Issue 5

Freeing

- Derek, Palmerston North.

Thanks heaps for your 'isms' booklets - very helpful and insightful. Freeing is another word! Have only read two and probably could really do with the other two as a friend photocopied Denominationalism and Authoritarianism for me. They were thought provoking and made me sit up and re-evaluate some isms which basically are continuing.
Go for it Derek - and I don't mind about photocopying 'isms' - Hadyn Olsen

Appreciation from Camp

- Ian, Rocky Valley Camp

This is just a note to thank you people (those who attended the Labour Weekend Katikati camp) for what you did for me the weekend you were there at Rocky Valley Camp.
I have many memories of that weekend. I have read the copies of New Wineskins that you gave me. They really spoke to me. It was really sad to see all you people go.

I really felt it in my heart. I would like to say to all of you that anytime you want a bed here, I have seven beds in the bus available if you want to stay. I would love to see you to have more time to spend and talk to you.

God Bless

Difficulties with Church

- TKM, Murchison

This letter is first to thank you for writing "Stop the Church, I Want to get off". It certainly got us thinking and praying as we learn to hear God's voice above the "churches" very loud and controlling one as has been my experience these last 18 years.
After reading your book, chapter one, much discussion has evolved - like, how to stay in the church and hear the Lord in that situation daily? It would be very easy to say, 'Let's not go to church anymore!' But that's not what the Lord wants us to do.

My husband and I have certainly been through it, especially these last 10 years. He has been called a rebel as he is always one to question - and leaders haven't appreciated that. His heart is certainly one for the Lord, and to hear His voice. But Christians we have come across don't or won't get close enough to him to find out how he ticks. So he gets labelled. But forgiveness is certainly a daily happening with us.

Typing your letter has brought me to tears. You are very brave. Please know that you are not the problem - you are not wrong - and you are not alone. There are many believers who have experienced just the same kinds of things as you. Some of them have left the church because they no longer wish to put up with the abuse - others still battle with it wanting to hear God and not wanting to leave unless the Lord directs them. It's not up to us or anyone else to tell you to leave church. This is entirely between you, your husband and Jesus. But please go on with this thought - Truth has no compromise ... Ed

Interest in camps

- Geraldine & Gilbert, Whangarei.

Thank you very much for your letter and for the copy of 'New Wineskins' you sent us. It made very interesting reading and we will look forward to the next one in great anticipation. Many thanks for putting us on your mailing list. One article was of particular interest - "Comments from the Camp". Will there be another one? Who organised it? Up until this time we did not realise there had been a coming together of out-of-churches. We are still very new to this way and are seeking to find what threads there are to this - dare we say a "movement" ...
The last thing we want to start is a movement. But there are many who want to explore fellowship in a liberated way and are open to coming together at a Camp or elsewhere. John & Jan McGoram may know of any other Camps that are coming up. New Wineskins' primary focus is literature although we are interested in corporate gatherings and whatever the Lord may be doing in a genuine way.... Ed