Baptist Magazine v134 n5

Baptist Churches of New Zealand

baptistmag.org.nz

HE IWI TA H I TAT O U

One decision or 52?

He mihi mai he ngākau iti

God makes all things new

LISTEN UP! † EDUCATION CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING

| O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 8 | v. 1 3 4 n o . 5 |

ONLINE Recently added FROM PRINCE PHILIP TO JESUS: JOY IN EVANGELISM A storytelling approach to sharing faith.

~ MARK ROQUES THE HIDDEN POWER OF THE ALL-AGE SERVICE

We will celebrate and develop our bicultural partnership and our ethnic diversity, valuing that we are made in the image of God.

A supercharged opportunity for spiritual growth.

~ ANDREW BROWN

EDITOR Linda Grigg | linda@baptistmag.org.nz GLOBAL MISSION EDITOR Greg Knowles

HEALTH. IT’S MENTAL Agents of God’s presence with those who suffer.

~ GRANT HARRIS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rebecca McLeay PRODUCTION MANAGER Kathryn Heslop ADVERTISING Marelize Bester | advertising@baptistmag.org.nz

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4. “Share”— participate, contribute, involve

CONTENT 04 08 10

A word from the editor Share is the fourth of five strategic mission priorities we are exploring as themes in the Baptist magazine this year. Among other things, we look at bicultural partnership, listening to minority voices, advocacy for our West Papuan neighbours, and key Baptist women’s events in the South West Pacific.

Talking about share, I have two bits of news to tell you. Firstly, we have a new magazine Production Manager, Kathryn Heslop, who is also the new Baptist National Centre Office Manager.

Secondly, at the recent Australasian Religious Press Association awards, our magazine received the 2018 Gutenberg Award for overall excellence in Christian newspaper and magazine publishing (see the post on our Facebook page). We also received a gold award for best headline, for an article by Charles Hewlett, and a bronze award for a theological article by Dr Sarah Harris. The judging period was the 2017 calendar year, so kudos to the magazine’s team at that time, especially Sarah Vaine (former editor), Greg Knowles (Global Mission editor), Rebecca McLeay (Graphic Designer) and Jill Hitchcock (former Production Manager).

Finally, if you have been enjoying recent issues of the Baptist magazine would you consider gifting a subscription to someone this Christmas? A personal subscription means never missing out on picking up a copy at church. Or perhaps you know someone on the periphery of church who would be encouraged to read our stories. See the previous page for details.

Blessings to you.

~Linda Grigg

12 14 16 19 31 33

FEATURE

He iwi tahi tatou

REFLECTIONS FROM CRAIG VERNALL

One decision or 52?

YOUNG ADULTS

Listen up!

CULTURE

He mihi mai he ngākau iti

LEADERSHIP

God makes all things new

NEIGHBOURHOOD & JUSTICE

West Papua statement

OUR STORIES

DIRECTORY

GLOBAL MISSION

Education can change everything Stories Small bites Opportunities to serve

Baptist / F E A T U R E

HE IWI TA H I TAT O U A Christian understanding of being one

04 whÄ â€ v.134 no.5 baptistmag.org.nz

Paul Askin was the recipient of the Lionel Stewart Scholarship in 2017. The scholarship seeks to encourage New Zealand Baptist pastors to further the work of bicultural reconciliation between Pākehā and Māori.

Here Paul investigates a Christian understanding of ‘being one’ and asks what this means for us today.

“HE

Christian oneness For followers of Jesus, oneness is part of who we are. The Apostle Paul wrote, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Paul did not mean we become the same; Jews are still ethnically, linguistically and culturally, Jews. Greeks remain Greeks. Males remain male, and females are still female. However, them and us no longer exist as separate categories; it’s just us. There is no preference of some over others, and no bizarre blending into sameness. We have our differences, yet we are all one in Christ Jesus. Individually we are new creations. Together we are God’s new humanity. We are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, a holy temple, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit—that’s our marvellous new identity.

Tragically, when followers of Jesus fail to be like-minded, considering others to be better than themselves, and instead succumb to selfish ambition or vain conceit, significant damage is always done.

v.134 no.5 † rima 05

Junie Jumig

iwi tahi tatou,” were William Hobson’s words to each of the chiefs as they came forward to sign the Treaty at Waitangi on 6th February 1840. “We are all one people.” Hobson was not a speaker of Māori, so where did he get this phrase from? It had to have come from the missionaries or Ngāpuhi Rangatira themselves. Either way, it was biblical in origin. Being different, but one, is a marvellous biblical concept. Hobson’s words have become a significant declaration in our nation’s history. They have meant different things to different people down through the years, and continue to be used to support a surprising variety of agendas. It’s easy to talk about being one; it’s far more challenging to grow a oneness that is warmly endorsed by all the different participants.

On that day at Waitangi, Hobson’s words may well have encapsulated the best of the hopes and dreams of many of the gathered people. Certainly those words connect with something deep and significant in every person.

We search for oneness; we dream of finding it; we experience tantalising glimpses of its beauty and power. Oneness is powerfully attractive because somehow we sense we are made to belong in relationship and unity.

Sadly, as we know, the dream of that day at Waitangi was not realised.

It was little more than 20 years before armed conflict broke out. Over all the years since the Treaty was signed, there has been a mix of disasters and successes in our journey together as a nation. Oneness remains an unrealised vision.

Baptist / F E A T U R E

We a re fe ll ow c it i z e n s w ith the saints and members of the household of God. Why is racism wrong?

Our national reality is a long way from oneness. Taika Waititi, the celebrated New Zealand filmmaker, said recently, “New Zealand is the best place on the planet, but it’s a racist place.”1 Yet the vast majority of New Zealanders will tell you with great conviction that racism is wrong. Why the disconnect?

Racism is rooted in pride and arrogance. It perpetuates unjust systems of power and privilege, yes, but ultimately racism is wrong because it is “an affront to the glory of the God of creation.”2 It is wrong because all people are created in his image. It’s an insult to God if we make some people the standard by which others are measured. Our significance, our equality, our dignity, are founded in his image in us, which makes us what we are. And the variety we see among people, in gender and ethnicity for example, should come as no surprise since God himself is one, yet the Father is different from the Son who is different from the Spirit.

Four faces of racism What is racism? Do you know how to recognise it in its various guises? Here are its four faces:3 1. Aware and Overt. This is the easy and obvious face of racism. Blatant abuse of one person or group by others is never acceptable.

2. Aware and Covert. Two Pākehā friends of mine recently purchased petrol late one evening. It was all very easy and friendly; no security procedures were encountered.

A few evenings later at the same service station and with the same attendant, one of these friends and her Samoan fiancé were treated quite differently. The attitude was different; security procedures were enforced. Why the change? Racial profiling? Aware but covert racism?

3. Unaware and Covert. Racism can be hidden from sight and understanding. “[P]eople need not intend their actions to contribute to racial division and inequality for their actions to do so.”4 For example, educational assessment or job application procedures can easily and unintentionally be biased toward one group of people at the expense of another group. “In New Zealand white privilege evolved in colonial times where structures were put in place that were designed to meet the needs of Pākehā settlers. Immigration, assimilation and integration policies directly benefited Pākehā and marginalised Māori, yet these systemic structural benefits remain ‘invisible’ to most Pākehā.”5

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4. Unaware and Self-righteous Racism. There is another face to racism which is particularly tempting for many of us. When we think of ourselves as the ‘good people’, opposed to the ‘bad people’ who are racist, this form of racism can trip us up. If we question people of another culture who don’t appear to us to be as strong in their culture or language as we think they ought to be— or even worse, as we think we are—or when we think we know what the important issues and solutions are for another group of people while tending to ignore the issues within our own cultural setting, we are blinded by pride and the delusion of superiority: we are racist.

Racialisation Racism, whether intended or unintentional, recognised or unseen, produces racialisation. Racialisation describes the situation where some people are given advantages which are not earned or asked for, and very often are not even recognised.

Overwhelmingly, statistics tell us that here in Aotearoa New Zealand we are a racialised nation. A racialised nation has been described as one where “race matters profoundly for differences in life experiences, life opportunities, and social relationships.”6 A racialised society is one that, “allocates differential economic, political, social, and even psychological rewards to groups along racial lines; lines that are socially constructed.”7 Sadly, that describes us.

I often ask myself why the church community has little or nothing to say about the kinds of racism and injustice deeply ingrained in our society, and the resulting racialisation.

One answer is the profoundly individualistic view of life we have adopted from our surrounding Enlightenmentinfluenced society and its materialistic measures of success.

A second answer for many of us Christians is that we have chosen to prioritise individual salvation and discipleship over other equally biblical and significant aspects of our faith, such as the cry for mercy, justice and humility. A third answer is simply that it is difficult and personally costly to address these issues. However, the victory of justice over injustice, humility over pride, truth over lies, unity over division, love over hate are, I believe, more important to God than the materialistic and consumerist measures of success to which we so easily default.

To treat individual people different from ourselves with fairness, respect and courtesy is not noteworthy or noble: it should be the norm. To oppose personal prejudice and discrimination is not enough for a follower of Jesus: we need to stand up and be counted in the battle against racialised social systems and structures. And the place for us to start, but not finish, is within our own church communities. As we uncover the power of the dominant culture, and recognise its opposition to the kingdom of God and his new humanity, we will mobilise ourselves to fight for deep and lasting kingdom change.

ONENESS FOR US ALL CAN BE MUCH MORE THAN A TA N TA L I S I N G DREAM. John Perkins, the Civil Rights leader and African-American statesman has said, “Something is wrong at the root of American evangelicalism. I believe we have lost the gospel—God’s reconciling power, which is unique to Christianity—and have substituted church growth. We have learned how to reproduce the church without the message.”8

Our future celebrates difference The old apostle, John, was given a glimpse into eternity. He wrote, “After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne... They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God...’” (Revelation 7:9‑10).

Every nation, all tribes and peoples and languages. Each is different and still identifiable, still distinct; all are equally welcomed, recognised and valued. The differences are good. They are the source of glory and vibrancy; they are a reflection that we are made in the image of God. Signposts to oneness I want to conclude with two signposts to guide us on the road to true

oneness: the oneness that Jesus prayed would be our reality.

The first is a valuable insight from D. A. Carson who says, “I suspect one of the reasons why there are so many exhortations in the New Testament for Christians to love other Christians is because this is not an easy thing to do... Ideally... the church itself is not made up of natural ‘friends.’ It is made up of natural enemies... Christians come together, not because they form a natural collocation, but because they have all been saved by Jesus Christ and owe him a common allegiance...

In this light, they are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus’ sake... The reason why Christian love will stand out and bear witness to Jesus is that it is a display, for Jesus’ sake, of mutual love among social incompatibles.”9 I’ve left the last word to Wiremu Tamihana, Ngati Haua chief, exceptional Christian leader and statesman. In 1861 when Waikato Māori were presented with an ultimatum by the Crown, backed by 12,000 soldiers, on behalf of land‑lusting British settlers, Tamihana responded by saying, “The only connection with you is through Christ.”10 He quoted Ephesians 2:13 to them, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Tamihana saw that peace with these newcomers was possible only in Christ.

