aware of the inner wrestles in my own battle in assuming control from God and his domain, that word 'domestication' thrust a new light on the nature of this personal addiction. Domestication embraces all of public charm and settledness, behind which I hide in naked rebellion carrying out my own thrust for godly power.

I also observe my own battle repeated in the lives of the men and women in prison that we serve. The idols of our hearts make something of sense, they are maintained by a logic that continues to serve their existence and defy the very effort to remove them. It remains humanity's battle ground, evidenced in the warnings by the Old Testament prophets, and urgings by the Apostles and church fathers.

We allow the word 'Addiction' to describe the other, the one taken by alcohol, by pornography, by assorted amphetamines; but in truth my idolatry, domesticated as it is, is rightly named as an addiction and one that I cannot battle alone.

When God said "I am a jealous God." he was not defying the existence of a pantheon of god's, but the ability of the human heart to craft and fashion our own self-serving power and comfort - and then worship that as our god. To replicate and then worship something more able to be controlled on our just terms.

#prisoner and #addict are horrible #hashtags on our identity, however it remains true until, and unless, Jesus Christ by the power of his Holy Spirit is given freedom to bring an ongoing conviction and restoration work in our lives.

As we work on the development of our new rehabilitation programs, identity and idolatry are powerful themes in need of insight, conviction and restoration. They are linked by the simple and profound act of worship. 

Peter Schultz

When the lights go on!

Fiji has had more than its share of power-outs in recent months. There is a flicker of warning, a dimming and then a sudden progression to black. Equally as dramatic is the power's return, lights declare their renewed importance; microwaves, phones and computers declare their joy with a hum and beep. Our work in the prison with men and women has many parallels to this simple illustration.

It's a moment, more truthfully a series of moments, that join together to become a priceless transaction. I'm trying to describe in words that incredible moment when the light goes on in someone's mind and heart. That incredible moment when the hidden, the confused, the very dark loses its mystery and power to fear us and maintain its grip on our lives.

We pray for these moments because in truth they cannot be constructed just by human effort. What awakens a man's soul to new conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-14). Specifically this is how we pray - "Father please send your Holy Spirit to bring a conviction of sin and truth...begin your work in him/her there. Also provide in us the willingness and courage to remain in their lives as light."

When God switches the light on it is a conviction light which motivates an action: a 'repentance action' and a 'follower action' whose focus is on Jesus Christ. Revivals both personal or national, have always had this identifier. However, far too often when I have foolishly reached for the light switch in someone's life, it becomes like a sledgehammer of condemnation, which causes another action - to close them down - to drive them away.

Recent research has revealed that a flash of light is emitted at the moment of human conception. Has God who is 'Light', who also began creation with 'let their be light', left an indelible signature of our being created in 'His image and likeness'? Has man only now discovered substance to the words of Psalm 139, verses 13 and onwards... 'For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13-18)

After ten years of being called to be light in dark places, like prisons, there is a simplicity and ambiguity to this life of witness. We leap, laugh and cry with joy when the light goes on, feeling the intense privilege of being witnesses to it; and at the same time, declaring it still to be a wonderful mystery - kept hidden in the hands of a loving God.

- Peter Schultz

SOSF Class 34

This group of men completing the StepOut-StepFree journey are known for their youthful enthusiasm. What an tremendous experience it has been in leading these 18 young lives.

We shared with you an early invitation to pray for these men and how necessary and powerful that has been. These men have stayed the course and opened their lives and hearts to new understanding.

Each class spends a portion of each day singing together, a simple act but one that becomes a barometer for what is beginning to take place. This class began as 18 separate voices but over the days they began to sing together, harmonise together and listen to each other. More importantly their singing moved to become an act of worship.

The joy begins in the 'light goes on' moments, where each of the men finds a revelation of personal truth that allows for deep insight, reflection, godly sorrow that leads to salvation. It is these moments interspersed throughout the journey that provide the momentum and build community.

The collective investment in each StepOut-StepFree class is significant. Financially each class runs to around $1000 however it is the spiritual and emotional investment where the benefit to the team becomes incalculable. Sharing life on life, listening, sharing burden, entering grief, remaining vulnerable, hours quietly spent in prayer, maintaining focus while allowing the spirit of God freedom to change the day's plan.

