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An Act of Dignity

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is the opportunity to connect with our partners and learn about the impactful work they are doing in response to God's calling. Across the globe, we are blessed with remarkable individuals committed to spreading the Gospel while also embodying the principles of the Good News through practical action. Among these inspiring individuals is Emily, a passionate young woman dedicated to living out her faith. Emily serves as the founder and Executive D...

Emergency Relief Coordinator

GC Aid is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as an Emergency Relief Coordinator on a part-time contract basis. The Emergency Relief Coordinator will play a pivotal role in facilitating disaster preparedness and response efforts, supporting GC3, local churches and community organisations.GC Aid was established in 2008 as an affiliate of GC3 (www.gc3.org.nz). GC Aid has a focus on humanitarian needs to providing for the relief of suffering. GC Aid assists in the tra...

Who will Continue your Work?

Last week, I received a newsletter from one of our mission partners who has been faithfully serving the Lord in Asia for many years. His daughter posed a significant question, "Dad, who will continue your work when you go to heaven?" His response was profound, "Great question. I am eagerly awaiting those New Zealanders who are passionate for God and filled with the Holy Spirit to come and confront the devil here." This question has challenged me deeply. Is God still raising up people who ar...

YWAM Bus Accident In Tanzania

You may have heard of the terrible bus accident in Tanzania on Feb 24th that took the lives of eleven key YWAM leaders who had gathered to participate in a University of the Nations Executive Masters in Pioneering course. Facilitators, candidates, and local staff were on a field trip traveling in three vehicles, one of which, a mini-bus, was hit by an oncoming truck whose brakes failed. Two of those killed were the base director and the training director of YWAM Arusha. Eight others are still in...

CMCT CEO Visiting NZ

Philip took over the leadership of CMCT's ministry in 2019 from Colleen Redit, who has served the LORD in India for 60 years. This is your chance to hear directly from him and get updates on CMCT's work. (Unfortunately, Colleen cannot make this trip due to health reasons.).Accompanying Philip on the tour are Peter and Karen Brookes. Karen will bring handcrafts produced by women in the Haven of Hope ministry for display and sale, and there will also be an opportunity to sponsor a child.Don't miss...

Cyclone Gabrielle - Hawkes Bay Recovery

For many of us, the memories of the widespread catastrophic floods caused by heavy rainfall that struck Auckland and Northland at the end of January, followed by Cyclone Gabrielle's devastation in parts of the North Island, especially the regions of Hawkes Bay, Wairoa, and Gisborne two weeks later, may seem like distant events. However, for those living in the affected areas, the impact of these severe weather events lingers on each day.In response to these disasters, churches and individuals fr...

Disasters in North Africa

In the past week, North Africa has witnessed two major disasters: catastrophic flooding in Libya and a massive earthquake in Morocco.On September 8, 2023, at 23:11 local time, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco, southwest of Marrakesh. Nearly 3,000 deaths have been reported, with more expected. Widespread damage, including the destruction of historic landmarks in Marrakesh, has occurred. The World Health Organization estimates that about 300,000 people from Marrakesh and the surrounding a...

For Christ’s Love Compels Us

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians that we are compelled, or controlled, by the love of Christ.Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are “out of our mind,” as ...

Politics and God's Mission

It is that time in New Zealand, when our thoughts focus once again on politics as another election draws near. Don't worry, this is not a party political broadcast and I am not telling you which political party you should vote for. Rather this reflects some of my thinking on how God's mission and human government interact.Politics and the Divine PlanFirstly, it is crucial to remember that God's sovereignty extends over all aspects of human existence, including politics. The Bible gives numerous ...

Tonga House Project

VIEW PAST UPDATES:     December 2022     |     Theresa House Project...

Running with Endurance

Last week I had the privilege of attending the centenary celebrations for Laidlaw College. You may know Laidlaw College as New Zealand Bible Training Institute (NZBTI - 1922-1972) or Bible College of New Zealand (BCNZ - 1972-2008). Over the years many of our mission partners and church leaders have been impacted by this institution, either directly as students, or through the influence of staff and graduates of the college.As I talked with many attending the centenary, I was reminded of Hebrews ...

Without Easter...

Without Easter, there is no mission, because without Easter, there is no Good News, there is no Resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most pivotal event in all of history. At Easter, we remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It represents God's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and evil, and the restoration of humanity to a right relationship with Himself.Without Easter, our faith is futileAs the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Chri...