Oneness for us all can be much more than a tantalising dream; it can be a reality, but only in Christ. In a world racked by division and conflict, God’s people demonstrating that “He iwi tahi tatou,” is a beacon of hope, is powerfully prophetic, and is the embodiment of the gospel.

Story: Paul Askin Paul is a follower of Jesus, husband and family man, pastor, farmer, hunter, reader and writer. He knew Lionel Stewart for more than 40 years, and says he is greatly honoured to receive the scholarship: “I am very glad to be able to follow in Lionel’s footsteps, on the journey toward God's new humanity. The scholarship has enabled me to invest time in study, and helped equip me as I accept various speaking engagements, contribute in hui, and participate in the journey of God's people towards oneness.”

1. “Unknown Mortal Orchestra & Taika Waititi on New Zealand culture,” Alex Denney: Dazed, www. dazeddigital.com/music/article/39590/1/ unknown-mortal-orchestra-rubannielson-taika-waititi-interview.

2. Soong-Chan Rah, The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2009), 83.

3. Paula Harris and Doug Schaupp, Being White: Finding Our Place in a Multiethnic World (Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2004), 97-107.

4. Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith, Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (New York: Oxford University Press, 2000), 9.

5. Robert Consedine and Joanna Consedine, Healing our History: The Challenge of the Treaty of Waitangi, 3rd ed. (Auckland: Penguin, 2012), 200.

6. Emerson and Smith, Divided by Faith, 7.

7. Ibid., (quoting Bonilla-Silva 1997:474).

8. Ibid., 55 (quoting Perkins and Rice 1993:18).

9. D. A. Carson, Love in Hard Places (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2002), 60-61.

10. Evelyn Stokes, Wiremu Tamihana: Rangatira (Wellington: Huia Publishers, 2002), 218.

The Lionel Stewart Scholarship was set up in 2016 to honour the contribution Reverend Lionel Stewart made to the Baptist movement with regards to bicultural reconciliation between Pākehā and Māori. Applicants must be registered pastors of the Baptist Union of New Zealand and be able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to New Zealand biculturalism.

The next recipient of the Lionel Stewart Scholarship will be announced at Hui 2018. v.134 no.5 † whitu 07

ONE DECISION OR 52?

Giving our best to our little ones

Change may happen almost imperceptibly over time but we can measure trends.

Craig Vernall explains why one of the most worrying changes in our Baptist church statistics is the number of children attending church on Sunday.

IF

the downward trend in children’s church attendance is a picture of where the church is heading into the future, we have reason to be concerned.

We can find lots of reasons for the decline, and some may be valid: • Families are having less children.

• Sunday is the new Saturday.

• People in general attend church less often.

• Children are participating in Christian activities during the week.

Having served in the same church for 24 years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing a generation of families raise their children within a church context. What I’ve discovered anecdotally won’t surprise you when I say that families who positively engage with church life on a Sunday will see their children, by and large, rest easy with Jesus and his church.

These families make one decision every year to attend church on Sundays. Other families make 52 decisions a year depending upon circumstances or feelings.

When I talk with the parents of active families their answer is simple and positive: “This is who we are. This is how we roll. We do church on Sunday and everyone’s involved.”

What I’ve noted is that these parents always maintain a grateful predisposition towards what we all know is an imperfect institution: the local church. There’s very little of

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“What’s in it for me?” and a lot more of “Where can I help and where do I fit in?”

Excuses, excuses Over the past 12 years, the weekly church attendance of Baptist children has dropped by 33%. In the same period adult attendance has dropped by 21%. This is alarming.

But the number of people still found in our total worshipping community has taken a relatively smaller dip. This means Baptists are still involved but are attending church on a week-by-week basis less frequently.

There are always arguments to defend these statistics, such as: “You don’t have to be a churchgoer to be a Christian.” I agree. But in saying this, I don’t see solid numbers of non-church-attending Christians making a positive mark upon society. If being a Christian is all about my morning quiet time then I’d be less concerned. But the church is called to be a positive witness, an alternative community that lives and breathes kingdom values and seeks to transform society.

Reducing family church attendance to a minimum is a recipe for heartache. I’ve had a number of these conversations with parents of young adults who have left the faith. It’s a hard conversation to have with a parent when I point out an obvious reason: for the child, church and Jesus are synonymous. Avoid one and you’re diminishing the value of the other.

So, every time a parent makes a decision on a Sunday

Pearl/lightstock.com

Baptist / R E F L E C T I O N S F R O M C R A I G V E R N A L L

Time is your friend.

We c a n’ t ta k e short cuts when making disciples. morning to go to the beach because it’s such a nice day, or to stay at home because it’s cold, or to have a break from church during the school holidays, or to not go today because the sermon series this month is not to their liking or the church should make better quality coffee, they are telling their children that attending church is just one of several multi-choice options and certainly not the most important.

In other words, a family can make one decision a year to attend church 52 times or the family can make 52 decisions a year as to whether church is a priority today.

Investing in our children In saying all of this, I truly believe that





a local church’s best resources need to go into their children’s ministries.

Whatever we focus on within our church life, our children deserve the best we can give them. This isn’t watering down the children’s ministry to a Wiggles experience. But please ensure that it’s fun and engaging, and being led by people who care. Give your best to the little ones.

As a 10-year-old I was invited to church by a local family doing a car run through the rural neighbourhood that I lived in. I hadn’t attended church before and I only went for a few months afterwards. But that was all that was needed to plant a seed of faith in my life.

Growing a healthy church takes time.

So what better way than to grow it with the children’s ministry leading the way.

In only a few short years you will have a youth ministry and then a young adults work. All this in 10‑12 years.

Time is your friend. We can’t take short cuts when making disciples.

If you’re reading this article, then chances are high that someone or a group of people discipled you into a place of maturing faith. What would it take to pour your faith experience back into the lives of our children?

Why don’t you approach others who hold responsibility for the children in your church and offer a hand to see our most precious resource come to faith in Jesus?

Story: Craig Vernall Craig is the National Leader of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand and the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Making space for minority voices

listen up!

Baptist / Y O U N G A D U L T S

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Matilda Poasa is a New Zealand-born Samoan, has a Bachelor of Māori Development in Māori Media, and recently completed an internship with the Native American and Indigenous Program at the Sundance Institute in Los Angeles. A long‑time member of Grey Lynn Community Church, Matilda tells us about her recent experiences and her thoughts on the importance of allowing minority voices to be heard.

W

hat influenced your choice of Māori Media as your major?

Culture is a big part of who I am and I’ve always wanted to work in film and television.

Specialising in Māori Media at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) enabled me to study film, television and the media with a cultural lens. The hands-on element of this course appealed to me too.

You received an AUT scholarship in your final year to become an intern at the Sundance Institute. Tell us about this.

The scholarship covered my flights to and from the USA, health and travel insurance, all the visa costs, and a three-month stipend to help with housing, etc. Once the three months of your internship is up, then you are basically on your own. (The visa is for a year, so you can stay in the USA and work or travel.) When my internship ended, Sundance hired me as the assistant full-time. It was supposed to be for a month, until they hired a co-ordinator for the programme.

I guess I did something right because they extended my stay three more times! They wanted to extend it again but I didn’t want to miss my sister’s graduation. So instead they asked me to work for them remotely from New Zealand until they could hire a new co-ordinator.

What was your role in the Native American and Indigenous Program?

On a day-to-day basis I did a lot of administration: emails, organising calendars, scheduling and sitting in on meetings and phone calls, etc. However, I was fortunate to be involved in all the creative fun things too! This included reviewing film scripts and submissions and then providing cultural/creative feedback. I travelled to different states and reservations—New Mexico, Michigan and Miami to name a few places—to assist in implementing and delivering public programmes. These included youth and adult film/story workshops, and hosting public screenings of Native Short Films that had premiered at the Sundance Film Festival the past couple of years.

One of the coolest projects I was involved with was assisting the director and senior manager of the Native Program with the 2018 Native Filmmaker Lab. We reviewed more than 50 scripts/ stories from Native American and Indigenous filmmakers in the USA.

HEARING SOMETHING & LISTENING TO IT ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. We then went through a rigorous process of interviewing candidates and debating about which story we felt was original or compelling.

We eventually selected two filmmakers to come to New Mexico to workshop their script/short film with an entire film crew. It was amazing and also special, as we selected two first-time filmmakers. To be able to play a small part in someone else’s story/ career was exciting.

What would you like majorityculture churches to know?

Having been immersed in te ao Māori and the Native American community overseas through my studies and work, I’ve come to realise that it’s very important—in any context, but especially a Christian one—for leaders in the majority culture to make a conscious effort to

not only seek out but actually listen to what the minority communities/ cultures have to say. And not just one time: don’t stop listening! I emphasise the word ‘listening’ because hearing something and listening to it are two different things.

In New Zealand especially, we are so diverse in our cultures, languages, perspectives and experiences. So it’s important that our churches and leaders be proactive about engaging with, and making space for, those minority or marginalised voices in their everyday life. If they don’t, then your church may look diverse or multicultural, but it won’t be.

How do your passions and faith overlap? And where next for you?

I grew up in church; both Mum and Dad’s families are very religious, so faith and God have been constants in my life. When I was younger, my nana used to live with us. Every morning at 6am she would wake me up to do devotion with her. She would read a Bible story or two and then we would pray. I think that’s where my love of stories started. I knew Bible stories before I knew fairy tales.

As I grew older I knew I was creative and wanted to tell stories. People were always telling me, “You should write” or “You talk too much!” So I said to God, and continue to ask

The Baptist Churches of New Zealand are currently in the process of looking for a new National Leader.

Craig Vernall will step down as the current National Leader at our Baptist Hui in November this year after seven years in this role.

Assembly Council is responsible for finding the right person or people to fulfil this role, and then to present their name/s to the Baptist Churches for us all to make a decision together.

As a family of churches, the Baptist movement is varied, and the image of being woven together to be effective is a powerful image. In Māori culture, the word rangatira is used to describe a person of great practical wisdom who holds authority on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the tribe.

It carries with it a sense of the collective intentionality enacted

God even now, “Well, you’ve given me these gifts. You’ve made me creative.

If this is what you want me to do, then go ahead. Direct me and make it happen!” I think it’s not so much an overlap, rather a hand-in-hand thing.

I’m hoping that having Sundance on my CV will open doors here in New Zealand’s film/TV/media industry, so we shall see. I’m like, “Uh hello, God. Where’s my next adventure at?”

He hasn’t answered yet but I have no doubt he’s got my next gig lined up.

Story: Matilda Poasa Matilda recently graduated from the Auckland University of Technology with a Māori Development degree, specialising in Māori Media. Her love of learning about other cultures and passion to see more indigenous stories in mainstream media inspired her to apply for a graduate scholarship that awarded her an internship in the Native American and Indigenous Program at Sundance Institute in Los Angeles. She is a lover of stories and storytelling and aspires to having a library like the beast from the movie Beauty and the Beast.

in the weaving—a leader with a concern for the integrity and prosperity of the people.

The recent national Listening Hui has been extremely useful to hear from across the country where we are at as a movement and what our options are for change in the future.

As a movement of churches, we need to assess how we are to continue to be effective for the gospel and continue to meet the challenges God has for us in the future. Your prayers and interest in our Baptist movement are valued and important.

Prospective applicants need to fully engage with the Listening Hui document, which will be released on 8th October 2018, before applying.