It is in these areas that the integrity of the team and their commitment to Godly restoration becomes our greatest human asset.

These men graduate this Friday, an important milestone in their journey. We trust that these photo's will encourage you further in prayer.

Healing Trauma in Naseibitu

It seemed that every possible climatic event was working against the Operation Foundation teams' visit to Naseibitu Village. Despite more torrential rain in Suva the team set off on a bleak Tuesday morning to visit and lead the village through a 'Healing Trauma Workshop'.

The impact of TC Winston on Naseibitu Village had been significant with structural damage, loss of crops, and most tragically the loss of one of the young men in the village. 

Upon arrival the village herald went through the village summoning all to come to the hall. In small groups they arrived and warm welcome's were exchanged.

The men, women and children of Naseibitu Village working on their drawings.

The workshop is conducted in a very interactive style over two hours, with time for group and individual reflection and discussion. Each participant is provided with their own workbook and using simple techniques, opportunity for insight and personal expression takes place.

The feedback at the close of the two hours and over the lunch that followed was encouraging. The village leadership expressed their thanks in the way that this workshop had given new insight and tools in the restoration journey.

Thanks to all who have partnered to make this workshop and these restoring events possible. Lives are being restored!

Enjoying lunch together after the workshop

Dear God...

The StepOut-StepFree class in Nasinu Prison (Class 34) have journeyed through a wonderful first week. Eighteen young men together in one classroom facing the challenges presented by the lives they have lived so far. 

The last session of our first week was 'Writing Your Lament to God'. A powerful session in the permission that it gives to inmates to be real, raw and open, with themselves and God.

The heads were all down, the room quite and we waited and prayed. After 20 minutes I asked if anyone was willing to share their lament. After a pause the first young man read his and then another young man and then another. 

The power of the first young man's words reverberated around the room. They were his words alone but we all shared in the experience, the rawness, the question! 

The writer of this particular lament, in our combined silence after listening, asked - 'Bro Peter, will God really hear my lament?' Read these heartfelt words and pray for these eighteen young men as they wrestle in the understanding of themselves, their past and a loving God.

Peter Schultz

TC Winston Activity Update - 31 March

In the 6 weeks since TC Winston blew its devastating path through Fiji the Operation Foundation team have been engaged in relief efforts. This has been made possible by both the willingness of the team to lend more than a helping hand and by the willingness of so many of our ministry partners to financially support our efforts.

To the end of March some $16,478.00 FJD was received. We have been inspired by the willingness of so many to contribute to the restoration of Fiji. What has been a real delight is the willingness of local ministry partners contribute to Operation Foundation's efforts. The graph below shows the breakdown of support received. The support has continues to come in and we are grateful for the sacrifice and generosity of so many.

Relief Funds Received to 31 March

To the end of March the team had visited 12 villages and settlements providing emergency relief and aid. Over a thousand people were impacted by these visits and distributions across 3 islands, Viti Levu (the main island), Vanua Levu (the northern island), Taveuni (the garden island). 

Additionally the team have prepared and conducted a Healing Trauma workshop to affected people from Koro Island. These survivors experienced some of the worst devastation and loss of life and property and were relocated to Suva. Other workshops and trainings have been scheduled for the months ahead.

To the end of March some $4720 FJD has been expended in initial emergency relief and aid and more distributions of assistance are in planning.

Distribution of Relief Funds to 31 March

In the last week Fiji has again suffered at the extremes of nature with significant rainfall resulting in flooding. Emergency centres have been rehousing affected people and a new cyclone, TC Zena formed and threatened as a category 3 before miraculously breaking apart and suddenly moving away.

Our efforts are now in revisiting these 12 villages and communities and assisting in the re-establishing of livelihood and providing materials for shelter. The Healing Trauma workshops are gaining momentum and necessary as a step in helping people rebuild lives.

Our constructive step over the next months will be in the partnership with 'Tekivu Tale - Rebuild Fiji'. This movement spearheaded by Pst Mark Wilson has given a commitment to rebuild 30 homes and we are pleased to be playing our part in this effort.