What a blessing it has been journeying through “My First Steps” – a 20 week discipleship study we are doing at Grace City Church. There are 42 people in our fellowship going through the study in various small groups and our student group.
I have been LOVING my small group (within the larger group of students). Zarette & Giselle & Kerrianne are three high school girls who have grown up in the ‘church’. Kerrianne’s mum came to NZ as a child-migrant from China and was a part of the Chinese migrant outreach ministry that eventually became Grace City Church. So, Kerrianne is a true Kiwi. In the same way, Zarette and Giselle are now officially PK’s (their dad Kellis is our pastor). They moved permanently to NZ (from Fiji) in 2003 so the girls really are very Kiwi in many ways.
Since we’ve been going through the study, God has really helped them take a look at whether or not they are truly born again. What has resulted is truly amazing. They are enjoying the study (they do their homework and the Scripture memory each week), and really beginning to see a change in their lives and attitudes, and most especially in their relationships with others. They are excited at the changes in our church family, excited to come to church and student group, and most especially seeing our church family becoming on fire for God. I’m enjoying being with them and seeing the light in their eyes grow brighter and brighter each week.
Please pray over the next few weeks as we take on the subjects of baptism, and the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would receive the word with power, and that many in our fellowship who haven’t been baptised would make decisions to do so. But with that comes the need for protection… because we face an enemy that doesn’t like on fire followers of Jesus. Pray that Zarette, Giselle and Kerrianne would all grow strong in their faith and impact their high school campus for Jesus!
Contagious joy!
Ann & Jerome... representing Asia & Pacific :-)
Awesome bunch! The four on the left are fully conTagious...
Giselle, Jerome, Vinnie and Zarette
Giselle, Jerome, Vinnie and Zarette
ISMNZ Ministry Internship
Can I just say again how much I LOVE being a part of our ISMNZ Ministry Internship programme? Of course I can! I LOVE it. First of all, Pathways Bible College is a GREAT partner. They love our interns as much as we do, and together we get to impact the lives of these young future servants of Christ. What a privilege!
This semester I am leading three courses: Making Disciples, A Vision for the World, and Focus on the Future. I teach in Palmerston North, but for the first two lessons of Making Disciples I also travelled to Auckland to teach the girls there. Also, Masa has stayed on (he finished his degree at Massey in June) to do a one semester certificate in ministry internship with us. He is a key leader in J2 Palmy and we are so happy to be able to provide some training and preparation for him before he returns to Japan at the end of the year.
The best part of it is seeing them take hold of how they can impact the world around them and begin to prepare for their next stage in life. For some it means returning to their home countries to find work, for others they will remain in NZ to try and get a job in their area of qualification, and yet for others they will do further training based on what they desire to do next. In every case… the foundations being laid for their spiritual life are awesome. They are seeing God at work in their life, and experiencing His answers to prayer as they study and do ministry and relate with others. It’s not always easy and they face many trials and tests, but WOW is their faith deepening!
Can I just say again how much I LOVE being a part of our ISMNZ Ministry Internship programme? Of course I can! I LOVE it. First of all, Pathways Bible College is a GREAT partner. They love our interns as much as we do, and together we get to impact the lives of these young future servants of Christ. What a privilege!
This semester I am leading three courses: Making Disciples, A Vision for the World, and Focus on the Future. I teach in Palmerston North, but for the first two lessons of Making Disciples I also travelled to Auckland to teach the girls there. Also, Masa has stayed on (he finished his degree at Massey in June) to do a one semester certificate in ministry internship with us. He is a key leader in J2 Palmy and we are so happy to be able to provide some training and preparation for him before he returns to Japan at the end of the year.
The best part of it is seeing them take hold of how they can impact the world around them and begin to prepare for their next stage in life. For some it means returning to their home countries to find work, for others they will remain in NZ to try and get a job in their area of qualification, and yet for others they will do further training based on what they desire to do next. In every case… the foundations being laid for their spiritual life are awesome. They are seeing God at work in their life, and experiencing His answers to prayer as they study and do ministry and relate with others. It’s not always easy and they face many trials and tests, but WOW is their faith deepening!
It has also been a real pleasure 'supervising' Laurel McDonald. Laurel is a Kiwi from Palmy (who speaks Japanese and served teaching English in Japan for three years). She's already a great ESOL teacher, and now she is growing heaps in her walk as a disciple and making disciples and gaining lots of ministry experience. Whenever we have our mentoring sessions, I learn so much from what she is learning. Keep praying for Laurel, as I know God has more amazing ministry in store for her future. I am so grateful to have her as part of the J2 Palmy leadership team.
All I can say is THANK YOU for making it possible for them to get this training. As you support me through encouragement, prayer and financially – I can serve them without distraction. They are learning heaps from what I’m experiencing as a faith-funded missionary as I testify of the goodness of God I receive because of YOU!
All I can say is THANK YOU for making it possible for them to get this training. As you support me through encouragement, prayer and financially – I can serve them without distraction. They are learning heaps from what I’m experiencing as a faith-funded missionary as I testify of the goodness of God I receive because of YOU!
important time away from block course... 