Any expressions of interest in the position of National Leader can be emailed to baptistleadersearch@baptist.org.nz.

Applications are now open and will close on 31st October 2018. For further information and a formal position description visit baptist.org.nz/events.

Baptist / C U L T U R E

He mihi mai − he ngakau iti A greeting from a humble heart

Adrienne Thompson shares her journey of learning te reo Māori.

E tū ana au i te pūtake o Whārangi, i te tahataha o Waipahihi, i te rohe o Te Atiawa. Nō Ingerangi, nō Kōtarana hoki ōku tīpuna. I whānau mai au, i tipu ake au i Inia, engari nō te manaakitanga o ngā tāngata whenua o Aotearoa e noho ana au i Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Nō rēira, nei he mihi aroha.

W

hen I decided to learn te reo Māori I thought it would be fun, interesting and worthwhile. I’d lived in Bangladesh for 20 years and spoke fluent Bengali. It seemed only right on returning to live in New Zealand to learn the language here. It took 12 years to get around to it but in 2014 I enrolled in beginner classes.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

I’m now in my fifth year of struggles and songs and

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not a few swear-words, many tears and some triumphs, a little pride and a lot of feeling like an idiot. This journey into te ao Māori (the Māori world) has been God’s tool for my transformation in ways I never imagined.

So here is a small offering of thanks for what has been so generously shared with me.

Tēnā koe—hello!

Early on in language classes I noticed that while most of us glanced around and said an awkward “Hi guys,” one or

Will Turner/unsplash.com

I stand on Makara Peak, by Karori stream, within the domain of the Te Atiawa iwi. My forebears are from England and Scotland; I was born and grew up in India, yet because of the generosity of the people of the land I live now in Wellington. So here I offer my thanks.

Here is my thankful mihi ki te ao Maori. He iti noa, na te aroha. two went purposefully to each person present, introducing themselves with a handshake or hongi. I gradually realised this is the Māori way. Every individual must be acknowledged. In fact that’s the meaning of the everyday greeting ‘tēnā koe’. There you are.

I see you. In my current class, every single week, every single person greets every other person by name.

That takes time. That reminds me that nurturing relationships is worth the time it takes. Or, as the well-known saying declares: “What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.”

Ngā mihi—thank you!

An extension of this courteous recognition of every individual is the uncompromising expectation that everyone must be thanked.

Someone leads a prayer at the start of a meeting? Someone else will thank the person who prayed. Whether it’s making a speech, singing a song or serving the meal, the beautiful habit of the Māori world is that the gift never goes unacknowledged.

I’ve been at Christian conferences where everyone enjoyed the food, but no one thought to call the cooks and servers in to thank them. That would be an unthinkable omission on a marae. Always someone must say thank you, always the group must sing, always those who have served us must hear our grateful appreciation.

I’d like to make this my habit too.

In church services I look around and notice the person on the projector, the musicians, the ones serving the coffee, the ones who opened the building, who brought the message, who welcomed the worshippers... How can I thank them?

Me karakia tātou—let’s pray!

This pattern of grateful recognition reaches further still. No meeting, no language class, no meal begins without a karakia. Even the kapu tī (cup of tea) and a snack in the middle of class must be blessed.

Often the words of the karakia are clearly Christian. Sometimes they are acknowledging the spiritual beings concerned with the forest, the ocean, the garden, the weather. Nearly always they will name our two foundational realities: earth and sky.

I love this repeated reminder of my dependency. We humans are not in control. We are sustained by ongoing generosity. Our food is grown in the earth, given life by rain and sun, brought to us by the labour of many people. The plans and activities we initiate are affected by spiritual realities. So often I forget. The practice of karakia puts my perspective right again.

No hea koe—where are you from?

I also learn from te ao Māori a connection to the landscape.

Early on in our language journey we were invited to discover our pepeha (a personal introduction that establishes identity and heritage).

What mountain, river, harbour or island defines my sense of belonging?

I began to reflect on my family history.

My great-grandparents in the UK, my own birth in India and my children’s in Bangladesh—all of us left behind the landmarks we first knew and came to find our place in Aotearoa.

Now I orient myself, not by the high peak of Kanchenjunga, my childhood mountain, but by Whārangi, the range of hills on which Karori stands. I pay my respect no longer to the Meghna river of Bangladesh but to the great harbour of Tara—Wellington Harbour.

With a sense of landscape comes a sense of delighting in the seasons as they were understood and experienced by Māori. One fascinating side effect is an increased sense of connection with the Hebrew people.

Like the Māori, they surrendered the ‘first fruits’ of their gardens. They watched the stars, and, again like Māori, associated the Pleiades with winter. Like the Māori they had a sense of the aliveness of all creation, calling on the mountains to rejoice, the trees to clap their hands, and the floods to lift up their voice in praise.

Whaia te iti kahurangi— persistently seek the treasure There has been much joy for me in all this, but truth is, it’s also been hard.

Turns out my language-learning brain has atrophied since my 20s! I don’t like making mistakes. I hate feeling foolish.

Time after time I’ve wanted to give up.

“Get over yourself,” says God lovingly, and shows me again how I’m blessed. On this path I receive both gracious welcome and inspiring challenge. “Kia kaha—be strong, you can do it,” are the encouraging words I hear most often, spoken by my teachers, whispered by my fellow students. But also, the challenge, “Kia maia—be brave!” Take a risk, be seen, fall over, try again. And from God, the invitation: “Kia manawanui— be patient. Listen, learn and grow.”

There’s so much more, but for now, here is my thankful mihi ki te ao Māori. He iti noa, nā te aroha. A small offering, given with love.

Story: Adrienne Thompson Adrienne and her husband Paul worked with NZBMS/Tranzsend for many years in Bangladesh. They now live in Wellington where Adrienne practices as a spiritual director and supervisor.

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God makes all things new

Sharing with our Pacific sisters

Amelia Gavidi is President of the Baptist Women’s Union of the South West Pacific (BWUSWP).

As this magazine goes to print, she is in New Zealand for several speaking engagements.

We asked her to tell us a bit about BWUSWP, her role as President, and some international Baptist women’s events coming up.

B

ula! Warm greetings to all the Baptist women of New Zealand. It’s an honour to be invited to meet, share and fellowship with fellow sisters‑in‑Christ.

BWUSWP is one of seven continental unions of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Women’s Department.

A President heads each union and also serves as a Vice‑President of the BWA Women’s Department.

BWUSWP’s purpose is to connect, pray for and support women throughout our region, which comprises Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, West Papua and Fiji.

My role as President This is my fourth year as President of BWUSWP. The role is responsible for liaising between women of this region, the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, BWA, and the BWA Women’s Department. I travel overseas at least two or three times a year, attending BWA Women’s Department Executive meetings, BWA annual gatherings, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation leadership meetings (to which I’m an ex-officio member with the President of the Asia Baptist Women’s Union, Mrs Precy Caronongan), and visiting BWUSWP Pacific Island nations.

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Evan Kirby/unsplash.com

Baptist / L E A D E R S H I P

Leadership in this region can pose challenges. Political turmoil and tribal wars affect those most vulnerable, which are usually women and children. Church leaders have different ideas about issues affecting women’s fellowship. There is a need for English‑speaking interpreters in some nations and a lack of finance to develop women’s projects. Poor infrastructure, the scattered nature of our region, and differing climates and cultures sometimes cause communication and travel difficulties.

However, the joy of this role is that I meet a great number of Baptist women around the world, exchange ideas, hear their stories of hardships and breakthroughs, and, through speaking in remote villages in the highlands of West Papua, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, get to experience their lifestyle! Sharing experiences, encouraging one another, crying and praying together and uplifting lives for Christ results in healing, deliverance, restoration and lasting friendships.

Whether challenges or joy, the most rewarding thing to me is that it’s all about Jesus and his kingdom, and us experiencing his shalom. His Holy Spirit enables me, and makes me passionate about what I do.

BWUSWP Quinquennial Conference 2019 The next BWUSWP Quinquennial Conference will be held in Nadi, in my beloved country of Fiji, from 23rd to

IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS AND HIS KINGDOM, AND US EXPERIENCING HIS SHALOM.

26th August 2019. A new BWUSWP President and executive members will be elected at this time.

During this conference, BWUSWP will be launching the first establishment of BWUSWP Young Women’s Conference—a ‘new thing’ God is doing in the Pacific. I invite the young women of New Zealand to register now. This is an opportunity to meet your Pacific sisters, build up relationships and find your calling.

God is doing a new thing; don’t miss it. And you need a break to experience Fijian hospitality! To register, contact Ms Fran Benfell, BWUSWP Treasurer, at fran.benfell@gmail.co.nz.

Isaiah 43:18‑19: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

The 2018 DOP will be celebrated officially on 5th November but can be marked at any time in our churches. BWUSWP has prepared the programme. Many thanks to our New Zealand sisters Olywn Dickson and Fran Benfell and their talented team who produced a wonderful, inspiring programme. To find out more about the World DOP visit BWA Women’s Department website www.bwawd.org.

The Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer The Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer (DOP) is a central programme in BWA Women’s Department. It’s an annual event, promoting understanding of women’s issues around the world. During this time, offerings are collected, providing much‑needed funds for ministries and partnerships of the Women’s Department and the continental unions.

Projects are being developed to bring women who are bound in horrific physical, emotional and psychological trauma caused by exploitation, intimidation, harassment, degradation, physical injuries, disability and poverty, to a place of hope, peace and love.

Thousands of women are suffering every day around us; it’s in the media and we witness it happening in our neighborhoods, families, churches, workplaces and schools.

My main aim for visiting New Zealand is to inform Baptist women about the importance of being committed, supportive and united with other Pacific sisters to keep BWUSWP alive, and about how vital their contributions in the DOP offering are. There has been a large decline in support from our New Zealand and Australian sisters. Several factors could have influenced this decline but I encourage you with the Word of God in

Other news Lastly, in other news from our region, our sisters from the Baptist Union Association of PNG have received a grant from the 2018 Evelyn Tully Endowment to finance a project on leadership training. And two other Pacific nations are interested to join BWUSWP: Tonga and Vanuatu.

See, God is doing a new thing!

Story: Amelia Gavidi Amelia lives in Suva, Fiji. She became a born-again Christian when she was 16 years old. She and her retired ex-civil engineer husband have three adult daughters. She works as a specialist librarian and her hobbies include fishing, reading, music, gardening, photography, dance and drama. She was President of the Fiji Baptist Women’s Fellowship from 2006 to 2011, during which time she saw a great increase in the numbers of rural women attending church and of rural church plants. In 2014, she became the first Fijian woman to be elected as Co-President of the BWUSWP (with Sue Peters, Australia, who resigned in 2015 due to health issues). Amelia will hold this post for five years.

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Baptist / N E I G H B O U R H O O D & J U S T I C E

West Papua STATEMENT Striking out against injustice

The Justice Initiative writes about a terrible example of injustice unfolding right on our country’s backdoor, in West Papua, and explains what New Zealand Baptists are doing, and can do, to advocate for those affected.

“I

njustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Martin Luther King Jr, one of the 20th century’s most famous Baptist pastors.1 More than just a pithy phrase to stir the hearts, it is a statement based in scriptural truth.

