A lot of times we think we have the “handle” on God and how to worship and express our love for him. It’s always been my experience that you will never have any influence in someone’s life if you come into a situation with preconceived ideas about what they believe and who they are. Instead I have actually found the opposite to be quite true, if you come into a situation and just “be present” and get to know them, people will actually tell you what they believe. Then you can build a foundation to grow upon. That was kind of what happened with our arrival, we had the opportunity to be welcomed and celebrated in a culture that we were completely unfamiliar. We were accepted and embraced with love. The Maori people originated out of an area around Hawaii and migrated here. They are very family oriented people. We have been learning a lot about their culture and the way they believe life works and how they choose to live it.
We have learned about the issues they face today with their “sacred lands” threatened to be desecrated. Battles for lands have always run deep, whether here or America. I think everyone has feelings of ownership and entitlement, and when those rights are infringed upon…the battles begin. The particular battle that they have been fighting has been one over a highway, its been a battle going on for 60 yrs. Obviously, God has a plan for these people and is protecting them and their sanctity. We can continue to pray with them that their lands, that provide peace and tranquility to many, many Christians who come here to worship, receive rest and restoration are not destroyed. We also pray that their heritage and history continue to be valued and not to get a little more lost along the way.
