Girls’ Brigade

After more than a year long application process, Girls’ Brigade International (GBI’s) has been accredited with special consultative NGO status by United Nations.

As the world’s oldest and largest faith-based mission movement for girls and young women, receiving accredited status will amplify GB International’s platform to advocate for and with girls on gender justice issues; an achievement to celebrate on its 125th birthday year.

Access to the UN will empowers Girls’ Brigade International and its members to provide analysis and raise public awareness of gender justice issues on the global stage, play a role in advancing United Nations goals and objectives on gender equality, attend UN conferences and events for free, make written and oral statements to United Nations and influence policy making.

Being accredited with consultative status enables Girls’ Brigade International to have a presence at the annual Commission of the Status of Women (CSW), the principal global policymaking body dedicated to gender equality and advancement of women. The Commission meets annually for a period of 10 working days each March in New York to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide.

Members of the GBI leadership team will be attending CSW in March 2019 in order to assess future opportunities. In the future, it is hoped that GB members (especially emerging leaders) will attend to develop advocacy, communication and leadership skills and facilitate faith-based workshops at the event.

Gaining UN consultative status was an intentional part of GB International’s advocacy strategy which it is developing alongside its missional and evangelistic ethos. Girls’ Brigade International President Mrs Priscilla Penny from Zimbabwe explains: ‘GBI’s advocacy development is about equipping girls and young women to turn up the volume of Gospel hope for girls in communities across the world. Girls’ Brigade cares for girls because God cares for girls. Unfortunately in many places, it is very challenging to be a girl. I’m more likely to not be able to read and write because I’m a girl. I’m more likely to have tears of sorrow (not tears of joy) on my wedding day because I’m a girl. I’m more likely not to have a choice about where and when my first sexual experience happens because I’m a girl.’

Dr Claire Rush, International Vice-President for Europe adds: ‘But there is always hope. God has used Girls’ Brigade to help girls flourish across the world by providing life skills, a caring family of leaders who invest in them and empower girls to discover ‘life to the full’.’

Girls’ Brigade International , Cliff College, Calver, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S32 3XG Tel: +44 1246 582322 Email: home@gbworldwide.org

Notes:

Girls’ Brigade International is celebrating its 125 years of mission and ministry with mission in over 50 countries and 125,000 members across the globe. You can read more about its worldwide ministry here: www.gbworldwide.org

From Ireland and the UK to Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Americas and the Pacific, Girls’ Brigade now works alongside churches, governments, schools and many partners to fulfil our lasting vision of life transformation amongst girls. With strong roots of fun, friendship and discovery, GB continues to positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of girls and their families in a broad mix of countries and cultures.

The current President of GB International is Mrs Priscilla Penny from Zimbabwe. Priscilla was elected at the GB International Conference in Livingstone, Zambia in July 2018 and will serve a term of 4 years.

Dr Claire Rush is the youngest ever Vice-President of Girls' Brigade International (GB). She facilitates the development of Girls’ Brigade in Europe and has helped to lead a number of GBI’s advocacy projects including the application for UN accreditation.

GB International has been developing its advocacy ethos for a number of years after listening to its emerging leaders who are passionate about GB advocating on gender justice issues. Over the last 4 years, it has also campaigned for the release of the Chibok girls and other young women who have been kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria (some of the kidnapped young women are GB members).

On 11 October 2018, UN’s International Day of the Girl, GBI will launch its new social activism toolkit to enable girls to transform their communities. This free resource will help enable GB members to challenge injustices in their own community in creative ways and transform lives.

For further media enquiries, please contact Dr Claire Rush (gbeurochair@gmail.com)

Here's

Calvary Greetings. ICGB has been and gone. I am humbled by being elected at IP for 2018 to 2022. 125 years on and we are still there… We must be doing something right.

At ICGB 2018, we heard and we learnt. We were challenged to keep the main thing, the main thing, to be Intentional in moving GB forward. Our eyes were opened to Generation Z, we need to remain relevant. We heard God speak to us in so many ways.

As we begin on this journey together for the next four years, I wonder what plans God has for us. I can only believe that it will be an exciting and fulfilling journey. What will be our objectives?

That GB will take its place as the Oldest and Strongest Christian Organisation focusing on Girl Child Issues.That GB members will be good stewards and take care of God’s creation – The Earth.That GB will make a Loud Noise that cannot be missed as it turns up the volume of Hope for Girls around the world. May the Girls Brigade be the FIRST TO PRAY, THE FIRST TO SPEAK AND THE FIRST TO ACT for safety and justice for the Girl child. As it say in Proverbs 31:8-9, “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and the needy.”GB will empower and nurture our young women to drive the Mission and Vision of GB.

The Theme for 2019 is “Fruitful and Overflowing… Live Joyfully”. I tried to understand the term “Overflowing”. Producing Fruit is a process from preparing the soil, to harvest and then sharing the fruit. How do we get there? How do we get to a point where we move beyond private and personal breakthrough to being so full of the Holy Spirit that we become carriers of His Glory and have His presence overflow out of our inner spirit into every area of our soul, body and around us, bringing healing and freedom to those we come into contact with, to our girls especially as we seek to Transform Lives.