We worship a God of justice, and Christ reiterates many times in the Gospels our call to make this a priority for ourselves. This is seen clearly in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says that when we respond to the needs of the oppressed we are actually responding to him.

The human rights advocacy organisation Amnesty International recently released a report documenting how Indonesian security forces in the Papuan region have killed at least 95 people in the past eight years.2 The report says 56 of these deaths were in non-political contexts, such as firing live rounds into worker protests, raids on villages, or the killing of a person with mental disabilities. It also claims none of these cases have been independently investigated.

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Even the government of a developed nation such as New Zealand, which is only a few hours’ flight away, seems to have done little to respond up till now. For the families of those killed, knowing that their pain and suffering will be largely ignored at home and abroad must be heart‑breaking. Sadly this is not just a recent phenomenon.

Rights activists estimate that, since Indonesia took power of West Papua in 1969, an estimated 500,000 Papuans have been killed as part of the ongoing conflict.3 In 2017 a banned petition, signed by 1.8 million West Papuan people and calling for an internationally supervised vote for independence, was presented to the United Nations.

The petition was rejected.4

Our national response The West Papuans’ plight hasn’t been lost on many in New Zealand, including those in our Baptist movement. In April this year, the Baptist Assembly Council approved a statement of affirmation regarding West Papua’s independence.

The first step is to be informed and to allow ourselves to be moved.

The statement, which was brought about through the work of many people within our movement and through consultation with the Justice Initiative, can be read in full on the Baptist Churches of New Zealand website.5 An abbreviated version appears on page 18 of this magazine.

The statement • calls for recognition of the sovereignty of the indigenous peoples of Western Papua • supports all moves to uphold their human rights as set out in international declarations that Indonesia has signed • critiques Indonesia’s handling of the region, given how many of West Papua’s indigenous people have suffered innumerable injustices since 1969 • calls the Baptist Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand to stand alongside the indigenous West Papuans for Indonesian authorities to protect basic human rights.

Rev Socrates Yoman, leader of the Baptist Alliance in West Papua, has made a number of trips to New Zealand to speak to those wishing to act in solidarity with those suffering.

Following on from this, David Moko, the Baptist Churches of New Zealand Kaihautū, Manatū Iriiri Māori, visited West Papua last year and has built close ties with the Baptist churches alongside other denominations in the region.

In many ways this is similar to how the churches of Antioch and Macedonia were motivated to help the church in Jerusalem during their

time of suffering (as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Romans 15:25-32).

What else can we do?

For those of us just learning about this issue, where do we start? There are many instances of human rights abuses globally and it can seem daunting. The first step is to be informed and to allow ourselves to be moved. The more we know, the more we can act.

But can we do more and how? The statement that the Baptist Union has affirmed recommends some action points that can be carried out at a regional, local or individual level.

Rev Yoman has also suggested getting behind the West Papua Action Committee (WPAC), which is a group representing the majority of West Papuan indigenous people.

Other actions can include talking to the leaders in your community and those operating at a national and global level, like Members of Parliament or the staff at many of the large Christian aid organisations who attend our churches.

The higher the consciousness there is for this issue, the greater chance there will be action.

There are several Facebook groups that hold public meetings, rallies and post further updates on what is happening in West Papua. You can start with searching ‘Free West Papua Campaign’ on Facebook or Google and take it from there.

If the internet isn’t your thing, New Zealand human rights activist Marie Leadbetter recently wrote a book looking into New Zealand’s lack of involvement in West Papua. It’s called See No Evil: New Zealand’s Betrayal of the People of West Papua. She recently wrote about it for the New Zealand online magazine The Spinoff.6 Though it is tempting to think small acts can’t lead to big ground-breaking changes, consider this quote: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing

each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

This is from a speech Robert F. Kennedy gave in 1966 at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, at the height of apartheid. At that time the thought of ending apartheid would have seemed virtually impossible but 52 years later apartheid has been dismantled—one small act at a time.

Story: The Justice Initiative The Justice Initiative of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand is a collection of people from different regions, ethnicities and backgrounds. The group seeks to provide resources around various issues and to assist with insights when Baptist leadership is asked for a response. This group does not speak for the movement or seek to push a particular response, but instead aims to be a resource to serve and inspire.

1. “Martin Luther King's Statement about Injustice,” The King Center, www.thekingcenter.org/quotes/martinluther-kings-statement-about-injustice.

2. (a) Amnesty International Indonesia, Don’t Bother, Just Let Him Die: Killing with Impunity in Papua, ASA 21/8198/2018 (Jakarta Pusat, 2018), www.amnesty.org/en/documents/ asa21/8198/2018/en. (b) “At least 95 killed by security forces in Indonesia's Papua— Amnesty,” Radio New Zealand (2 July 2018), www.radionz.co.nz/international/ pacific-news/360880/at-least-95-killedby-security-forces-in-indonesia-spapua-amnesty.

3. Febriana Firdaus, “‘A Tragic, Forgotten Place.’ Poverty and Death in Indonesia's Land of Gold,” Time (4 August 2017), time.com/4880190/papua-povertyshootings-justice-paniai.

4. (a) “UN committee rejects West Papua independence petition,” Radio New Zealand (30 September 2017), www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacificnews/340570/un-committee-rejectswest-papua-independence-petition. (b) Ben Doherty and Kate Lamb, “West Papua independence petition is rebuffed at UN”, The Guardian (30 September 2017), www.theguardian. com/world/2017/sep/30/west-papuaindependence-petition-is-rebuffed-at-un.

5. www.baptist.org.nz/news/61/22/WestPapua-postion-statement/.

6. Marie Leadbetter, “The Monday Extract: New Zealand’s disgraceful role in the ‘slow genocide of West Papua,” The Spinoff (9 July 2018), thespinoff. co.nz/books/09-07-2018/new-zealandsdisgraceful-role-in-the-slow-genocideof-west-papua.

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Baptist / N E I G H B O U R H O O D & J U S T I C E

BAPTIST CHURCHES OF AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND: A F F I R M AT I O N O F W E S T PA P U A Introduction 1. We the New Zealand Baptist Union as the whānau (family) of Baptist churches believe that the Gospel of Christ reconciles humanity in relationship with God, one another and the wider creation (i.e. land, sea, air, flora, fauna surrounding us) in fulfilment of humanity’s original calling to image God through the ministry of faithful stewardship in creation (Genesis 1:26-28).

2. Because of this calling to faithful stewardship and participation in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, we have a role to acknowledge and support the special relationship that was created by God, between the indigenous peoples of West Papua and the natural environment they have inhabited, as mana whenua (sovereign nations) and kaitiaki (i.e. stewards of their natural environment), for many thousands of years prior to the Indonesian occupation.

3. The Indonesian military occupation has led to the well-documented violent deaths of over 500,000 West Papuan people and their dislocation from ancestral lands (see rationale statements*). This ‘ethnic cleansing’ has, in turn, led to the degradation of the natural environment as a result of mineral extraction and forestry operations that involve partnerships with multinational corporations (also discussed in rationale statements*).

4. Therefore, we the New Zealand Baptist Union, as followers of Jesus Christ and his ministry of justice, hold the expectation that the New Zealand Government will recognise the sovereignty of the Indigenous peoples of Western Papua and uphold their Human Rights as set out in international declarations it has signed. These include, for example, the United Nations’ Declaration on Human Rights (1948) and the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007).

Statement of affirmation Given the content of the introduction above, the New Zealand Baptist Union has developed the following statement with the intention of encouraging the whānau of New Zealand Baptist churches, to actively lobby: (a) the New Zealand Government; (b) corporations with vested interests in West Papua; the Government of Indonesia; (c) other neighbouring Pacific nations; fellow Christians and; (d) the wider international community to recognise the sovereignty of the Indigenous peoples of Western Papua and uphold their Human Rights.

1. We the New Zealand Baptist Union, as a whānau of churches who are committed to the justice of God, express our deep concern at the historical record of Human Rights abuses that have occurred as a result of the Indonesian occupation of West Papua since 1962.

2. We the New Zealand Baptist Union, as a whānau of churches who believe in humanity’s calling as stewards of creation, also declare our deep concern at the ongoing exploitation of natural resources that has followed the Indonesian occupation of West Papua.

3. We the New Zealand Baptist Union, as a whānau of churches who believe in our calling to participate in Jesus Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, also declare our unwavering support for peaceful methods to persuade the international community (including Indonesia) to recognise and ensure the political independence of West Papua.

4. As a result of the UN Decolonization committee’s rejection of a petition signed by some 1.8 million West Papuan people (and verified by reputable international observers), we the New Zealand Baptist Union, as a whānau of churches who believe in the freedom of conscience that the gospel offers in Jesus Christ, call upon the New Zealand Government to actively join other Pacific nations and proactively use diplomatic channels to support the legitimate aspirations of the majority of West Papuan people.

Writers and contributors: Richard Manning, in collaboration with the Justice Initiative group of the Baptist Union of New Zealand, and David Moko (Kaihautū—Manatū Iriiri Māori), Ruby Duncan, Andrew Picard, Rachel Tallon, Justin Latif, Sarah Rice, Josie Te Kahu.

* The full statement, which includes rationales for each point of the affirmation and calls to action, is available to download at www.baptist.org.nz/news/61/22/West-Papua-postion-statement.

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rawpixel.com/unsplash.com

Our stories Lisa’s 20th anniversary celebration VisionWest Community Trust recently held a special event to mark the 20th anniversary of Lisa Woolley as Chief Executive Officer. With the presentation of a taonga and afternoon tea, Lisa’s family, local supporters and VisionWest staff gathered to reflect on and honour her long service.

After a welcome by local Kaumātua Warahi and Linda Paki, and Fred Astle, Head of Māori Development at VisionWest, we heard from Gary Grut, Senior Pastor at Glen Eden Baptist Church and Trustee at VisionWest.

“Under Lisa’s leadership, VisionWest has grown into an organisation that deeply impacts lives and community,” he said.

Gary also shared a contribution from Craig Vernall, the Baptist National Leader: “Lisa, in a season when church and society are looking for inspirational women leaders to show us how to lead, you’ve provided a model of what great leadership looks like. You’ve been consistent in your goals, courageous with your vision, generous with your knowledge, and always caring of the most needy around you.”

Following Gary, Michael Taylor, Board of Trustees Chair and Brook Turner, Head of Community Services Development, shared about their experiences working with Lisa. Her dedication to transforming lives and heart for people were common themes throughout all the speeches. As Brook pointed out, “Lisa walks the talk and makes time for all of us. She never seems rushed and often stops in the car park or somewhere on campus to connect with staff and see how they are going.”

Before afternoon tea was served, Lisa was presented with her taonga—a beautiful korowai made by Jean Pompey from Mangatangi Marae— and came forward to give an emotional response beginning with, “I did not expect all this...”

Having touched the lives of so many in her fight for our community’s most vulnerable members, Lisa has secured a legacy at VisionWest for decades to come.

Lisa and her husband Mark Woolley

Alfred Ngaro, Paula Bennett, Lisa Woolley and Linda Cooper

Story: Melita Foster Philanthropy Coordinator, VisionWest

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Baptist / O U R S T O R I E S

Matariki in Malvern Two Rivers Community Trust (initiated by Darfield Baptist Church) proudly hosted the inaugural ‘Matariki in Malvern’ event on Saturday 16th June. More than 500 people from across Malvern came to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, providing a fabulous opportunity for whānau and friends to spend time together. We were privileged to have David Moko, our Baptist Kaihautū, attending also.

