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NNZC Health Department Update

Posted on Aug 03, 2010

Health Retreat – Forgive to Live (July 23-35 at Tui Ridge Park)

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34), were the words of our dying Saviour. These were also the words that wrapped up a monumental weekend based on Forgiveness by Dick Tibbits the guest speaker for the weekend.

Dick Tibbits a Pastor, trained Theologian and Psychologist and the author of Forgive to Live , touched on the key aspects of forgiveness over the course of the weekend, starting us of with the scientifically proven benefits of forgiveness surmised from years of research, focused on patients with serious health problems who went through a structured program on forgiveness and dealing with past hurts.

Unforgiveness is like swallowing a poison pill and expecting the other person to die says Dick. Dealing with hurt by reframing your memories and letting go will impact your life and your health in astounding ways. Dick also talked about the need to focus on the impact a hurtful situation has on us as opposed to fixating on the intent of the person causing hurt, which is what we normally do.

The weekend had something for every one of the 117 attendees. Those struggling with past hurts found a starting point for healing. Those already on the journey to healing found thoughts and tools to enhance their journey. There were some for whom the entire weekend was a reaffirmation of the wonderful healing that God blesses our lives with when we choose to forgive.

Forgive To Live is also an outreach program that churches can run over a period of 8 weeks. Dick has designed 2 separate workbooks to go with his book. One workbook can be used to run an outreach for people from your community. The other which is a more spiritual version can be used for people within the church. There are also PowerPoint presentations and other material available from the Health Department.

If you are looking for more information and are interested in running an outreach in your church or community, please contact the Health Department by emailing veritydixon@adventist.org.nz. To buy or order a copy of Forgive to Live (paperback @ $29.85) please contact the ABC.

SIMPLE, TASTY, GOOD

What an exciting Saturday evening it was for all present at the health retreat to be part of the launch of the latest vegetarian recipe book called Simple, Tasty, Good. In a joint venture with the Signs Publishing Company, Pr Paul Rankin and his daughter Rebekah Rankin on behalf of the Health Department have pulled together this exciting recipe book!

The Recipe book is very well put together with colourful recipes that have been tested and tried for usability and taste and have been captured in the vibrant photographs that jump out at you each time you turn a page. This recipe book is just as good as any other world class recipe book, gracing the shelves of bookstores and will be an asset to anyone that is looking at eating healthy.

The book also has its own website www.simpletastygood.com where you can go and check out a recipe, learn more about the team that worked behind the scenes and place an order for your very own copy of the book.

You can also order your copy at the ABC today!!

by Hana Isaac, EA/Communications, NNZC

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