I am really enjoying my time in New Zealand so far—it is such a beautiful country! We have done quite a bit, including exploring the area and learning cultural differences, as well as beginning our work in the different ministries here. We have been experiencing some food in new ways, including eating the ENTIRE kiwi like an apple, skin and all, it’s delicious and I never have to peel one again—you MUST go buy a kiwi now and try it. We have also had cooked pumpkin (really yummy), pancakes with vanilla ice cream on top, and of course, fish 'n chips.
We went to a church service yesterday in Waikanae, and the message was really inspiring as it spoke directly to the reason we have come to New Zealand. It was all about the church’s role in the community, to love people and boldly share the hope of the gospel to those that are hopeless and hurting. The pastor read a few verses, and one of the ones he shared has been our team’s commission verse for this trip. I discovered it a few days before leaving for training camp, and shared it with the team at training, and it has really stuck with us. It was so awesome when the pastor started to read it—truly a prophetic confirmation from God.
Isaiah 61:1-3:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”
Last night we served at a church in Palmerston North, and two from our team shared their testimonies and another shared a brief message. Afterwards we made friends with a family in the youth group from Fiji, and they invited us to their house. They were so nice and excited to have us over—they kept bringing out plates of food as we all worshipped, sang songs and danced together in their living room. It is amazing how people from completely different cultures can bond over our faith in God. Praise Him!
