Hero Headquarters and God's Garden

We must tell you that our time here with the team in New Zealand has been quite extraordinary. And yet, that is what we have come to expect from the Lord: unique and wonderful things!

  Each evening we have enjoyed genuine fellowship with one another, sharing deep parts of our lives, touching heaven while on our knees in prayer. Each day is filled with fun and meaningful work, new friendships and exquisite scenery.

Today "Captain Chad" , "Acrobatic Alison", "Magnificent Megan" and our superhero teammates made an appearance at "Hero Headquarters". 

23 children ages 5-14 were in attendance, having a blast with silly songs, engaging Bible stories, and heaps of messy crafts, snacks and games. VBS has been a blast so far!

Our little worship facility was filled with people from all over the world.  Who'd have thought that in 4 hours we'd get to rub shoulders with children from India, England, South Africa, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia and America! It is like a slice of heaven.

Day 1 was a huge success and we are anticipating two more days of great encounters with our ultimate Hero: God!

After a busy morning with the kids, we enjoyed a delightful respite in perhaps one of the most picturesque settings in all of Northland, "God's Garden" at the home of our dear friends Noel and Annita.  They have transformed 18 hectares of native New Zealand bush into a place of peace and refreshment, complete with a handmade water wheel, fruit orchard, outdoor sanctuary, floating tree house, and countless areas to hide and collect one's thoughts. 

What a great way to end the day!

New Zealand Week 1

10 days down. 10 days to go.  

We thank The Lord for servants' hearts, creative minds and hard workers these last 10 days.  He has blessed us with a variety of opportunities to serve and sightsee, experiencing New Zealand at its finest. 

In the midst of outreach events, youth activities and preparing for "Hero Headquarters" Holiday Programme (aka VBS) New Hope Nazarene is undergoing a face-lift with indoor murals, outdoor upkeep and new chair cushions, etc.

 Over 200 local folks attended our Otangarei outreach event today, complete with homemade yard games and hot sausages.   What a blast!

The Blog is Back!

Kia Ora, Friends!

   The blog is back!  In just a few short hours, 13 unique individuals from MidAmerica Nazarene University will unite as one team and depart for our beloved New Zealand!  Many of you have given generously over the last year through financial contributions, donation of material goods, friendship and support.  Now we have one more very important request:  PRAYER!

Now more than ever, we are reliant upon the prayers of others for for the "success" of this team, our partnership with God in His mission.  According to the scriptures, success looks a whole lot like servanthood and sounds a whole lot like love.

Would you pray for our team, that we would really make Jesus famous and enjoy safety and harmony in the group while we're doing it? Attached is a copy of our prayer calendar while includes specific topics for which you can pray each day.  Some requests are team-specific, while others pertain to New Zealand national matters and challenges facing churches and families today.

Are you up for the task?
Thank you again and again for praying for our team and lifting us to the Father each day!

Grace and Peace to each of you,