A spectacular fire poi performer welcomed visitors as they walked through a special tunnel entrance that created the atmosphere of native bush at night during Matariki.

The event officially got underway with the mihi whakatau (welcoming ceremony) led by mana whenua from Ngāti Moki Marae, Te Taumutu. Nine students, one from each of the Malvern schools, proudly represented their school on stage as part of the ceremony.

Kapa haka groups pulled out all the stops to put on truly impressive performances. Te Wai Tuku Kiri is a special waiata to Te Taumutu Rūnanga, who gifted it to our primary school kapa haka groups to sing. The lyrics reminded the students of our rivers, which run across the land in Malvern and are an important part of the life cycle. The rivers have been here all our life, just as they were for our ancestors.

We need to listen to our land and keep our rivers clean.

The auditorium was then transformed into a banqueting hall as delicious hāngi meals were enjoyed, along with homemade soup and fruit crumble. Afterwards, ‘Hands‑On Stations’ generated a new hive of activity as visitors of all ages wandered around having a go at different Matariki themed activities and taking mementoes home with them.

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Two Rivers Community Trust’s mission statement— “A resilient community where people belong, contribute and flourish”—was clearly evident on the night, with many voicing pride at living in Malvern. The numerous willing volunteers helped make the event a success, and it was wonderful to see them all flourish through their participation.

The event has had a far-reaching impact locally. It raised the profile of our cultural heritage, gave a platform for schools to proudly perform the rich learning of kapa haka, and opened up dialogue around cultural issues in our community.

Story: Kelly Maude Events Coordinator, Two Rivers Community Trust

Talented community volunteers facilitated Hands-On Stations

Justice, Mission & Neighbourhood Workshop There is a quiet, proactive movement emerging in New Zealand, where Jesus lovers are intentionally relocating into poor neighbourhoods. They are joining with neighbours to re-imagine their neighbourhoods as transformed from poverty to a place that reflects where ‘Heaven meets Earth’.

UNOH (Urban Neighbours of Hope www.unoh.co.nz) is offering a workshop that looks closely at poverty and injustice in New Zealand, giving participants key practical tools and principles. The workshop explores how to: engage with justice and transformation at a local neighbourhood level, build structures where locals grow, create pathways for neighbourhood leadership, and explore the value of employment and social enterprises. It examines the working together of evangelism, discipleship and social transformation, unpacks neoliberalism, and explores Jesus’ heart for the poor.

This workshop is not for the faint-hearted. It is for people willing to stand with the poor and join them in the struggle.

They must be prepared to count the personal cost, think long‑term, use Christian community‑led development models, and follow Jesus into the hard places.

7 - 10 November

Palmerston North | Te Papaioea

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE:

5pm, Friday, 26 October

baptist.org.nz/hui

If you are interested in attending the workshop (see below), or would like a workshop run in your area, contact Dave Tims on 021 082 56001 or d.tims@unoh.org.

We had Dave and Denise Tims come and run a workshop.

We were challenged, motivated and empowered to put legs on the gospel and get among the needy and walk with them to a better place.

— Judy Abrahams, Christian Community Worker, Te Puke Denise and Dave bring a wealth of experience and thoughtful response, coupled with a strong prophetic voice that nudges one into action.

— Lyndon Twemlow, Senior Pastor, Manurewa Baptist ‘We have the ability to solve the injustice of poverty.’

That was the challenge for me to examine my own comfort levels, imagine the possibilities and make a conscious effort to bring about change for disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

— Mary Barthow, General Manager of a communitybased early childcare centre

Baptist / O U R S T O R I E S

BYM’s ‘You’re a gift’ Christmas Challenge

Showing generosity and kindness this Christmas has never been easier!

The ‘You’re a Gift Challenge’ is all about random and contagious acts of kindness. Baptist Youth Ministries are collaborating with Life FM and other denominations to create a viral social media sensation of hope and generosity this December.

And it’s incredibly simple.

Youth groups, families and church small groups hand a ‘You’re a gift’ Christmas card to anyone in their local neighbourhood and community. Inside the card is printed John 3:16, a space

Women of Destiny

to include an invitation to their church’s Christmas events, and a simple gift of $5 (or coffee voucher, etc.). Simply video your gift giving, upload it on social media, tag your church and Life FM, and challenge another to do the same. Life FM will then share these stories on air all throughout December.

Imagine the nationwide good news that will be generated by a collaboration of churches all over New Zealand simply showing acts of ‘no strings attached’ generosity and kindness this Christmas! Moreover, imagine how a gracious invitation like this to your

church’s Christmas activities might change the life of someone who would otherwise never consider church and Jesus Christ this Christmas.

And... it’s free! The ‘You’re a Gift’ Christmas Cards are available at bym.org.nz for you to download, print and use for your own church. Print your church’s Christmas invite on a sticky label and insert it on the card, then have people in your church decide how many cards and gifts they each want to give.

To see how it’s done, go to YouTube and look up ‘YouAreAGift

Women of Destiny is the name given to Liberty Church’s unique annual event for women. First started in 2010 as an in-house event for 50 women, now nine years later this event attracts between 350 and 500 women each year from all denominations and from both within and outside the Auckland region.

Women are encouraged to engage with God through six or seven creative, reflective spaces. Each space specifically and purposefully supports the overarching theme. People can come at any time over the weekend, with some spending up to six hours engaged with God, being ministered to and enjoying God’s presence. A prophetic team is always on hand for those who want a word of encouragement, with the team

ministering one-on-one to give more than 350 prophetic words each year.

Taking literally hundreds of hours to plan and set up, and with up to 80 people involved, you might ask why they do this? Quite simply they have a desire to reveal God as the good Father he is and to provide an opportunity for women to connect with him heart to heart.

Along with this they love seeing women’s lives transformed, which the testimonies received speak of again and again.

The latest event, held August 2018, was themed around ‘Oh! the Places You’ll Go’. Each space was decorated according to a different book/film with a Christian theme attached. This year the adventure began in ‘Narnia’, with women entering through a wardrobe into

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Baptist Promo’ youtu.be/3F_qYVXONoY. You can also go to BYM’s website to see the video, along with additional tips, ideas and instructions for your acts of generosity.

This Christmas watch your teens, families and church experience that it truly is more blessed to give than receive.

Story: Brian Krum National Team Leader Baptist Youth Ministries

a summer scene, with winter behind them. ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ spoke of reigning in life, while ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’ dealt with having dreams restored.

‘The Ordinary Princess’ was about contentment, ‘Winnie the Pooh’ focused on the sweetness of God’s thoughts toward us, and ‘Moana’ spoke of courage for the journey.

To hear details of the next event, follow the ‘Liberty Women of Destiny’ Facebook page.

Story: Sue Hodson Executive Pastor Liberty Church

Cyclone Gita relief Jason and Sandy arriving in Apia, July 2018, with donated goods

When on holiday in Samoa last year, Sandy and Jason Watson heard some children singing in Manumalo Baptist School. Before they knew it, the couple was in the school and Sandy was teaching them te reo Māori songs and chatting with the staff.

When the Watsons heard that Cyclone Gita had devastated the school in February 2018, they decided to see if they could help. In Jason’s role as a mental health nurse in the School Based Mental Health Team, he often connects with school staff. It was not long before a counsellor at Avonside Girls High School (AGHS) in Christchurch informed him that, due to the school moving sites next year, they had a lot of used equipment that needed a new home.

Over the next two months, Jason received similar offers from Bamford School, Cust School, St Albans School, Rangiora New Life School and the Southern Health School. There were also surplus supplies from the Ministry of Education and The Princess Margaret Hospital. The New Zealand Army collected all the equipment, transported it to AGHS and loaded it into two 20-foot containers.

At tools-down on Monday 16th April, a significant volume of equipment had been loaded, including more than 200 student desks and 130 chairs.

In July the Watsons headed back to Samoa with 80 personal care packages

for women, plus children’s clothing and linen. They also shipped 12 banana boxes of donated school journals, footballs and pumps, baby products, laptops, children’s gifts and health care items.

Rangiora Baptist Church donated towards the cost of the shipping containers, held a fundraising sausage sizzle, gave financial contributions and offered prayer support.

Whilst in Samoa, Sandy provided professional development to the teachers on classroom music teaching, and Jason talked to senior students about anxiety management, and undertook CPR demonstrations and instruction with the staff and senior students. They participated in the Manumalo Poutasi satellite school’s cultural day, spoke at a church service and shared with various individuals. The couple also made valuable contacts with officials for future ventures. They are already planning a return visit in 2019 to take muchneeded hospital and medical supplies for the Poutasi Hospital and the elderly.

They are also collecting school books and supplies for the Manumalo Baptist Schools.

“We would like to thank the many thoughtful and helpful people—too numerous to mention here—who have contributed to these projects, and who continue to contribute in so many ways,” says Jason and Sandy.

Story: Jason and Sandy Watson

v.134 no.5 † rua tekau mā toru 23

Baptist / O U R S T O R I E S

Thames Baptist— 150 years

The original church building located in Willoughby Street

The Thames goldfields opened on 1st August 1867. The minister of the Wellesley Street Baptist Church, which later became the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, challenged unemployed young men of the church to go and work at ‘The Thames’. His challenge was for them to find employment, witness for Christ and help pay off the loan on the first Auckland Baptist chapel. Soon a small congregation sat on planks between powder kegs in the home of Henry and Sophia Driver in Thames to meet for worship.

The Drivers’ cottage became too small as numbers increased. An application by the congregation for a land grant soon resulted in a gift of freehold land from local Chief Hoterini Taipari and Rapana Manganoa. Thomas Donovan was given a contract to build a suitable place for the church, and the building in Willoughby Street seating 200 was opened for worship on 6th May 1869.

Twenty years later, because the congregation had outgrown those premises and on the invitation of the Congregational Church which owned the property at 303 Mary Street, the Baptists united with them for worship there. This arrangement lasted for the next 35 years, until that property, which is our present church, was sold to the Baptists in 1926. The 12 stained glass side windows were installed as memorials to the founders in 1929.

We plan to honour that gift of land, as we welcome and join with descendants of those pioneers and former members in celebrating God's goodness, on the weekend of 24th to 26th May 2019. Find us on Facebook at ‘Thames Baptist Church 150th Celebration’ or email office@thamesbaptist.org.nz.

Story: Elizabeth Jones

Praise & creative worship workshop Realising there was no national worship workshop for Baptist churches, Andrew Graham, through Westgate Baptist Church, is holding a free multigenerational ‘Praise and Creative Worship’ workshop on 27th October 2018.

Although aimed primarily for Baptists, people from other churches are welcome to attend as well. The facilitators come from a variety of churches both in and outside the Baptist movement.

“It is a practical resource for all of the kingdom of God,” says Andrew. “It will be a day of teaching, sharing, networking and getting on with it!”

Morning sessions will be along the lines of short 15-minute TED Talks, with some time for questions and answers.

Topics will include what the Bible says about worship,

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intergenerational worship, women in worship, the use of hymns, cultural sensitivity, poetry, sign language, song writing and free worship. The afternoon will be a practical session.