We maybe separated by land, water, different cultures, but we are one family with one Mission … to Transform the lives of the girls. ONE GB … ONE MISSION!!!

Priscilla Penny – International President

Four years ago in Perth I was humbled to be elected International President of Girls’ Brigade 2014-2018. It has been a privilege and joy to serve the faithful leaders and committed members of GB during this time. Thank you all for your support, your love and your prayers! Key words like open doors, inter-generational leadership, transformation, hope, empowerment, courage, expectation and ‘joining God in His mission’ have helped us to maintain our fruitful and overflowing ministry during this period.

It was a joy to meet with GB personnel from all around the world in Zambia, at ICGB 2018. Together we dealt with the business issues, soaked up the challenge of the key note speakers, shared the expertise of the workshop leaders and were inspired by the exciting stories that were shared. New words, fresh challenges and different ways of being lie ahead, but one thing was clear – GB has a future in God’s vineyard

Now, as I hand over the baton to Priscilla Penny, our new President, my prayer is that she and her team (Renelle, Poh Imm, Claire, Aruk, Quindell and Betty) may know that the great God who has led us in the past and watches over the present will continue to be the true leader of GB. He said ‘Behold I am doing a new thing’ May He do a new thing in GB under their leadership.

- Vivienne, outgoing GBI President

Where: Feilding Baptist Church, Bowen Street, Feilding

When: Saturday 17 November, 2018

9.30 a.m. to 4:00pm

Dinner at 5.30 (own expense) if you would like to join.

Who: This is for Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Young Leaders, Chaplains and Helpers in your Company.

Cost: $20.00 Please make cheques payable to Central Districts Area Girls’ Brigade

What to bring: Appointment Card and an educational subject idea to share (copies of instructions would be great).

Please wear old clothes (we are using paint) and a change if you are planning on coming to dinner.

Contact: Katrina Alden – 7 Tingey Ave Feilding 4702 or katalden@xtra.co.nz

If you have any questions or wanting to know more information, please contact me.

Spotlight

Do you know:

Which country wears fushia polo shirts? Which country has over 800 languages? Which country has a section for ladies 55 years and over? In which country do members regularly attends the Queen’s Birthday Parade? Which country has more than 20,000 members?

…………….. Facts like these will be found in our SPOTLIGHT leaflets which you can download below. We hope they will enable you to begin to know your GB family.

GBI is a huge family. We have so much in common around the world and yet each of us is a little bit different. In our Spotlight Fact Sheets we are taking a look at the way GB works in different countries around the world. We have already published Spotlights on Hong Kong and The British Virgin Islands and here is the next one. We’d love to hear from other countries that would like to be involved. So, if you would like to produce a fact sheet to tell others about GB in your part of the world, ask your GB national office to talk to your Fellowship IVP and she will let you know how to go about it. Happy reading more to follow…. very soon!

Resources

Download the SPOTLIGHT resources here:

My name is Aruk O Omori‎ (Mrs), a Nigerian from Calabar in Cross River State. I’m married with 3 children. My key skills are strong work ethics, team building and supervision, effective use of social media for communication and work advancement. I’m a team player, dedicated, loyal and committed to working with existing facilities and personnel towards the attainment of organisational goals.

I’m currently the Principal of Government Secondary School, Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria; the Vice-Chairman of All Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in Cross River State and Chairman of the same professional body in Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria; and a member of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

I’m an Alumnus of the University of Calabar and I hold a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Ed) in Adult Education/Religion and a Master’s Degree (M.Ed) in Community Development.

I’m a committed Christian woman with a passion to improve, preserve and strengthen the‎ vision and integrity of the Girls’ Brigade on behalf of the Girls’ Brigade International Council. I’ve been involved in the education of children, youth and women for over a decade; a member of the Christian Women’s Guild (CWG) of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria; and a mother/mentor of Christian Girls In Training (CGIT).

I’ve held the position of Company Captain (GBN, 13th Calabar Company), State Secretary (GBN, Cross River State Council), Assistant National Secretary (GBN, National Council), and Zonal Ex-Officio (GBN, Zone 5).

I’ve been involved in the planning and execution of Annual General Meetings (AGM) and also at girls and officers’ retraining camps etc.

In my new role as African Fellowship ‎President, I hope to, among other commitments, set key strategic direction for the growth and development of the ministry of The Girls’ Brigade in Africa. I hope to stimulate National Councils within Africa to engage with key issues facing the Church and Christian ministry in their environment. Finally, I hope to accomplish the continuous unification of the Girls’ Brigade family in Africa and beyond.

This is a story about Girls' Brigade Africa

Girls’ Brigade Africa is represented in 12 countries on the African continent with a membership of almost 30,000. Africa is full of diversity in culture and ministries which makes it a unique continent.