NZ Disaster Update

People have given generously to the disaster recovery efforts following the devastation caused by the flooding in Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne region. Many local community groups, including churches, have responded to the needs in their local area. Some of these groups were able to provide immediate relief to those directly impacted by the disasters. This included providing shelter, food, clothing and personal items to address immediate needs. Many people helped with clean up efforts, allow...

Thinking about Disasters

Over recent weeks it has been impossible to watch the news or read a newspaper without seeing the impact of disasters around the world. Whether it be earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, floods in Auckland, or cyclone devastation on the east coast of the North Island, the impact is far reaching. Lives have been lost, property has been destroyed, livelihoods have been lost and for many, their lives have been changed forever. As I think about these disasters, two questions come to mind, How do I ...

Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief

You have seen the news. More than 20,000 people in Syria and Turkey have been killed by two massive earthquakes and numerous aftershocks.  Hundreds of buildings have been destroyed and whole buildings full of families, neighbours and friends have been lost.  Winters in this region are severe and it is bitterly cold at the moment, with temperatures below freezing.  Humanitarian organisations are now working in the region.  They face the challenge of providing shelter, foo...

You're One in 8 Billion

According to the United Nations, the world population reached 8 billion people towards the end of 2022.This 8 billion people presents both a challenge and an opportunity for missions. On one hand, the sheer number of people in the world today can be overwhelming and make the task of spreading the gospel seem impossible, but on the other hand, it presents the opportunity to reach more people than ever before with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. For 2000 years faithful Christians ha...

Peace on Earth?

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Lk 2:10�...

Theresa House Project Update

VIEW PAST UPDATES:   Theresa House Project...

Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is a sovereign nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 2000 kilometres north of New Zealand.   The country has over 170 islands – of which 45 are inhabited.  Its covers an area of about 750 kms, scattered over 700,000 kms. Tonga is a strongly Christian nation.  Christian missionaries first went to Tonga in the late eighteenth century.  Today the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, th...

Life is Difficult and then You Die

At some point in our lives, we probably have all asked the question, “What is the Point?” After spending countless hours, exhausting our resources, and putting all our efforts into climbing to the top of the mountain – whether that be building our career, becoming wealthy, enjoying the pleasure that the world has to offer, or focusing on our own sense of worth. And once we reach the top, it is easy to look around and wonder, “Is it worth it?” Questions about the meaning of our life...

A Legacy of Faith

If you are like me, you have watched with both interest and sadness, the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the mourning of so many people from around the world. It has been moving to listen to the stories that have been shared about the encounters that people had with their Queen. But for me, the stories of the Queen's faith have been most significant. The Queen was definitely a woman who had a strong belief in God and a deep Christian faith. One of the titles of the Queen was "Defender of the Fai...

Investing in the Future

Over recent weeks I have had a number of conversations with people about how we can best invest in the future.  When it comes to investing in the future, I think about investing in two things - money and people.  With our money, generally we spend it or we invest it.  When we spend it, we never see again. When we invest our money wisely, it multiplies.  And we also do the same thing with our lives. We can spend them or invest them. A life spent selfishly on ourselves will be ...

I Give Because of Who I Am!!

We are generous! Since joining the Global Connections team, I have been amazed at how generous many of you are. Each week individuals, organisations and businesses give financially to support our mission partners and our aid projects. Last year over three million dollars was donated by you and distributed around the world to enable God's work. But why? Why are so many of you willing to give sacrificially to these causes? I have just finished reading a short book called "The Giving Landscape: Who...

Continue Steadfastly in Prayer

Over recent weeks we have been preparing our annual Daily Prayer Guide. This Guide tells us about our mission partners and most importantly it encourages us to pray for our partners. In praying for the individuals and ministries found in our guide, we join many others in intercessory prayer. Together we unite in prayer and partner together for the cause of Gospel. Throughout the Bible we see examples of men and women praying. Paul prayed for those he ministered to and he also encouraged others t...

Discipleship: deepening the roots of our faith

Go and make disciples is Christ’s final command to the Church. Christians face the twin challenges of making disciples of ourselves and making disciples of others. Discipleship with its twin priorities is perhaps the most pressing challenge that faces the Church. Discipleship is vital for new Christians, turning an encounter with Christ into a walk with Christ, learning to walk alongside others in Christian communities.Discipleship is equally important among people with a long Christian herita...