Kia ora te whanau,
Just an end of year update about Grace International’s year and going forward into 2023.
We are glad the worst of Covid is behind and hoping like everyone else we don’t have to return to the many restrictions we endured for valid health and safety reasons. Personally, I lost around 10 people I knew to Covid both here (including our beloved Elder Ngariki Ngariki) and different nations we’re involved with. So very real, sad and nasty so glad to be getting through it.
Despite the setback of Covid we were still able to see God’s goodness in many situations and see His Kingdom advanced through the various ministries carried out so faithfully by our people. Many food boxes have been and are being distributed week by week, the facilities are open for the community groups (e.g. the Chinese and Cook Island groups) use by different churches (e.g. combined Tongan A/G) and organisations. Our ‘Procare’ program also helped a lot of people around nutrition, vegetable gardens and exercise classes. The Skatepark was given over to Aaron Martin and his East Skatepark to revamp and run and the Gym has been expanded with the addition of a wall at the end of the Basketball Court. SONSK8 Skatepark
Mission work was done in Fiji with our HIM Fiji network led by Pastor Savenaca Baleiwai, progress made at our Training Centre property in Lautoka we call ‘Mailagi.’ This is being made possible with Frank Luita from Savusavu working with Junior who lives with his family on the property. Also we had a great time in New Caledonia with Pastor Billy Cava, his mum, Radini Adi, Koko and Heu and friends and family there. Next year we’re planning to go to India, Philippines, Fiji, Nauru, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana and Vietnam.
We had a fantastic ‘Redeeming Passion’ Missions Conference at Easter that we have done for many years. International missions in the 3 morning services and local missions in the 3 evening services. Pastor Henry Briggs, Pastor Nick Klinkenberg and Pastor Kem Price shared great messages and we loved the worship and items and of course the Umu on Sunday evening!
Our Connect leaders and various Ministry Team leaders have done a really good job looking after those in their care and helping the discipleship process continue in different people’s lives. The Youth grew in numbers and in God’s grace.
Prayer – a fresh emphasis on PRAYER is being felt – challenging but very important not only for us but for the nation.
We welcomed a lovely family from the USA – the Turney family- who will be helping us plant a new Campus in St. Heliers / Glendowie area early next year.
This week we have an amazing Tongan couple ministering who have been missionaries in Africa for many years. Pastor Vikilani and Hulita Havea. Currently serving in Ethiopia but back for a few weeks over summer.
Sunday 18th after the morning service we have our end of year Baptisms, Picnic and Soccer Game (Old Wise Ones Vs Young Strong Ones!!).
We end our year with a Christmas service on Christmas Day the 25th December – 9.00am – 10.00am.
We all need fresh vision for 2023, make sure you ask the Lord to give you this and write it down (Habakkuk 2: 2,3; Proverbs 29: 18) for yourself, your family, your ministry and church.
Finally remember what it says in says in 2 Thessalonians 3: 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
Arohanui and Abundant Blessings for 2023
