The weekend unfolds

6:00pm Friday 30th March people started to gather at the entrance to the Marae. The call of welcome from the host people of Hairini Marae ushered those who gathered together as they moved towards the sacred wharenui (meeting house). People began to stream into the wharenui as rain continued to shower. So much so, more seats were needed to accommodate our guests. Warm greetings were exchanged as the local elders stood in their authority to acknowledge and honor the guest who arrived from afar. Following the speeches, songs and hongi (pressing of noses) we ate all together thus completing the pohiri (welcome) process.

That night we all introduced ourselves and went over the logistics etc.

Hearing from the elders (Kaumatua) is very much valued in Maori culture and we had the opportunity to hear from our Kaumatua, Brian and Janice kawe, who shared with us the richness of the wharenui, the 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.

Being graced by the presence of Kaumatua from Kawhia, Huntly & Tauranga created an awesome dynamic as we as the younger generation listened to their wisdom and journey.

Saturday afternoon was mixed between learning the 1st of many songs we will learn! and hanging out at the beach at Maungatapu as well as discussing things further in regards to tangaroa, tawhirimatea, tanemahuta etc and how that relates to our walk with Jesus. We also discussed about ta moko and touched on the treaty. "I learnt so much as different ones shared their perspective on these things. It really broadened my understanding greatly"

Marina & Ray both shared their story and their amazing journey into the Amazon jungle and how Maori have a contribution to give beyond the shores of Aotearoa to other nations of the world. Many were blessed to see how God used and lead ordinary Maori's to a place so isolated to the outside world.

              

Sunday came around so fast "Its too early to go home now, its like we just started and we have to leave"

After clean up that Sunday morning we re-gathered for announcements, talked about Hawaii, Kawhia and had a time of feed back over the weekend.

It indeed was a great weekend! and a great start to Te haerenga 2007. Throughout the weekend we had interactive games and creative processing times that made things enjoyable. Everyone is looking forward to seeing each other again on the next gathering which will be hosted in Kawhia!

                                                   

Much thanks to the people of Ngai te Ahi, for the use of Hairini Marae. To our guest speakers Brian & Janice Kawe, to Pohe who cooked for us, to the Tauranga House of prayer for doing the kids programme on Sunday and everyone who participated from Tirau, Putaruru, Tauranga, Hunlty, Taumarunui, Hamilton and Auckland all 120 of us!

Next gathering is on the 13th April in Kawhia. Sam Chapman as our guest speaker for that weekend as well as Chris Wiremu who will be the guest speaker for all the youth attending.

Prayer needs

• Finances: Many are believing God to provide for them to go to Hawaii. Approx 70 people.

  • Each person needs approx $2500-$3000NZD.

  • Pray for strategies, faith and confidence.

  please contact us should you wish to make a financial contribution info@islandbreeze.org.nz

   

• 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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