International Vice President: Pasellah P. Penny

View the Girls' Brigade Africa website

International Day of Prayer – 10 June 2018

On 10 June 1968, the Girls’ Brigade as we know it today was born. Of course, its roots go way back to 1883 when Margaret Lyttle first had her vision that led to the foundation of The Girls’ Brigade of Ireland. As we hold our International Day of Prayer this year, we celebrate 125 years of FRUITFUL & OVERFLOWING ministry, and we ask you to focus your prayers on three things:

10 June falls on a Sunday this year so as well as bringing your own prayers, why not ask your churches to support us with their prayers in this our 125th celebratory year!

From: https://gbworldwide.org/international-day-prayer-10-june-2018/

This year’s international competition will focus on the hope that GB brings to those around us as we seek to enrich ‘God’s world.’ We anticipate that the entries will be posted on our website and Facebook page to publicise GB. We hope to share many of your entries to help tell the story of GB’s impact around the world. All GB companies are invited to submit entries.

You will need to:

Choose a project, initiative or social action in which you have been involved which has blessed or enriched others and tell us the story of your involvement using power point.

Full details and guidance can be found here.

This year’s international competition will focus on the hope that GB brings to those around us as we seek to enrich ‘God’s world.’ We anticipate that the entries will be posted on our website and Facebook page to publicise GB. We hope to share many of your entries to help tell the story of GB’s impact around the world. National Boards Now is the time to get your country involved - so please advertise the worldwide opportunity on your websites, social media and in your usual publications and mailings. Each country may submit one entry to the international competition. If you have more than one submission you will need to decide internally how you will choose your country’s entry. GBI will need to know your winning entry by 30th June 2018. Guidelines All GB companies are invited to submit entries following the guidelines below:

1. Choose a project, initiative or social action in which you have been involved which has blessed or enriched others e.g.

• raising the profile of a social injustice issue

• involvement in a social enterprise project

• working with a vulnerable group

• engagement with a local charity

2. Tell us the story of your involvement using power point with a maximum of 10 slides.

3. Music, animations or short video inserts may be embedded

4. The total running time of the power point slide show should not exceed 2 minutes.

5. All photos and videos should be high resolution so that they can be used on our website. We recommend that Photos should be 300dpi and videos MP4 format.

6. Those in photos or videos must have parental consent for their images to be publicised.

Submission of entries

1. Power points should be titled as follows: Fellowship – Country – Company/Group Name (e.g. Asia-India-1 st Delhi)

2. All entries should be submitted to your national board as determined locally

3. A copy of your entry and any supporting files should be sent to GBI via https://wetransfer.com/ using the home@gbworldwide.org address.

4. National Boards should inform GBI of their winning entry by emailing the title (e.g. Asia- India – 1 st Delhi) to home@gbworlwide.org by 30th June 2018

5. Judging will be based on the story you are telling rather than technical excellence.

6. Judging will take place at ICGB 2018 where the winner will be announced.

7. Any entries, not just the winners, may be used by GB in your country or GBI in promotions and publicity.

GB UK is launching a free resource for GB groups to use with the children/young people they work with to help them express the positive impact GB has had/is having on their lives.

It’s an ideal activity and is made up of activities that will shine a light on just four of the areas in which GB is making a difference in young peoples’ lives.

These are: • Developing in character • Making friends and socialising • Growing in faith • Developing new skills and exploring new opportunities.

GB UK’s Director Jules Murdy says 'There's a resource for the n:vestigate and n:gage age groups and another one for the n:counta and n:spire age groups - both resources are interactive and fun but we'd then love leaders to send in the results for us to see. This will help us directly share the children’s and young people’s voices as we tell the GB story of hope and shine a light on all of the transforming work that takes place across the whole of Girls’ Brigade England & Wales.'

You can find both resources to download below.

Downloads

5th Whangarei Girls’ Brigade (now known as 1st Kamo Girls’ Brigade) are celebrating their 65th birthday. What a milestone!

The first company meeting at 5th Whangarei was held on 6 July 1953.

On 7 - 8 July they welcome any past members and leaders, Area or National representatives to share with them in a fun weekend of activities.

Contact details for further information, including programme and cost: kamogirlsbrigade@gmail.com RSVP by Friday 8 June.

More info is .

Check out the Spotlights on different GB companies around the world here.

Do you have a story to tell? We all have a story that has touched our lives. Well now here is your chance to have your story in print. In 2018 we are publishing a book of stories of how Girls’ Brigade has filled your life to over flowing, or what Christ has done making your life fruitful. We need 125 stories and so far, I only have a handful from the Pacific Fellowship. There is room for your story so please put it down in an email and send it to me.

If you have very good quality photos that you can scan, to put with your story, send them also. The book size will be printed in a A5 size. This book will be launched at ICGB in Zambia in July 2018.

Looking forward to hearing from you all, sharing your experiences with your wider family, in Brigade.

Renelle Neale IVP Pacific Fellowship.

2018 dates for Connect are:

Monday 2 July - Monday 9 July

Sunday 12 August - Sunday 19 August

Sunday 23 September - Sunday 30 September

More information is .