Allen & Masa at the marae visit during Bible College block course
Allen, Koyo, Joel, Emma,Aina, Mayumi, Laurel...
J2 Palmy Ministry
We continue to work on building our J2 ministry here in Palmerston North. August was a great month to really focus on the future, and allow old things to pass away and new things to come. As a result, Laurel has started to lead English studies using the Book of Hope with some of the Japanese women. Masa has launched a men’s Bible study/dinner time every Friday night. God continues to help us build good friendships with the Japanese students here in Palmy.
Please pray for us as a leadership – Masa, Laurel, Brendon, Maki, Taka, Natsuko, Yosuke and myself as we plan ahead for the upcoming camp: What is Love? Pray many will join us and be blessed as we share the three loves of the Bible (and even the forth as mentioned by CS Lewis).
Speaking of J2… Mai-chan (back in Tokyo) arranged a holiday for her younger sister (Fumino, 19) and a friend (Masumi, 19) to visit us in New Zealand! What a blessing. It was like having a bit of my Mai back again… the girls arrived in Palmy on 28 August and stayed with us ‘til the 3rd Sept, then fly up to Auckland to spend time with our J2 family up there. I am so grateful to God for the lifelong relationship that began when Mai was only 19 herself. I am thankful to God that her parents trust me with their daughters, and generously covered the costs for me to be the tour guide. We had a marvellous time, soaring on flying foxes, spinning on rapids jets, taking long hikes around the place and soaking in boiling hot springs. An added blessing was having them attend church with us (they were both keen), and all the joy and laughter they brought to Cardiff Street and J2. Please pray that as they have returned to Tokyo, they would be keen to join Mai and Daniel for the J-tree fellowship and come to know Jesus.
We continue to work on building our J2 ministry here in Palmerston North. August was a great month to really focus on the future, and allow old things to pass away and new things to come. As a result, Laurel has started to lead English studies using the Book of Hope with some of the Japanese women. Masa has launched a men’s Bible study/dinner time every Friday night. God continues to help us build good friendships with the Japanese students here in Palmy.
Please pray for us as a leadership – Masa, Laurel, Brendon, Maki, Taka, Natsuko, Yosuke and myself as we plan ahead for the upcoming camp: What is Love? Pray many will join us and be blessed as we share the three loves of the Bible (and even the forth as mentioned by CS Lewis).
Speaking of J2… Mai-chan (back in Tokyo) arranged a holiday for her younger sister (Fumino, 19) and a friend (Masumi, 19) to visit us in New Zealand! What a blessing. It was like having a bit of my Mai back again… the girls arrived in Palmy on 28 August and stayed with us ‘til the 3rd Sept, then fly up to Auckland to spend time with our J2 family up there. I am so grateful to God for the lifelong relationship that began when Mai was only 19 herself. I am thankful to God that her parents trust me with their daughters, and generously covered the costs for me to be the tour guide. We had a marvellous time, soaring on flying foxes, spinning on rapids jets, taking long hikes around the place and soaking in boiling hot springs. An added blessing was having them attend church with us (they were both keen), and all the joy and laughter they brought to Cardiff Street and J2. Please pray that as they have returned to Tokyo, they would be keen to join Mai and Daniel for the J-tree fellowship and come to know Jesus.
Masumi & Fumino @ Massey Uni... walking in the steps of Mai-chan!
why is the water so green? Is it from all the people getting sick after too many 360 spins
or just from the rough jet ride over rapids? heehee
or just from the rough jet ride over rapids? heehee
a reluctant farewell party for Miyuki-chan
Miyuki giving her farewell speech... she's back in Tokyo now.
Taka & Brendon (J2 leaders)
Maki &Natsuko (J2 Leaders & mrs. of above)
M-bai brothers... Nobu-chan (met thru Boys High student who brought himto Grace City... he's doing discipleship, J2... and getting 100% on
Scripture memory -- in English! YEAH... he loves Jesus now!)
tenpin anyone? Jingxiu, Masa, Nonoka, Masumi, and Yosuke!
a budding photographer... cute as May-chan!
ISMNZ National Leadership Team
August was an especially exciting month for me as one of those in leadership with ISMNZ. We had a very special Board meeting which led to us having great hope that we are closer than ever to finding our new National Director. My boss (Terry) has already gone beyond two terms, and is coming to the end of the time of extension he agreed to. So, in 2011 we will face a lot of change. As a result, whether we have our new National Director in place or not – we will move forward through the transition as a “team” of leaders.
As of September 2010, we have two regional leaders. Mitch Gingrich & wife Beth came from USA and are serving the southern region. They are based in Christchurch (and the earthquake did no damage to their home). Mario Garcia & Saling are originally from the Philippines and are leading the northern region from Hamilton (covering Auckland as well). We are still praying for a central region leader. In addition to this, we have Paul Stock (staff development and internship), David Broughton (pastoral care of staff), John Wallis (national operations manager), Terry (who will continue as a part of leadership), and myself (national support and administration and whatever rolls down hill).
