Tuturu tonu a Ihu Karaiti inanahi, inaianei, a ake ake ( Nga Hiperu 13:8) – Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) Tuatahi, nga mihi nui ki nga kanohi ora o te motu, tena hoki koutou katoa. What a privilege and honour it is to serve our God in this way. As one of Presbyterian Youth Ministry’s coordinators, my role is to make Jesus Christ known throughout this nation: by connecting and networking with youth leaders and youth workers who are already making a difference in the lives of nga taitamariki (young people) throughout Aotearoa; by providing a database resource that will help connect people in the mission field; by making time to visit and meet with leaders over coff ee, and by off ering my support, sharing ideas, and keeping youth leaders informed of up and coming events through our fabulous Fuel magazine and website. Also by being available when ever and where ever, to set up and run leadership training workshops, and off er advocacy support.
God never ceases to astonish me, as he continually reveals himself through the gifts and talents of others around me. He is showing me the emerging youth workers and leaders who are running with fire in their bellies to meet the desperate needs of the youth in this nation.
The biggest challenge for me (coming from an Anglican background) has been trying to understand the whole dynamic of the Presbyterian Church. I like what I see, the traditional, the liberal and the charismatic blending together. Wow!
And the distance to anywhere, from where I am at the top of the North Island (Waitangi/Paihia).
Toku hoa rangatira (my husband) Wi. He has encouraged me and supported me in this work and is my biggest advocate.
I’m about to involved in a new project creating a youth wellness resource for our Church. I’m hoping to discuss the dynamics of whanaungatanga (uniqueness of family), and the health and welfare status of young people in our nation. So watch this space...
I have just finished reading The Wounded Heart by Dr Dan Allender. It’s intensely personal and looks specifically at the most soul-deadening form of abuse, sexual abuse. It is a book that speaks of damaging human experiences and puts these experiences into perspective of a loving and compassionate God.
A CD would be Lakewood Live “We Speak To Nations” - it’s an oldie but a goodie. Listen to the lyrics and hear what God is really saying to the nation.
Check out www.presbyterian.org.nz, our PYM pamphlets (coming soon), or just give me a call, I’d love to hear from you.