Here is the from GBSC...

Come along to GBNZ Conference 2018.

for those wishing to attend Conference/Youth Forum as a day attendee or just attending the dinner is another option. We'd love to see you there. GB and IFG leaders/helper/youth delegates are all invited.

Forms need to be submitted to office@girlsbrigade.org.nz to 30th April 2018.

GB has played a large role in my life since the age of 9. My life in GB has become a special journey where I have developed and grown from a young leader to the mature and confident adult I am today. I have gained many invaluable and inspiring lessons from the weekly badgework lessons. I thank God for blessing me with the gift of music as it is an honour to serve and glorify Him through playing the piano, violin and singing during GB worship sessions. I was inspired to compose The Girls’ Brigade International 125thAnniversary Theme Song, ‘Celebrate in Girls’ Brigade Together’, to testify God’s fruitful and overflowing love throughout the past 125 years as girls’ lives have been transformed and enriched all around the world. As we celebrate with this song, may we all remember His love for us will guide us through every situation in our lives.

Staff Sergeant Lau Swee San Michelle

1st Singapore Company

This year’s international competition will focus on the hope that GB brings to those around us as we seek to enrich ‘God’s world.’ We anticipate that the entries will be posted on our website and Facebook page to publicise GB. We hope to share many of your entries to help tell the story of GB’s impact around the world. All GB companies are invited to submit entries.

You will need to:

Choose a project, initiative or social action in which you have been involved which has blessed or enriched others and tell us the story of your involvement using power point.

Full details and guidance can be found here.

This year’s international competition will focus on the hope that GB brings to those around us as we seek to enrich ‘God’s world.’ We anticipate that the entries will be posted on our website and Facebook page to publicise GB. We hope to share many of your entries to help tell the story of GB’s impact around the world. National Boards Now is the time to get your country involved - so please advertise the worldwide opportunity on your websites, social media and in your usual publications and mailings. Each country may submit one entry to the international competition. If you have more than one submission you will need to decide internally how you will choose your country’s entry. GBI will need to know your winning entry by 1st June 2018. Guidelines All GB companies are invited to submit entries following the guidelines below:

1. Choose a project, initiative or social action in which you have been involved which has blessed or enriched others e.g. • raising the profile of a social injustice issue • involvement in a social enterprise project • working with a vulnerable group • engagement with a local charity

2. Tell us the story of your involvement using power point with a maximum of 10 slides.

3. Music, animations or short video inserts may be embedded

4. The total running time of the power point slide show should not exceed 2 minutes.

5. All photos and videos should be high resolution so that they can be used on our website. We recommend that Photos should be 300dpi and videos M4 format.

6. Those in photos or videos must have parental consent for their images to be publicised.

Submission of entries

1. Power points should be titled as follows: Fellowship – Country – Company/Group Name (e.g. Asia-India-1 st Delhi)

2. All entries should be submitted to your national board as determined locally

3. A copy of your entry and any supporting files should be sent to GBI via https://wetransfer.com/ using the home@gbworldwide.org address.

4. National Boards should inform GBI of their winning entry by emailing the title (e.g. Asia- India – 1 st Delhi) to home@gbworlwide.org by 1st June 2018

5. Judging will be based on the story you are telling rather than technical excellence.

6. Judging will take place at ICGB 2018 where the winner will be announced.

7. Any entries, not just the winners, may be used by GB in your country or GBI in promotions and publicity.

In 2018 we are celebrating 125 years of fruitful mission. Our theme for the year is: ‘Fruitful & Overflowing’, based on Jesus’ words in John 15:1-7.

GB members all over the world will be taking the opportunity to share all that God has done through GB over the last 125 years. But, more importantly we want everyone to know that GB is alive and well today impacting lives and enriching communities in 50 countries around the world every week.

GB continues to transform girls’ lives and enrich God’s world and we are grateful for all those who have in the past, or who are today enabling God to work through GB. See how GB is impacting lives today.

The Presidents Committee is delighted to launch this publication – FRUITFUL & OVERFLOWING programme material 2018. The resource this year is geared to 7-11’s although it can, of course, be adapted and used for older or younger girls. It is full of games, discussion starters, crafts and Bible themes. We hope that in using this your members will engage with our 2018 theme, as well as learning something about our GB family around the world. Please use it any way relevant to you!

Prayer Calendar

GBI are also providing you with a monthly prayer calendar. This will include ideas for ways in which you can pray for your Girls’ Brigade family across the world.

If you would like to receive bi-weekly GB International prayer notifications via Google Calendar to help you pray for GB and girls around the world, please add GBIprayer@gmail.com to your Google Calendar.

Click below to download reflections and prayer points for each month.

From the GB Support Centre, we wish you A Happy New Year and trust that you had an enjoyable break over the holiday period.

As a Movement we have lots happening this year:

The Roadshow is visiting Northland and the South IslandConference & Youth Forum celebrating 90yrs GB in New Zealand and 125 years Internationally.International Competition.International Conference being held in Zambia.

