Tonga here we come!
Very soon our small team from the New Zealand District Church of the Nazarene will depart for Tonga to serve with the Mango Tree Respite Centre. If you've followed this blog for any length of time at all, you've heard me mention this special ministry on various occasions. Mango Tree serves people living with disabilities in Tonga by providing education, resources, camaraderie and ultimately hope of new life in Jesus Christ.
The centre is located about an hour from Nuku-Alofa, the capital city of Tonga, located on the island of Tongatapu. I'm thrilled to be able to return to this place and these people that are dear to my heart.
Bring on the fresh coconut, warm temperatures and "blessed messy-ness"!
Please keep your eyes peeled to this blog for updates, photos and stories once we return.
Thank you for your prayers not only for our team, but for those with whom we will serve at the Mango Tree Centre, and for God to be lifted high in all things.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
A Little Slice of Heaven
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I was given the privilege of preaching twice this weekend on our theme of "Running the Race", based on Hebrews 12: 1-2.
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2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
What an honour it is to serve alongside some incredible ladies who are fellow sojourners in this race of life and faith! Enjoy the pics.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Issues Facing Families in New Zealand- Election Day 2014
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For the non-Kiwis reading this blog, New Zealand is a democratic country in which the Members of Parliament (MPs) are chosen in free and fair elections. This year there are nine different political parties to choose from, each of them tending to "major" or focus their attention on certain social and political issues. The parties that are in place are: Green, Conservative, Labour, Maori, NZ First, National, United Future, Act, and Mana.
Elections are always important and influential in any society, so I would ask that you pray for the people of God and people who value family to stand up and vote their conscience.
Here are just a sprinkling of the issues affecting families that have been on the table in recent years and are still up for grabs in this current election:
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-- Parental Notification for Abortion: Currently girls under the age of 16 can have an abortion without parental consent.
-- Defining Marriage: There was a bill that attempted to clearly define marriage as one man and one woman, but unfortunately that bill was defeated. It continues to be up for debate.
-- Drinking Age: The current legal drinking age (or at least to legally purchase alcohol) is 18. There is a bill attempting to raise the drinking age to 20yrs.
-- Anti-Smacking Law: There is a law in place that forbids "smacking" (AKA spanking) by parents and defines it as a form of abuse. However, there is bill hoping to decriminalize light and appropriate smacking for the use of correction and discipline.
-- Paid Parental Leave: A bill will be voted on that would gradually increase paid parental leave (like maternity leave) to 26 weeks.
These are just a FEW of the issues facing families here in NZ. Thank you for praying!
*** Statistics and facts are from the following sources:
-- Family First New Zealand: http://valueyourvote.org.nz/2014-general-election/
-- Electoral Commission: http://www.elections.org.nz/
Monday, September 8, 2014
Dargaville
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Kids Club Fun!
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"Energise", we call it, and that is exactly what it does for me! Working with children, embracing silliness with a smile, and seeing young people transformed and shaped in the image of Jesus fulfills me and gives me purpose. I love it! Enjoy a few photos from our Sunday night Kids Club the last few weeks!
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