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Te Haerenga:Update 1 Date: 31st March 2006 >> Click for update two three four five
Since PQDTS graduation we have
been refocusing on our new sort term missions for Maori called ‘Te Haerenga-Beyond
the shores of Aotearoa’ (the journey beyond the shores of
Meeting with pastors in the region was awesome and has stirred a great interest to see Maori released into mission exposure.
We met with People from Kawerau, Paeroa, Tirau, Te Aroha, Putaruru and with locals here in Tauranga.
Praise report
At a service a couple felt God challenge them to be a part of this and are praying about setting up a scholarship to help launch Maori into this short term mission programme and a church has donated $1000.00 to help run the programme! This has been a very encouraging start as we give birth to this vision.
As we drew near to the last days before the first of five gatherings we had confirmed a few people and a hand full of kids. Up until that time we had visited a few places meeting with Pastors about Te Haerenga. Many people were interested but not confirmed so we were not too sure who would participate. Never the less we as a leadership decided that even if no one turns up we will still continue on.
Then almost suddenly there were over 35 people plus 25 kids that were on their way! God blew our expectations to pieces!
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Photos of some of the children 1-3. Shane from Tirau (guitar) and Rick from Kawerau 4. Sam, Rangi and Cruz Left to right 5. Group photo 6.
The weekend unfolds
We started the night with a pohiri (welcome), dinner and sharing the overview of our gatherings and introducing ourselves and sharing what each one hope to get out of the weekend/s.
Most arrived the Friday night and others the next day.
Hearing from the elders (Kaumatua) is very much valued in Maori culture and we had the opportunity to hear from our Kaumatua, Brian Kawe who shared with us his revelation of Maori culture in relation to the bible and applicable to our own personal lives as we grow in our relationship with Jesus. Many were blessed by the wisdom and understanding that was shared.
"I feel proud to be brown" said one of the ladies. "I didn't realize that there were so many parallel things in our culture that reflect the bible" said one of the guys from Kawerau.
Saturday afternoon we started learning 2 of about 13 songs!
That night we heard an amazing story of Maori in the Amazon and how Maori have a contribution to give beyond the shores of Aotearoa to other nations of the world.
Due to rain on Sunday, we were unable to go out on the harbour to do waka ama (outrigger canoeing) so we stayed back at the Marae to learn more songs with the children.
After clean up we re-gathered for
announcements about outreach to
‘Unity’ was a common word as people spoke. Being together with other Christian Maori was also a highlight not to mention the food!
People are now believing God for them to go
on outreach to
It indeed was a great weekend! And everyone is looking forward to seeing each other again on the next gathering.
Much thanks to the people of Ngai te Ahi, for the use of Hairini Marae. To Sonny and Christine Walker for looking after the kids on Saturday (at the last minute) and everyone who participated from Tirau, Putaruru, Kawerau, Te Aroha and Tauranga.
Next gathering is on the 21st April at Waikari Marae. Sam Chapman as our guest speaker and workshops by Chris Wiremu on mau rakau.
Prayer needs
- Finances: Many are believing God to provide for them to go on outreach.
- Each person needs approx $2500NZD
- Pray for strategies, faith and confidence.
- Next gathering:
- Pray that we learn all that God has for us for that weekend as Sam Chapman speaks.
Until next time.
Ma te Runga rawa koutou hei manaaki!
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