If your group is celebrating our birthday during the year we would love to hear some stories accompanied by pictures for Newsrap.

On starting our working year, the GB Support Centre welcomed a new staff member.

Havelen Rani our new Administrator.

Havelen comes from Singapore where she worked for St. Andrews Cathedral as a Clerical officer before going to England to join her husband. While in England she worked as a volunteer at the St. Peters Church-Anglican Diocese of Blackburn after completing her BA in Theology. Havelen and her family were in England for nine years prior to coming to New Zealand.

Having been with us for two weeks Havelen and is settling in to her new position.

Email address for Havelen is office@girlsbrigade.org.nz

Reminders:

The following documents are due at the GB Support Centre by:

Area statistics 26th JanuaryNomination Forms, Remits etc. 2nd February Area Financials No later than the 28th FebruaryNational Committee Budgets for 2019 28th FebruaryNational Committee Annual Reports for 2017 16th March 30th April is the close off day for Conference/Youth Forum Registration forms.30th April is the close off date for the International Competition

Up and Coming Event:

North Shore is holding a Green Clip Course on the 10th February, for further info contact robynh@handisides.co.nz

Do you have a story to tell? We all have a story that has touched our lives. Well now here is your chance to have your story in print. In 2018 we are publishing a book of stories of how Girls’ Brigade has filled your life to over flowing, or what Christ has done making your life fruitful. We need 125 stories and so far, I only have a handful from the Pacific Fellowship. There is room for your story so please put it down in an email and send it to me.

If you have very good quality photos that you can scan, to put with your story, send them also. The book size will be printed in a A5 size. This book will be launched at ICGB in Zambia in July 2018.

Looking forward to hearing from you all, sharing your experiences with your wider family, in Brigade.

The NZ Mountain Safety 'Plan My Trip' tool is now live.

Check it out here: https://goo.gl/uhhXMr + #MakeItHomeNZ

The International President’s Committee are pleased to announce the WINNER of our International Song Competition based on the theme ‘Fruitful and Overflowing’.

We were delighted to receive song entries from all five fellowships. The winning song ‘Celebrate Our Girls Brigade Forever’ was submitted by the 1st Singapore company and will be published to help our GB worldwide family celebrate our 125th Birthday year. We congratulate the writer and composer.

The judges selected the following songs for special mention:

GOLD AWARD 1st place: Celebrate Our GB For Ever submitted by the 1st Singapore Company

SILVER AWARD 2nd Place: Rooted In Love submitted by the 2nd Saintfield Presbyterian & Parish, Northern Ireland

BRONZE AWARD 3rd place: One GB Family submitted by the 6th Singapore Company

MERIT AWARD 4th Place: You Choose Me submitted by the 6th Kingston Company, Jamaica.

May we thank everyone who entered this competition and congratulate you all on your efforts. Watch out for words, music and a recording of the winning song prior to the start of 2018.

The latest issue of the GBNZ Newsrap magazine is hitting companies and units now.

Have a read of the digital version below:

Do you know:Which country wears fushia polo shirts? Which country has over 800 languages? Which country has a section for ladies 55 years and over? In which country do members regularly attends the Queen’s Birthday Parade? Which country has more than 20,000 members?……………..

Facts like these will be found in our SPOTLIGHT leaflets which you can download below. We hope they will enable you to begin to know your GB family. GBI is a huge family. We have so much in common around the world and yet each of us is a little bit different. In our Spotlight Fact Sheets we are taking a look at the way GB works in different countries around the world. We have already published Spotlights on Hong Kong and The British Virgin Islands and here is the next one. We’d love to hear from other countries that would like to be involved. So, if you would like to produce a fact sheet to tell others about GB in your part of the world, ask your GB national office to talk to your Fellowship IVP and she will let you know how to go about it. Happy reading more to follow…. very soon!

Resources are able to be downloaded here: http://gbworldwide.org/resources/spotlight/

2017 Theme: Be Empowered

GBI are pleased to confirm that the theme selected for 2017 is: ‘Be Empowered’

Scripture is full of stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. To help you get the best out of this theme we want to encourage you to “Be Empowered” in many different ways and for many different reasons.

To this end we are launching a new resource which includes questions for you to discuss, Bible passages to reflect on, prayer points for you to share and creative ideas to engage your young people. May God bless you as you are EMPOWERED by Him and for Him!

“But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me.” (Acts 1:8)

Prayer Calendar

To accompany the ‘Be Empowered’ resource, GBI are also providing you with a monthly prayer calendar. This will include ideas for ways in which you can pray for your Girls’ Brigade family across the world. Don’t forget to check here each month for the latest prayer calendar. October's Prayer Calendar is here.

GBI is a family and as such we care about one another, learn from each another and support one another. Over the last few weeks we have heard of the absolute devastation caused by hurricanes in some of our GB countries in the Caribbean and Americas Fellowship. The monster category 5 hurricane Irma swept through and left devastation. The British Virgin Islands, Barbuda, St Martin, Turks & Caicos and Anguilla suffered extensive damages and are left with a trail of chaos, wreckage and flooding as it was one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the region in the last decade. Other countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and Bahamas were also affected though not to the same degree.

