In the short time we’ve been here in New Zealand God has accomplished some major things through our team and in the hearts of each of us. We have:
Cleaned and painted buildings at the camp grounds where we are staying
Served in Christchurch for a week shoveling liquifaction (silt and water from deep in the earth), helping with youth groups, helping with a bbq (sausage sizzle) for the people who just found out they could not move back into their homes, and just talking to the people who have experienced crazy devastation
Participated in local youth groups where we’ve been able to share our faith openly
Visited nursing homes and brought music and dance to the elderly there
Planned for upcoming camps with hundreds of kids involved
Led an overnight kids retreat teaching young people about missions opportunities in their own country
Cleared out thorny brambles from a nearby ministry site…in the pouring rain
There’s been so many opportunities here and it’s been blowing my mind that we are only halfway through our two months here in NZ…there’s so much more to come!! Not only have we been serving in the communities around here, but God has also done some awesome things in the heart of our team. We’ve experienced troubles and fears and insecurities…but we’ve also had growth, understanding, freedom, truth. Some don’t see the need for missionaries in a place like New Zealand, some say it’s such a beautiful place that there can’t possibly be a need…well, there’s a huge need here!! There’s a need for hope, there’s a need for love, there’s a need for perseverance, there’s a need for God here! In the weeks to come we have an opportunity to really share our Lord with the Kiwi’s and see Him do all the work! The first time I was in NZ I felt like God was saying that He would do something here that NOBODY had ever seen before and I fully believe He will! I fully believe that God will begin something here that will impact this nation for generations…all we have to do is be faithful and obedient!
Over the next few weeks I’ll be explaining in further detail some of the opportunities we have had and the ways God has shown His power and grace. Until then I just have a few prayer requests:
1. Wisdom, patience, strength – it takes a lot to help lead 10 strong young people!
2. Health over our team
3. Support…I still need to raise just over $900 to fund this trip…if you want, you can support me through this site under the “Help Support My Trip” tab on the left
4. Direction for what to do at the conclusion of my time in NZ
5. The people of NZ to see God for who He really is!
Love,
Tanna