Even more exciting has been the answers to prayer for more labourers to work with us in this harvest. Again I say THANK YOU for praying with me on this. In 2010 we’ve had one couple go from part time to full time ministry, another go from volunteer to part time and now serve as a city leader in Hamilton, the Moore’s in Wellington have settled in and joined the team, Colin and May Zhao (from China) joined staff-in-training in Auckland earlier this year, Yang Yang Wu (also from China) is also staff-in-training in Auckland with us. And right now there is another fellow American in the process of applying (she’s already serving alongside Yang Yang in ministry in Auckland). It seems our hope to build teams is becoming a reality!
I am enjoying working on newsletters, publications and communications. But still feel stuck in the mud as I try to get our DVD project settled. This is my one and only final priority for this year – in fact – THIS MONTH I want it in the hands of our producer. Please pray for me that I will have focussed time to organise it.
August was an especially exciting month for me as one of those in leadership with ISMNZ. We had a very special Board meeting which led to us having great hope that we are closer than ever to finding our new National Director. My boss (Terry) has already gone beyond two terms, and is coming to the end of the time of extension he agreed to. So, in 2011 we will face a lot of change. As a result, whether we have our new National Director in place or not – we will move forward through the transition as a “team” of leaders.
As of September 2010, we have two regional leaders. Mitch Gingrich & wife Beth came from USA and are serving the southern region. They are based in Christchurch (and the earthquake did no damage to their home). Mario Garcia & Saling are originally from the Philippines and are leading the northern region from Hamilton (covering Auckland as well). We are still praying for a central region leader. In addition to this, we have Paul Stock (staff development and internship), David Broughton (pastoral care of staff), John Wallis (national operations manager), Terry (who will continue as a part of leadership), and myself (national support and administration and whatever rolls down hill).
Even more exciting has been the answers to prayer for more labourers to work with us in this harvest. Again I say THANK YOU for praying with me on this. In 2010 we’ve had one couple go from part time to full time ministry, another go from volunteer to part time and now serve as a city leader in Hamilton, the Moore’s in Wellington have settled in and joined the team, Colin and May Zhao (from China) joined staff-in-training in Auckland earlier this year, Yang Yang Wu (also from China) is also staff-in-training in Auckland with us. And right now there is another fellow American in the process of applying (she’s already serving alongside Yang Yang in ministry in Auckland). It seems our hope to build teams is becoming a reality!
I am enjoying working on newsletters, publications and communications. But still feel stuck in the mud as I try to get our DVD project settled. This is my one and only final priority for this year – in fact – THIS MONTH I want it in the hands of our producer. Please pray for me that I will have focussed time to organise it.
just had to include this photo of The Centre...
it's the Christian hub at Massey University where I get to teach our internship classes!
it's the Christian hub at Massey University where I get to teach our internship classes!
The Road to Cape Town…
It’s hard to believe but my adventure to participate in the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization is only 40 days away. EEK. There’s so much ‘homework’ to do in the meantime. But, I’m not complaining. Recently, some of the delegates that will be attending from New Zealand got together in Auckland. With 4000+ scheduled to attend the congress, we figured it would be good to get to know one another a little bit so we can waive from across the convention centre at one another.
In an interview I was asked, “what do you want to take away from your time in South Africa?” There are so many things I could say – but really – let’s be practical. What can little ol’ me do in the scope of impacting the world with the love of Jesus? Ah ha! The answer was clear… if the mission I live and breathe is to help international students become lifelong followers of Jesus to reach people for Him in their home countries… then I need to meet Christians from their countries who are leading the way.
That way, as I prepare them to return home or go to another country, I can link them to mentors and help them make connections into their communities. So, to enable our returnees to care for their communities, I need to find out what is happening in various countries and what groups are meeting needs and build those networks. YEAH! I am excited. Pray that I will make divine appointments.
It’s hard to believe but my adventure to participate in the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization is only 40 days away. EEK. There’s so much ‘homework’ to do in the meantime. But, I’m not complaining. Recently, some of the delegates that will be attending from New Zealand got together in Auckland. With 4000+ scheduled to attend the congress, we figured it would be good to get to know one another a little bit so we can waive from across the convention centre at one another.
In an interview I was asked, “what do you want to take away from your time in South Africa?” There are so many things I could say – but really – let’s be practical. What can little ol’ me do in the scope of impacting the world with the love of Jesus? Ah ha! The answer was clear… if the mission I live and breathe is to help international students become lifelong followers of Jesus to reach people for Him in their home countries… then I need to meet Christians from their countries who are leading the way.
That way, as I prepare them to return home or go to another country, I can link them to mentors and help them make connections into their communities. So, to enable our returnees to care for their communities, I need to find out what is happening in various countries and what groups are meeting needs and build those networks. YEAH! I am excited. Pray that I will make divine appointments.
some of the NZ delegates going to Cape Town... 