Our Caribbean friends are grateful for our prayers and our messages of love and support. But now is the time to consider how we can support them practically. We are launching an appeal to help them and if you, as an individual, or your company, or group, or church is able to send a small gift it will be gratefully received by our sisters in need. You may send donations via your fellowship, or donations can be made to Girls’ Brigade International simply by clicking here. Please reference your gift ‘C&A Disaster Fund’.

Thank You in anticipation for your generosity.

This is a story about Girls' Brigade Caribbean & Americas

Girls’ Brigade Caribbean & Americas. Through the commitment of Christian volunteers who meet weekly with girls throughout the region, as a Christian Youth Organisation, Girls’ Brigade in the Caribbean & Americas provides activities designed to help girls attain physical, mental and spiritual maturity, and encourage them to exercise what they learn through practical services to the home, church, community and the world.

International Vice President: Hazel Ann Hannaway Boreland

Could you please pass on the following information to those members in your company who are interested in attending the North Island Awesome Leadership:

It is with much disappointment and regret that on behalf of the organising committee of the North Island Awesome Leadership Course that I need to advise you that due to other commitments by the facilitators we are having to postpone the course for this year and reschedule it to July next year.

We understand that this will be a disappointment to those who were interested in attending.

If you have anyone interested in attending the South Island Course it is being held from the 7th to the 10th October. As there are limited numbers for this course please contact the GB Support Centre if you wish a registration form.

Just a quick email to ask you to please prayer for the 6 young ladies, who are attending The Gathering in Ghana, representing the Pacific Fellowship. Naomi, Porsha and Ami from New Zealand and Lenore, Cody and Erin from Australia. The Gathering commences on the 5th August and finishes on the 12th August. Please pray for safe travel and safety while they are in Africa.

Also pray for the President’s Committee as they travel to Singapore for our annual meeting, from the 28th August to 2nd September. Be with the IVP’s and the President as decisions are made, issues discussed, and planning for the International Conference in Zambia 2018 is finalised.

Special prayers for Girls’ Brigade Singapore for their celebrations on the 3rd September for 90 years of GB in Singapore. I will be passing on to Singapore GB, a greeting from the Pacific Fellowship while I’m there.

There will be a report coming out to you next week on the training and 70th Celebrations in Niue, the extra training in Auckland for Paea from GB Tonga and the training and National Conference in Solomon Islands.

Blessings to you all and may God continue to walk with you as you transform girls lives enriching His world.

Yours in Christ,

Renelle

Be empowered

Renelle Neale

IVP

Girls’ Brigade

Pacific Fellowship

Lots of updates in this issue of the GBNZ National News. Have a

Hi All,

Just letting you know that I received an email this morning from Claire, regarding the bombing this week in Manchester. There were some GB girls at the concert, we would ask for prayers for these girls as they recover mentally from this sad situation. They were not injured physically. There was also another young church girl who was injured and is very ill in hospital along with her dad. Please pray for all the injured and for the mental health of the others who were at the concert.

I have informed Claire that the Pacific Fellowship (which includes GBNZ) will be praying for them all.

Blessings,

Renelle

Hi everyone,

Friday marks three years since the abduction of the Chibok girls (6 of whom are members of GB). 195 girls and young women still remain missing. Overall, 20,000 people have been murdered by Boko Haram and 2.6 million people displaced in Nigeria since 2009. Just last week, another group of women were abducted in NE Nigeria. Kidnappings are so frequent now that the media never learns the names of the women. God knows who they are.

Friday is another opportunity for GB to raise hope for girls; an opportunity for us to pray for Nigeria, the Nigerian church and GB and all the people affected by Boko Haram's violence. It's also an opportunity to spotlight hopeful stories like Rebecca's. Rebecca herself was displaced by Boko Haram but has set up her own charity helping to feed 2,000 widows and orphans.

I've updated the GB's Prayer for Chibok and Nigeria resource it is also on GB International website:

How can the resource be used?

Individually - say the prayer or meditate on it in April/May as well as link it to your social media page to encourage others to join inGB - use it as an opening or closing at any GB meeting over the next few weeks. It can also be linked into Cards of Hope activity or Hope for Girls resource during company night.Church - encourage your minister to use it in Church over the next few weeks. Perhaps you could encourage countries to circulate it to chaplains as well?

It is important to emphasise that the prayer can be used at any time - not just 14/15 April.

Social media updates will also be scheduled from the GB International facebook page making it easy to link to Fellowship/country/personal pages.

Blessings,

Claire

The latest issue of Newsrap is available to download here...

Enjoy!

THE POWER OF THE CROSS!

As we approach Easter 2017, I challenge you to re-read the story of Calvary , or to sit and look at a simple cross, whilst reflecting on what it means to you. I ask you to do this because the cross is, after all, the recognised symbol of the Christian Church of which we are all a part.