The workshop is not just for worship teams but anyone interested in worship.

“Hopefully there is something for everyone,” says Andrew.

“We’ve got a couple of people in their 70s planning to come because they are still excited about learning more, and I think the youngest to register so far is about 12. As a young musician I used to attend worship workshops and got very inspired. Thirty years later I am still in worship now. Our hope is that this workshop at Westgate will be the first of many.”

People interested in attending the October workshop should contact Andrew at westgatepraise@gmail.com.

Newlands Baptist turns 50 On the weekend of 18th and 19th August 2018 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Newlands Baptist Church in north Wellington. We wanted to celebrate the milestone and also to honour the founding members who worked hard to establish the church and set it on a good foundation in 1968.

On Saturday afternoon a panel of pastors, past and present—Jim Skett, Dennis Long, Glenn Edmonds, Andrew Riordan and Chris Finlay—shared memories of the church and community. Founding members Eileen Blackburn and Gordon McPherson also recalled the early days. Later Eileen cut a 50th anniversary cake, along with 12-year-old Molly Fraser, representing both the earliest days

of Newlands Baptist, and its future.

Chris Lam Sam was MC at the dinner. Chris was a past member of the youth group and is a grandson of one our founding members, Laurie Martin. The evening included a video clip of the 40th anniversary, a quiz and lots of catching up with old friends.

Jim Skett (pastor in the 1970s) preached at the Sunday service.

We then shared lunch before saying our farewells. It was a weekend to remember: a time to look back and celebrate, and a time to look forward to the next years of worship and service.

For Newlands Baptist it is indeed a season of milestones and new beginnings. Having marked the passage of 50 years, we are now

getting ready to welcome a new senior pastor and see where God will guide us as we enter a new time in our church life.

Story: Phil McQueen

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Baptist / O U R S T O R I E S

Christian teaching she longed for

This semester 16 people are attending Carey Baptist College’s Ethnic Ministry Leadership programme. With Rev Brian Smith they are studying John’s Gospel and with Dr Beulah Wood they are exploring Theology of Family. Rhoda Asuncion is one of those students.

Brought up as a Catholic in the northern Philippines, Rhoda trained in civil engineering, a career that paved her way to New Zealand 11 years ago. Settled in Auckland, she was invited by a flatmate to a Bible study group.

“I could not admit I loved the Bible study, but I did!” says Rhoda, who privately continued nightly praying her rosary. As she studied, heard sermons and listened when people shared their faith with her, Rhoda was drawn to hold on to Jesus, even while she resisted baptism. Then, moved by a New Year’s Day sermon at Eastgate Christian Centre, she asked to be baptised.

Rhoda’s spiritual life expanded, but her

       

work life took a nose dive. Three times she experienced redundancy. “Shall I give up on New Zealand?” she wondered, but says now, “I stayed because others encouraged me and I loved the Bible studies.” Eventually, four-and-a-half-years ago, Rhoda found a stable job.

Then by January 2017 Rhoda had a further longing. “I’m hungry, starving for more structured Christian training, but I can’t take a year off or pay for formal study,” she told her Bible group leader. Her answer came in July the same year—Carey’s Ethnic Ministry Leadership programme.

“It’s so fulfilling,” she says. “It’s what I needed. The Bible courses and the preaching training make me more confident to stand up and speak.”

To find out more about the Ethnic Ministries Leadership programme go to www.carey.ac.nz/study/specialist/ethnicministry-leadership-training.

Story: Beulah Wood

>

meet… Win & Rob

passionate about PNG

Win and Rob Thomson attend Whanganui Central Baptist Church. For many years they served in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Their love for that country and its people has never left them. This is their story.

Tell us about your service in PNG We knew little about PNG before Rob had a distinct call to go there while he was finishing his study at the Bible College of New Zealand (now Laidlaw College), where he met Win. We went to PNG in 1961 immediately after we were married; we were 23 years old.

Rob initially assisted in agricultural projects, then held various pastoral and administrative roles in Baptist mission work, which extended across the nation and into West Papua.

Our 24 years there were God’s gift to us and were hugely fulfilling. It was like we were crafted for this place. These amazing people enriched our lives and we are full of gratitude to be part of the hundreds of missionaries chosen to take the light of Jesus into the Western Highlands, where once the darkness of animism reigned.

We returned to New Zealand in 1984 and took up a pastoral role at Whanganui Central Baptist Church in 1987, from which we retired in our 70s.

However, our connection with PNG had not ended. They called us back there eight times, mainly for teaching on spiritual warfare and for general encouragement. Also all four of our children were born in PNG and we returned for a visit as an extended family in 2010.

When did you last go to PNG? At the end of 2017 we got a surprise call asking us to return in January 2018 to celebrate a new church opening. Both of us have passed 80 years of age so we weren’t sure if we could manage that, but we said we would pray. We asked God for a clear yes or no answer. We felt he would reply in the negative. Instead he replied with a loud “yes—yes—yes.”

When the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all give their approval it’s exciting and we obey!

Although the trip was physically demanding, spiritually it was amazing. As soon as we saw the people waiting for us and as we hugged each other, we realised how much we loved them. It was hugely emotional because of our shared joy. Everywhere they put on big celebrations and looked after us so well. It was like having waterfalls of love and appreciation poured all over us.

What was a highlight from that trip?

We travelled for hours over atrocious roads in rugged terrain— causing Win to silently scream all the way!—to Kanapeta, in the remote Western Highlands. A new church called Livingstone Baptist Church had been built there. Four days’ celebration marked the opening, concluding with a massive pig feast. We were guest speakers, as we were at many other places.

A large number of young people were baptised in a beautiful stream at the bottom of a deep bush-filled gully. The steep, narrow winding path was too slippery for us to venture down.

Undeterred, church members ran to the old mission house and grabbed two cane chairs. They then ducked into the bush to cut long poles and vines, which they used to strap the poles on to the chairs. They put us in the chairs and carried us down to the stream. It was nerve-wracking but the location was the most idyllic you could imagine for the baptism.

Our whole journey was enormously rewarding. It was encouraging to be back among the people we have loved for so long and to see how they have recovered from 20 years of a satanic revival that cost hundreds of lives and destroyed whole communities. They truly overcame through prayer, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. The whole church is strong, growing rapidly and reaching out into areas far beyond their tribal boundaries. 

v.134 no.5 † rua tekau mā whitu 27

Baptist / O U R S T O R I E S

In Memoriam

Rev Ian David Brown: Respected leader 10 January 1941 – 28 July 2018

Kua hinga te tōtara i te wao nui a Tane. The tōtara has fallen in the forest of Tane.

Few people in the history of the New Zealand Baptist movement have left the kind of indelible legacy as Ian Brown.

Ian was born into a loving Southland family, one of eight children, and grew up in Invercargill.

The family attended Esk Street Baptist Church (now Invercargill Central), and from 1957-1961 Ian trained as a civil engineer cadet.

He never actually completed his qualifications, as the call to ministry took over.

Sensing a call to the mission field, Ian entered New Zealand Baptist Theological College in 1961, where among other roles he served as student president. He met Joy during summer assignment amongst the Baptist Māori work in the Lower Waikato. They married in 1964, celebrating 54 years of marriage earlier this year.

A brief pastorate at Lyall Bay followed in 1965, and in 1966 they set sail for East Pakistan, where they served with distinction on both sides of the war of independence that gave birth to what we now know as Bangladesh. Ian’s roles were varied, including oversight of evangelism teams, training of church leaders, directing the Christian Literature Centre (Chandpur), and construction of the hospital and school in Brahmanbaria after the war of independence. During the war the Brown family were evacuated for their safety, and to get vital film and photo footage out of the country it was smuggled in a bun in Joy’s hair, and secretly sewn into the stuffing of one of the children’s teddy bears!

Ian and Joy returned to New Zealand in 1977, and from 1978-83 pastored the Glen Eden Baptist Church. Ian was appointed as Secretary of the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society from 1983-91. The denomination asked him to step up to the role of Executive Secretary of the Baptist Union of New Zealand from 1991 to 2000. He attempted retirement in the Waikato, only to be appointed as the Waikato Regional Consultant, a role he relinquished in 2015. In 2010 Ian also served as President of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand.

Ian was a friend and mentor to hundreds of Baptist pastors around the country. He was a faithful confidant, a thoughtful listener and someone who proffered wise advice.

He never sought the limelight, and is probably best described as a reluctant leader. But a leader of distinction he was, and the influence of his life reflected in the hundreds of Baptist pastors and missionaries,

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current and former, who gathered in Hamilton for his funeral service.

Ian was respected deeply. His reports (Mission Council and Assembly Council) were thoughtful and detailed, and the depth of institutional knowledge he carried about the Baptist movement was immense. His leadership style was collegial and consultative, firm and decisive when necessary, but always fair. His passion for, and understanding of, the distinctives of Baptist ecclesiology were profound and helped many pastors understand the unique movement to which they belonged.

Probably Ian’s greatest legacy was his family. He loved his wife with a kind of infectious affection that challenged other marriages, and his four children and twelve grandchildren—all of whom follow the Lord—were his delight.

In 2016 Ian successfully battled cancer, emerging with a fresh sense of call to share his life experience with others. Throughout 2018 new health issues emerged, and in the early hours of Saturday 28th July Ian suffered a massive stroke. Whether or not he knew his time on earth was drawing to a close, we do not know, but Ian had thought about his parting words—aptly borrowing from the Apostle Paul: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7–8 NIV).

Obituary: Brian Winslade

Robert (Bob) Hamilton Bollen: Missionary, Pastor, Father 16 March 1926 – 1 August 2018

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33 NIV).

Bob was born in Frankton Junction, the second son in a family of five children. As a child, he was hospitalised with osteomyelitis, which resulted in him wearing a built-up boot for the rest of his life. This did not diminish his love of football, cricket and bush walks.

He left school at 12 years old, to join his father working the farm.

Bob, his father and brother Owen began to develop an award-winning herd, but there was also a spiritual awakening starting in his life. He attended a crusade in Matamata and a few nights later, after listening to a gospel message on the radio, he surrendered his life to Christ. A young man with “a temper, foul mouth, a love of cigarettes, drink and cards” was transformed by the love, grace and forgiveness of God.

Bob attended the Bible Training Institute (BTI) in Auckland in 1951-52. A shy farm lad was transformed, witnessing and preaching on the streets of Auckland, and speaking before hundreds at camps, rallies and on Taupiri Mountain. His calling to work amongst Māori and his love for the scriptures and people were solidified.

In 1952 Bob met Christina (Chrissie) Sinclair at the Keswick Convention in Christchurch.

He joined United Maori Mission (UMM), working in Gillies Avenue Hostel, then moving on to Kaikohe and Whangarei. He and Chrissie married in December 1955 after Chrissie had attended BTI and completed her first year of mission work with UMM. They began their mission and married life together in Northland, and over time were joined by Patricia, Andrew and Kathleen. Central to their work were relationships with people, schools, marae and communities, all with the express purpose of bringing people and communities into relationship with Christ.

After four years in Kaiapoi caring for Chrissie’s aged father, and the birth of Gillian, Bob moved to the Baptist Māori Ministries work at Puna o Te Ora in Pukekohe where, along with services, there were home-based groups throughout Franklin District.

