http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.gc3.org.nz en-us Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:11:26 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/167140/every-mission-journey-starts-somewhere/ Sometimes the most encouraging moments don't come from a major event or a significant announcement. They come from noticing how God is connecting people across different stages of His mission. Recently, two seemingly unrelated conversations came to light within a short space of time. One involved Sue Hanna, who is faithfully serving in Cambodia through FLAME, investing in the lives of children and families through education. S... Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post167140 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/166989/venezuela-earthquake/ In late June 2026, Venezuela was shaken by a rare and devastating “doublet” earthquake—two powerful tremors striking just seconds apart—unleashing widespread destruction across the country’s northern regions. Measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, the quakes were the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, collapsing buildings in Caracas and devastating coastal areas such as La Guaira. As rescue teams raced against time to reach survivors trapped beneath rubble, the disaster quickl... Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:43:56 +1200 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post166989 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/166168/connecting-communities-through-practical-service/ Through the work of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), isolated communities across Papua New Guinea are being connected with healthcare, education, local ministry, and essential services. Renee and Pascal Muhlematter recently shared how practical acts of service are helping build trust, strengthen communities, and support God’s work in some of the country’s most remote regions. In many parts of Papua New Guinea, a journey to the nearest town can take days. Mountain ranges, rivers, and c... Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post166168 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/165531/a-family-shaped-by-mission/ Earlier this year, Michael Hanson had the opportunity to speak at Hope Community Church in Nelson and reflect on the rich missionary heritage connected to the region. As he shared stories of men and women sent out from Nelson to serve across the world, one family in particular stood out : the Shirtliff family. In 1898, five missionaries left New Zealand for Malaya. Four of them were single women. One of those women was Sarah Shirtliff from Nelson. Few coul... Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:25 +1200 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post165531 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/162079/adding-value-well-a-long-term-missionarys-perspective-on-short-term-teams/ Short-term missions can be powerful; however, as people may know, they can also be complicated. Craig and Nay Greenfield have spent 25 years hosting short-term teams while building Shalom Valley and working alongside Cambodian leaders. From Craig’s perspective, as someone on the receiving end of short-term mission teams, the difference between helpful and unhelpful short-term involvement rarely comes down to enthusiasm or good intentions from those being sent. “... Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post162079 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/162057/wanting-to-serve-well-lessons-from-a-short-term-mission-project-in-vanuatu/ Earlier this year, Marina Shannon and a team from Orewa Community Church travelled to Vanuatu to run the children’s and teens’ programme at the SIL Bible Translators annual conference.For SIL families serving across remote and scattered islands, this gathering is one of the few guaranteed times each year for them to gather together. For their children, it provides rare peer connection and focused learning within a community that understands their context. Of course, ... Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:07:38 +1300 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post162057 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/160511/practical-partnering--church-family-with-mission-partners/ ... Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:38:28 +1300 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post160511 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/160561/called-to-serve-70-years-of-faithful-service/ In The Treasury of August 1956, Phyllis Treasure’s name appears under the heading Overseas, briefly recording that she was commended by the assemblies at Armagh Street, Quinn’s Road, Christchurch and Robe Street, New Plymouth for overseas service in India. In true economical word count of that print era, information was limited.  There is no commentary on this lifetime commitment and its possible significance. The notice simply marks a s... Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post160561 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/158970/myanmar-earthquake-relief-2025-project-update/ Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar earlier last year, GC Aid was able to support local-led relief efforts in some of the most affected regions. This relief project has now concluded, and we are grateful to share a final update on how support was delivered and the impact it has had through trusted local partnerships. ... Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post158970 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/post/158505/a-visit-that-encouraged-the-whole-community/ When a sending church makes the effort to visit mission partners on the field, it brings a kind of encouragement that can’t be replicated from afar. Recently, Ben and Bekah (D PG Page 5) experienced this in a deeply meaningful way as a short-term team from The Street Church travelled to Bangkok to spend time with them and see their ministry first-hand. ... Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.gc3.org.nz/blog/#post158505