Interestingly, if you were to ask children what a cross meant to them, you may discover that for many their first response would have nothing to do with the CROSS OF CALVARY. A cross they might well say, means you’ve got it wrong. A cross is a sign that a mistake has been made! But is that not true, too, of the CROSS OF CALVARY? It is a sign that we’ve got things wrong, made mistakes, or to use theological language we’ve sinned. If we hadn’t made those mistakes there would be no need of the cross.

Others will tell you that a cross is what you put after your name when you write a letter or send a card – it’s a ‘kiss’ - a symbol of love. Again the parallel is there. The CROSS OF CALVARY is exactly that a symbol of the LOVE of God almighty who gave His Son that we might live.

In some parts of the world the cross is also linked to the whole experience of making choices. It is the way votes are expressed in an election. A cross next to a name means you’ve made a choice for that person. It’s a sign of our allegiance to someone’s beliefs, ideologies and policies.

The CROSS OF CALVARY also requires us to make daily choices as to the path we will take in life, whose teachings we will adhere to or whose lead we will follow.

In this year, when our GBI theme is BE EMPOWERED, we need more than ever, the power of the cross if we are to be effective witnesses and servants of Christ. We need to know our MISTAKES have been cancelled out by the LOVE of God who wants us to reaffirm our ALLEGIANCE to Him.

May you BE EMPOWERED as you pray this prayer: ‘I want to know Christ and experience the mighty the power that raised Him from the dead.’ Phil. 3:10

Easter Blessings to you all,

Vivienne

Registration form available to .

OR

Online Webform registration is here.

WHAT TO BRING:

Papers relating to AGM:

Financials

Nominations

Annual Reports

Other Information.

Full uniform is to be worn at the AGM.

If you wish to arrive on Friday or stay over on Saturday night you will need to book and pay for your accommodation. Suggestions: The Brentwood Hotel, 16/20 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie 04 920 0400 or brentwoodhotel.co.nz;

Airport Motor Lodge, airportmotorlodge@paradise.net.nz;

Airport Motel, 142 Tirangi Road, Rongotai 0800 668 400

AGM will be held at: The Conference Centre Level 2, Wellington Airport, Wellington

In 2018 Girls' Brigade Internationally will be celebrating 125 years and if you have signed up for the International Newsletter you will have read the news story re: the song writing competition that has been launched

We have some wonderful talent in our organisation and here is an opportunity for them to use that talent in the best possible way.

All entries need to be submitted by 30th June 2017.

FROM GB International:

COME ON AND CELEBRATE

AN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION open to all GBI members

In 2018 we will be celebrating 125 years of fruitful mission. Praise God! Our theme for the year, based on Jesus’ words in John 15v.16-17, will be FRUITFUL & OVERFLOWING’ We will, of course, be celebrating all that God has done through GB over the last 125 years, but we will also reflect on the ongoing work that He still has in store for us amongst girls and young women around the world.

Are you creative? Do you like to make music? Can you use words effectively to express your thoughts?

This is your opportunity. As part of our celebration we invite you to write a song to help celebrate God’s goodness and the impact of His empowering Spirit through GB. You can do this on your own, in collaboration with a friend or as a team effort with others in your company.

Instructions and entry forms are available from: www.gbworldwide.org/news or you can find the Song Competition dropbox here where all information will be found.

Look at the details and get involved. Entries are needed by the end of June 2017 so that the winning song can be shared at the beginning of 2018.

In 2017, The Girls’ Brigade Worldwide is celebrating 124 years of Mission to transform the lives of the girl. At ICGB in 2014 attendees were challenged to ‘Grasp the Vision: Live the Mission’. In 2015 we learnt to ‘Be Expectant’ as we listened to God and in 2016 we were reminded of how we needed to ‘Be Courageous’. We enter the year 2017 with the theme ‘Be Empowered’.

The theme has been divided into 6 sub-themes:

BE EMPOWERED: For Mission in the 21st Century

BE EMPOWERED: To Make Disciples

BE EMPOWERED: To Make the Right Choices

BE EMPOWERED: To Overcome

BE EMPOWERED: To Speak Out/Advocate

BE EMPOWERED: To Make a Difference

This is a very special resource to use within your company - especially for Pioneers and Young Leaders. You could also do a special "Be Empowered" Area Church Parade, using some of the resources outlined in this great resources from GBI.

It includes questions for you to discuss, Bible passages to reflect on, prayer points for you to share and creative ideas to engage your young people.

May God bless you as you are EMPOWERED by Him and for Him!

“But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me.” (Acts 1:8)

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Please support the GB International Fund Raising Project this year by holding a Cake Bake Stall as a fundraiser (). The $$ raised will go to this fund which does just as the name says: it gives girls all around the world HOPE in difficult situations.

Their target is to raise £1 for every GB member around the world so they can respond to all the requests they get. If you raise more money the extra could be retained to support GB work locally or added to your donation to be sent to GBNZ head office with "Give a Girl Hope" written on your donation.