Moving to Rotorua, Bob ran the Māori Ministries including Taheke Marae Sunday School as well as serving at Rotorua Baptist Church.

A change in philosophy and direction with Baptist Māori Ministries meant the role Bob and

Chrissie had faithfully served in was over. Despite their willingness to return to Northland or the East Cape, they parted ways with Baptist Māori Ministries, moving on to Tauranga and secular work.

Although Bob’s ministry days were officially over, his love for Christ and people continued.

Every day he would pray for his family, missionaries and for himself, “What would You have me do today?”

In retirement Bob and Chrissie moved to Thames. After Chrissie’s death in 2002, Bob moved to Hastings to be closer to family where he lived independently, still sharing his faith and building relationships with others. He continued his study of the scriptures, attending a men’s group and worshipping at Village Baptist in Havelock North.

Three months before his death, Bob moved into Duart Rest Home in Havelock North where he quickly endeared himself to the staff and other residents. He still found opportunity to disciple a caregiver, and was a gentle and faithful witness to all. The staff were amazed at the steady stream of visitors that constantly made their way to his room. As his health failed, his visitors became a great blessing to him, reading his Bible to him, praying with him and singing his favourite hymns.

Bob’s life was marked by a humble and gentle spirit. He did not seek man’s recognition and in notes he left for his funeral he requested that, “God be given all the glory, for I am just a vessel that He chose to use.”

Obituary: The Bollen Family

v.134 no.5 † rua tekau mā iwa 29

Baptist / O U R S T O R I E S

What’s on your mind?

A Report The New Zealand Church Survey 2014 Report The Great Commission is recorded among Jesus’ last words before his ascension. To what extent have we fulfilled the Great Commission in New Zealand? We don’t know and we don’t ask. The only comprehensive national survey undertaken in New Zealand is the Government census. However it is confusing in how it phrases its questions on religious affiliation. Nevertheless, the census is the only means we have of assessing nominal Christian or church adherence.

Partly provoked by this challenge, the MissionKoru New Zealand Church Survey was undertaken in 2014. Over decades the Government census has recorded a steady decline in nominality.

On the other hand, from sample surveys and by other means, Professor Peter Lineham of Massey University estimated church attendance between 1983–2005 for “high participation” Christians (i.e. those who attend weekly) was 10% to 16% of New Zealand’s total population. Likewise, the estimate for those who attended two or three times per month was 17% to 19%, and for those who attended at least monthly it was 20% to 24%.1 Viv Grigg, in his doctoral thesis (University of Auckland, 2005), agreed.2 The MissionKoru survey opted to challenge the decline hypothesis, proposing: “that we have a changing church not a dying church.”

Denominations (e.g. Baptists, Presbyterians) collect annual statistics, and the Church Life Survey helpfully analyses local churches.

Neither provides an overview of the whole church. In initial soundings we discovered scores of new churches under the radar: unaligned, independent, non-denominational churches. For example, Richard Willis, a University of Wellington geography

30 toru tekau † v.134 no.5 baptistmag.org.nz

professor and an elder at Hutt City Baptist church, did some preliminary research in Hutt City. He anticipated finding about 45 churches but found twice that number. Researchers in Hamilton and Rotorua reported similar surprises.

A basic questionnaire was designed and put online. Vicar and mathematician Max Scott advised, as did Richard Willis.

New Zealand’s geopolitical structure of about 72 districts was adopted, each defined and administered by District Councils apart from Auckland’s 13 Super-City wards. I travelled the length and breadth of the country to locate a researcher in each district who could locate all the churches, collect basic information from each, and encourage a leader of each church to go online to complete the questionnaire.

What happened? It was disappointing to discover that a high percentage of church leaders were not disposed to assist. Some were not computer literate, or English was not their first language.

Some were suspicious despite seeing that national church leaders had endorsed the project. Others were too busy or were reluctant because they felt their church was too small, although they were assured no church would be individually identified in the reporting. Some couldn’t see the point.

Researchers struggled to complete their task.

Results came in from about 1,100 churches. Anglican and Baptist were prominently represented.

MissionKoru associate Karen Taylor crunched the numbers. An attractive hard copy report of 76 pages was presented in 2018 to denominational leaders who had supported the project through preparatory stages. Karen and I spoke to the Auckland Church Leaders’ group.

The report, available from bruce.patrick.nz@gmail.com covers church and service types, languages used, types of multiple congregations, multiple campuses, total number of worshippers, size of church community, and other data. The report ends with five recommendations for future surveys. A valuable addendum

by Anita Voisey offers a significant account of Christchurch churchesin-action after the 22 February 2011 earthquakes: 290 individual churches in 48 denominations or networks, with 37,629 worshipping on any given Sunday, and church engagement assessed at one person in seven across the region, or 15%.

Report: Bruce Patrick Bruce is now working at a research MA through Otago University, studying the life of one of New Zealand’s outstanding CMS missionaries. His purpose is to write an authoritative biography based largely on original documents, as testimony to missionary character, courage and contribution.

1. “Report on Church Attendance to the Christian leaders Association, Palmerston North”, 1983 and “Church Growth and Decline in New Zealand” in New Vision New Zealand ed. Bruce Patrick (Auckland: Vision New Zealand, 1993), 97-119.

2. Viv Grigg, The Spirit of Christ and the Postmodern city: Transformative revival among Auckland’s evangelicals and Pentecostals. (Auckland: Urban Leadership Foundation, 2005).

Directory >

As we count down to our annual Hui I thought it would be an opportune time to reflect on our Listening Hui process. As I have mentioned before, Dr Mike Crudge of Carey Centre for Lifelong Learning took on the monumental task of forming a team and taking time to objectively review and discern their way through the 300-plus pages of submissions and minutes collated over the 22 meetings.

The team of six met this past month (Mike Crudge, Naomi Compton, Andrew Picard, Andrea Page, Josie Te Kahu and myself) to share our reflections. A report from this meeting will be shared alongside that 300-plus page document before our annual Hui. Mike Crudge also put together an excellent summary document for the national leader call team, as they discern and prepare for the transition of Craig Vernall. This is a valuable resource as we discern what this role might look like, and the direction it should take going into the future as a movement.

In other developments, the Baptist National Centre has welcomed Kathryn Heslop as its

new Office Manager. Kathryn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and has come alongside Winston Hema to help manage national office matters.

Lastly it is with a deep sadness we had to farewell a kaumātua from our midst into glory. It was just three months ago that Josie and I got the privilege between hui in Hamilton to sit with Ian and Joy Brown and to hear Ian’s heart and passion for our movement. As a previous national leader, missionary, pastor and mentor to many, Ian’s faith, influence and passion will echo for many decades to come. Moe mai rā e te rangatira.

Noho mai rā Rob Stacey Assembly Council Chair

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT CHALLENGING & GROWING PEOPLE FOR GOD? Hutt City Baptist Church is a vibrant and richly diverse church with an exciting opportunity for an Associate Pastor.

Our Church community needs someone to support the Senior Pastor in the overall vision casting and leadership of the church, assisting with the equipping of the congregation for the various works of ministry.

You are someone with calling and vision.

Assembly Council acts as the Assembly between annual Baptist Assemblies (Hui) and provides leadership for our Baptist movement. It is responsible for establishing policies and practices consistent with the determinations of Baptist Assembly and the well‑being of the movement.

Welcome, Kathryn The Baptist National Centre’s new Office Manager, Kathryn Heslop, is responsible for a broad range of administrative responsibilities, answering enquiries, marriage celebrant list, communication to the churches, event planning, oversight of the Baptist magazine’s production, and a variety of other tasks. “I look forward to sinking my teeth into this new role. There is a lot to get my head around, however I am feeling excited about it and looking forward to the opportunities it will bring”, says Kathryn.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

You are a good team leader with excellent relational skills.

You are innovative, imaginative and inclusive.

You have good experience leading music, sound and media teams.

You have sound theological training with the ability to communicate and preach in a practical and challenging way.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US AND VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, VISIT huttbaptist.org.nz/ associate-pastor-role EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION AND CV TO pastor@huttbaptist.org.nz 04 567 9500 APPLICATIONS CLOSE 14 OCTOBER

Kathryn and her husband Scott and their three children

v.134 no.5 † toru tekau mā tahi 31

<

Directory FUNERAL SERVICES

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We are looking for a person who is really, really good at being a pastor, loves Jesus, and can nurture people of all ages and cultures, lead and inspire, preach effectively, and is missional.

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APPLICATIONS BY 31 OCTOBER 2018 Arohanui Church, 81 Middle Road, Havelock North, 4130 office@afc.org.nz

THAMES BAPTIST CHURCH 150TH ANNIVERSARY

MUST LOVE PEOPLE AUTHENTICALLY.

Our staff are available to you twentyfour hours a day to help put in place funeral plans, provide advice, and take care of all of the details to make the service meaningful and appropriate.

Rotorua is an international tourist and amazing outdoor recreation area.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION AND A CHURCH PROFILE, CONTACT psg@rotoruabaptist.org.nz APPLICATIONS CLOSE 30 NOVEMBER 2018

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32 toru tekau mā rua † v.134 no.5 baptistmag.org.nz

SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

24-25-26 MAY 2019 TO REGISTER OR FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT office@thamesbaptist.org.nz

HEAD TEACHER EDUCATION SUPERVISOR We are looking for a full-time head teacher education supervisor to join our dedicated team at Milford Baptist Kindergarten. If you are an experienced and fully certificated ECE teacher with proven leadership experience, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a great Early Learning Centre.

CONTACT SHELAGH 09 489 9746 | milbapkindy@xtra.co.nz

Glo bal Mis si on

Photo of the month Through the Village Education project of Baptist Aid, Bangladesh, children like these in rural villages have the opportunity to further their education thanks to tutorial groups that offer more in-depth learning than schooling alone is able to do.

TOG ETHER W E CA N RE A C H T H E W O RL D

v.134 no.5 â&#x20AC; toru tekau mÄ toru 33

Baptist / G L O B A L M I S S I O N

A word from Rachel REMEMBERING A MENTOR AND A FRIEND One evening about seven years ago, I jumped off the back of a motorbike in Bangladesh and rushed to wash my dirty feet before heading into a church service. I’d just come from a village that had been inundated by mud due to monsoonal rains. As I headed towards the church building, I was greeted by an older man who said hello and then asked, ‘Do you know Mr Ian Brown?’ When I replied that I did, he smiled and proceeded to tell me of the impact Ian had had on him as a young man during the time the Browns had served there. He shared how Ian had mentored and discipled him, and how he now has the privilege of doing the same for young men and seeing them become the next generation of church leaders, mentors and disciplers in that context.

Recently we farewelled and celebrated the life of Ian Brown. His funeral service was filled with stories of Ian’s loyalty, commitment and heart for people as friend, colleague, pastor and leader both here in New Zealand and in Bangladesh. As is so often the case, Ian may have never fully known the impact his presence and service had on those around him. After news of Ian’s death reached Bangladesh, we received a message from the Bangladesh Baptist Church Fellowship (BBCF): We grieve with you in sharing the loss of Rev. Ian Brown. We recall with deep respect and gratitude the contribution made by Rev. Ian Brown, particularly the hospital and school buildings in Brahmanbaria and new church building and residence buildings in Chandpur he made as a civil engineer. Those buildings are still standing there as a symbol of his love and concern for the underprivileged, and of course, his great Christian commitment. He along with his family was so close to people’s heart, I know still people remember their names and many good memories. We will pray that Rev. Brown’s legacy will continue to set a tremendous example for many in New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Along with Ian, many New Zealanders have served and shared Jesus in Bangladesh, resulting in a continuous New Zealand Baptist presence there for 134 years. I often think back to that night seven years ago and wonder—who will the next generation of Bangladeshis say mentored, discipled and invested into them?

