Kia Ora everyone,
It's been a while since our last update for which I apologise.
Last few months have seen a lot of 'disruptions' due to Covid problems.
We have hosted different events at our church for the wider Auckland A/G Pastors, Children's Ministry leaders and Board Members.
The main focus of these gathering was to train us in the Safer Churches Policies which are aimed at keeping all our under 18 year Olds safe if they are part of any of our groups or programmes we offer. These were really well attended and our people did a great job with Hospitality, Security, Ushering, Cleaning and Worship etc.
We did manage to have an amazing Easter 'Redeeming Passion' Missions Conference with great ministry from Ps Henry Briggs, Ps Lui Ponifasio, Ps Kem Price and Ps Nick Klinkenberg. Great Worship, some people coming to Jesus for first time and 'prodigal' son and daughters returning to Jesus. We had some more Baptisms with more to come.
Ps Richard felt to start a Bible Study / Discipleship class in the Tongan language and it has been very effective as Ps Henry Briggs has done these for us for which we are grateful.
Our Residents who stay at the facility (about 35 people) have especially felt the loss (as we all have) of Pastor Paul Glassie who passed away last August and Tuakana Kata who passed away a few months ago, but have really done well to continue building closeness and support with shared meals and times of prayer and sharing.
Connect groups have proven very valuable during various 'Lockdowns' keeping our people feeling supported and connected during the stress and pressure that can occur.
Our people have experienced 'The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want' during these months and even seen promotions, income increase, new jobs, completing studies etc. He is our source.
We have not only mourned the loss of Ps Paul and Tuakana but also Ps Savenaca's wife (our Senior Leader of HIM Fiji) - Anna and also just last week the amazing Moana Taukolo wife of Ps Barry in Tonga. Both wonderful women of God who glorified the Lord with their lives and ministries. In addition 300 have died in the indigenous group of churches in India we have partnered with since 1999. Bishop Pompey has been working tirelessly to support families who have lost lived ones including a number of Pastors that I have ministered to since 1999 many times. We have ben sending funds when able and continue to pray for our beloved brothers and sisters in these badly Covid effected places.
Our services this year have been really well attended and even our Online Services each Sunday at 10.00am are getting really good support. With many people accessing them that are not a regular part of the church and being blessed by the messages from God's word and also the Worship when we are able to provide that too.
The emphasis in God's word this year has been The Holy Spirit, The word of God, Praise and Worship and Prayer.
''For yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever and ever Amen.'
Arohanui, Ofa Lahi Atu and blessings
Ps Graham and Glenda Davison