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GB's core message on International Day of the Girl

The #iamgb video communicates two key messages:

Girls around the world say that, because of being part of Girls’ Brigade they feel confident, courageous, loved and accepted. Girls’ Brigade is a fun, confidence building, safe environment that provides girls with opportunities for personal growth and faith exploration.

What an incredibly positive and hope-filled message to be communicating to the world especially on #IDG2016.

#iamgb publicity pack

You can access the publicity pack online here - https://1drv.ms/f/s!Apf5Nn5W4i_AgSLBOM0pzbPyiFdH

It contains:

3 #iamgb videos with varying qualities of resolution - low quality is perfect for facebook, medium quality is suitable for youtube and high quality is suitable for TV advertisement/website Info sheet for national leaders/offices - this clearly explains the purpose of the video and how they can use itWebsite/Magazine/e-news article templatePress release templatePhotos that can be shared in articles or on social media (photos of a higher quality resolution will be uploaded soon

And finally...

Let's praise God for His faithfulness to Girls' Brigade - Great Things He has done through our leaders and through 123 years of mission and ministry of Girls' Brigade! Thank you for playing your part in the story.

The latest issue of Newsrap is available to download ...

Enjoy!

for Fonomarae. Please make sure everyone eligible gets to see it.

Check out the forms out now for the South Island Leadership . Get your Pioneers keen and encourage them to attend. There will be a Leadership course in Auckland later in November.

As we near the second Anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok girls, we have been asked by Claire Rush the IVP for the European Fellowship to pray together on the 14/15 April to remember these young girls and there families.

The following is from Jennifer Box the IVP for the Pacific Fellowship sent on behalf :

Hope for Chibok girls

14/15 April marks the two-year anniversary of the Chibok girls' abductions. It is an event that we'd hope to not be commemorating. Nevertheless, it's important that we encourage our members and friends to pray for them and the many other people affected by Boko Haram's violence. Please see the attached GB prayer which we're asking our members to join together to pray on 14/15 April. It can be adapted to suit the needs of specific groups and can be used individually, in church and in GB.

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731 days on and 219 young women remain missing and separated from their families in Nigeria. On 14/15 April 2016, it will be the two year anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok Girls in Nigeria. GB International is asking all its members and friends to join together in praying for these young women and the many others affected by Boko Haram’s violence.

You can download this short adaptable GB prayer below and use it in GB, in church or in many other ways. The prayer can be linked with practical action through GB International’s Cards of Hope initiative or through the Hope for Girls resource. And remember, it can be used any time.

The resource also provides an update on the difficult situation in Nigeria and urges us to pray for these young women, the many other people who have been affected by violence as well as their families. Since 2009, 15,000 people have been killed and over 2 million have been forced to leave their homes

As a movement, Girls’ Brigade cares about how girls around the world are treated. We aim to bring hope into girls’ lives, and freedom brings hope! That’s why Girls’ Brigade members from around the world are joining together to pray for the Chibok school girls in Nigeria (six of whom are members of The Girls’ Brigade).

Please join us as we continue to raise hope for girls.

Resources available to be downloaded .

Queen's Award recipients from 2015 with Excellency Lady Janine Mataparae.

The five girls L to R:

Laura Harkness

Celese Prior

Tessa Matier

Emma Cary

Shania Inglis

Latest issue of Newsrap is now available to download .

It's time to:

Apply for Grants - Go to your local library and they'll show you how to find out who you can apply to. Check out http://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/Funding-and-grants---How-to-apply

Continue or START fundraising! Unlike school camps we as a Christian organisation have such a privilege to share Christ while having fun. This could be a life changing event.

No enthusiastic leader - pray for someone to come forward, expect God to answer, start the enthusiasm rolling! If you have girls and no leader, contact your area, or contact Northland area for help. Please let the girls have the opportunity. It's not too late, hand out the flyer today!!

Look out for the registration forms soon.

Regards,

Fonomarae Organising Team

Are you ready for an adventure?

Registration is now open for The Gathering 2017!

More info is available .

What’s The Gathering 2017?

Bringing together over 150 Millennial leaders from across the Girls’ Brigade family, The Gathering 2017 will be held in Accra in Ghana on 5 – 12 August 2017. Building on the positive impact of the 2013 event in South Africa, The Gathering 2017 will bring together 18 - 35 year old GB women for a week of fun, faith development and fellowship.

What are the important details?

Venue: Conference Centre in Accra, Ghana Date: 5 – 12 August 2017

Cost: USD$ 500 (plus flights, visa & travel insurance)

How do I register?

Each country is responsible for its own registration process. Contact GB Support centre if you are keen to go.

Feedback: I left The Gathering 2013 knowing that I have 120 sisters across the world who are praying for me. That’s what drives me in my everyday life – Natalie Lawrence, GB South Africa. Not only did The Gathering 2013 give me the opportunity to get to know other GB members but I also learnt about how being born a girl can be so unfair and how fixing my attention on God can transform me from the inside out. Finding out such things inspired me to want to know more and to help where I can, from my home in little old New Zealand – Porsha, GB New Zealand.