Could it be you? gā mihi nui, N Rachel Murray, General Director

Register Online

tranzsend.org.nz

Education can change everything Education can be the key to lifting a person out of poverty and enabling them to create a legacy for themselves and their family. Cindy, with her husband Ross, uses education to transform lives. In this edition’s major story, Cindy tells the story of this aspect of Tranzsend’s work in Bangladesh.

From zero to 320 students since 2006; the establishment of GEMS (Golgotha Baptist English Medium School) has been quite a challenging journey. The school resides in a few rooms on top of a church in Dhaka city. Most days it is full of children—noisy, excitable and full of energy. Every

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Pastor Paul Cossey writes of a recent visit made by a team from Darfield Baptist to GEMS. (You can read Paul’s full report on the Tranzsend website: tranzsend.org.nz.)

Our Church motto says, we are “Here to make a difference.” We figure that means here and overseas, so that’s what we did.

In 2016, Paul and Angela Cossey and Bev Elder, a retired geography teacher, took a trip to India and Bangladesh. Hearing stories of their experiences, particularly Bev’s visit to GEMS school in Dhaka, prompted consideration about how we could support this work further. Bev spoke of the need for teacher training, possibly using Skype, but her real desire was for a group of teachers to go to GEMS for a few weeks and help to upskill staff in practical ways.

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space is taken up with something or someone (we even have people sitting on the stairs).

The little ones (three to five years), are cuteness and liveliness in equal portions. The primary school (six to 12 years) enjoy themselves learning in a more traditional way (New Zealand perspective) or in a scary ‘creative’ way (Bangladesh perspective). The secondary school is small and challenging; turning English Second Language kids into students who are capable of an international exam is a huge ask which causes me to pull my hair out regularly.

It’s all worth it though, and we are a part of something bigger than just passing exams. Our aim is to provide excellent English Medium education at affordable prices to our communities, producing students who are good citizens and who reach their God-given potential.

In January 2018, that dream was fulfilled. A team of five, all with teaching backgrounds, travelled to Bangladesh to help Tranzsend’s educational work there. We left knowing this would not be a holiday, a reality that was recognised by the Missions Committee of Darfield Baptist Church, which funded us to go and reach out to others, sharing what knowledge and skills we had. This was very humbling and gave a real sense of representing those at home as we worked alongside those already working there.

On arrival, we found that what we had planned had to be immediately adapted to fit the needs of the schools.

This built an even stronger bond in the team as we let the Lord take control. We found such joy in the giving and such reward to see teachers wanting to learn and try new skills.

Our trip also included time at a school in Chandpur, where we conducted training with the mainly Muslim staff.

Our time at the Mission House was a welcome reprieve from the noise and pollution in Dhaka and, again, it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm of teachers to learn.

One of the most surprising things for the team was seeing how many Christians in Bangladesh (nationals and expats)

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The 2011 establishment of CSCC (Collectorate School and College of Chandpur) was a miracle—the local Government approached us asking that we turn an old jail into a school.

At CSCC, we have about 340 students, a beautiful campus, an outside playground, a garden, and a climate so damp and humid our resources are often covered in mould! This school has been set up with mostly Muslim staff (Bangladesh is 90% Muslim) who we have trained.

The teachers are educated and caring but use an archaic learning by rote system; this has meant considerable work to impart the vision and skills needed to encourage real learning.

The latest in CSCC is our special needs unit. The region has nothing for students who are intellectually disabled, severely autistic, or have other forms of disability.

We started with four students, but the authorities have suggested 70. That’s another huge challenge and I predict another rollercoaster ride ahead.

BEST (Bangladesh Education Services and Training), our third project, is even bigger. We aim to provide e-learning for thousands of students without access to good schools and teachers—watch this space.

Education opens the doors to input into the lives of young people, both students and teachers. Please pray for the positive effect New Zealand Baptists can have on Bangladesh. And, if you are a teacher looking for adventure, why not come and join us?

are working to bless communities. These people are being used to provide education, healthcare, preschools, and training centres, and to help transform lives.

Recently Bev returned to Dhaka on a solo trip, to fill a gap while Cindy visited New Zealand. It was wonderful to hear that seeds sown amongst staff were clearly bearing fruit, as the local teachers acted on the belief that like Nehemiah, they were “doing a great work and could not come down.”

v.134 no.5 † toru tekau mā rima 35

Baptist / G L O B A L M I S S I O N

Demographics In this column we give details of the nations

STORIES

Stories of Treasure and Transformation

NZBMS is working in. Please use these as a prompt to pray for these places, our people and the communities they serve.

(For security reasons, we cannot name the nations.)

The most populous province in one of the world’s largest nations, this region is home to a small number of NZBMS workers who are making a real difference, one person at a time.

Population: This province is home to over 108 million people and is the 7th most densely populated area in the world—600 people for every square kilometre.

Economy: The province’s economy is larger than many countries throughout the world and is home to many types of manufacturing including a large textile industry. There is also a rapidly growing tourism trade.

We love sharing the different ways God is transforming the communities we are a part of. In this month’s edition of ‘Stories’, we feature a story and an interview, both relating to GEMS—a joint New Zealand/Bangladeshi Baptist school in Dhaka.

Education: Education is compulsory for at least the first nine years of schooling. This results in a high literacy rate and a high level of education. In an international student assessment carried out in 2010, students from this area achieved the world’s best results for mathematics, science and literacy.

Climate: The climate is humid and subtropical. Winters are short, mild, and relatively dry, while summers are long, hot, and very wet.

Temperature averages go from 18OC in the winter to 33OC in the summer, although the summer humidity makes it feel much hotter.

Religion: According to a 2012 survey, only 7% of the province’s population belongs to an organised religion: • 6.2% Buddhist • 1.0% Christian • Almost 93% are irreligious or involved in folk religions, especially ancestor worship.

The need: The province provides our workers with the usual challenges of climate and the sheer number of people who populate the region.

There is also the issue of working amongst people who are highly educated. Many take pride in their self-sufficiency and reject the notion that they could need help from anyone or any God. Others, however, search for something more in their lives than education and business. We have active businesses in this province. The need for more workers with a variety of skills is great.

Please join us in praying for our workers in this needy region; and contact us if you think you could be involved.

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The Student The youngest of six—one of the only two girls—born into a poor family, this young lady has not had the easiest life. Being sponsored to come to GEMS changed that life and impacted her family.

As teachers, we sometimes complained about this student’s frequent absences from school and her low ability. What we didn’t realise was that her family often kept her away insisting she help other family members. Her family didn’t understand the importance of her attending school, believing she could be of more use at home.

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When she was in Class 8, she completed a leadership course and everything changed. She set a goal to attend school every day. Keeping that goal meant having to stand up to her family, but she did it. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength (although she still struggles with maths!) and her family have slowly changed their minds about their daughter’s schooling. They now encourage her and even excuse her from household chores so she can focus on study. For a family like this, this is a huge step.

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has ever achieved. Her aim is to make the most of the opportunity she’s been given to not only help her family, but also to help her country. She has a dream of becoming a nurse, and dreams of providing some health service in schools to encourage other girls to have the courage to stand up and take their studies seriously.

It’s been such an immense privilege to be a part of this young woman’s life and journey a little while with her. Please join me in praying for her future and all she achieves.

Our student is currently preparing for October’s O-Level

From Carley, a Tranzsend worker in South Asia and teacher at GEMS

exams, the highest schooling any person in her family

I n t e r v i e w w i t h K h u s h i — Te a c h e r f r o m G E M S Recently Khushi, a Bangladeshi teacher from GEMS, travelled to New Zealand to visit Baptist Church supporters and share about the work of the school. She talked with Andrew Page about her motivation for being involved in the work.

“The Bible says in Acts 20:35 that you get a greater blessing by giving than by receiving. We need to believe that and act upon it. I have things I need, but how can I be happy? It’s by working for others so that they can find life.

For me, that is what GEMS is about. It’s about helping others and, in so doing, helping my country. If we don’t help the next generation, they will never grow and our nation will never change.”

When asked about her involvement in GEMS (a joint New Zealand/Bangladeshi Baptist initiative), these were Khushi’s first words... words that reveal what is at the heart of the school and her involvement in it—changing a generation and giving hope to a nation.

“There is one particular thing that makes GEMS special and makes it different than other schools. It’s the attitude of the teachers. We have teachers from all different backgrounds but we all work together to provide an education that goes beyond basic schooling. We try to help children with all their challenges.”

R EAD M ORE

What Khushi went on to describe is what we might call a ‘holistic’ education. It’s about giving children an education, but also impacting their character and answering their greater needs.

“The children in our school face all sorts of challenges.

They may be physical, or they may be struggling with some aspect of their work. It may be an emotional problem or some wider issue. We try to help them. It’s this that sets GEMS apart from other schools within the schooling system here.

“Others—people from other schools, or families of the children here— notice that we are different and watch us to see what we do and how we act.

We simply try to give the blessing and hope that someday, in some way, fruit will re come from it.” eople a p y n a ay How m rld tod Please continue to the wo in e ? r n e th pray for Khushi and hristia r each C a g e 3 8 o f the staff and students r on p Answe at GEMS.

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about the work of Tranzsend at tranzsend.org.nz. v.134 no.5 † toru tekau mā whitu 37

Baptist / G L O B A L M I S S I O N

THE ANSWER TO PLASTIC BAGS

SMALL BITES

INTRODUCING CAROL In a previous edition, we told you about Carol—an early childhood teacher from Franklin Baptist—and her commitment to long-term service as part of the Freeset and Tamar teams in South Asia.

Having raised the support required, Carol headed overseas in late June. Her role is to be a part of the establishment and development of the early childhood centre at Gateway, and the training of other teachers who will go on to support children and families in the surrounding community.

Please support Carol’s work with your prayers.

A UNIQUE INVITATION FOR BAPTIST PASTORS New Zealand Baptists were instrumental in the establishment of the Tripura Baptist Christian Union and have served alongside these people for 80+ years. Baptist pastors in Agartala, Tripura (NE India) gather annually in late November for a few days of teaching, networking and prayer. It’s a similar meeting to our New Zealand Baptist Hui. For many years New Zealand pastors have had the privilege of being able to contribute to this gathering through preaching and teaching. We have been invited to do so again this year. We have confirmed at least one New Zealand pastor to be involved but it would be great to have at least one more who could go and serve the Tripura Baptists in this way.

Week of 19th November 2018. Share 1-2 messages. Costs: own costs which would include flights, visa, and personal spending. There is an opportunity to visit the work in Kolkata if interested.

For more details and to express interest please contact Rachel on 09 526 8446 or rachel.murray@nzbms.org.nz.

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With New Zealand supermarkets phasing out plastic bags by the end of this year, Marketplacers has the answer to the grocery challenge; Freeset produces environmentally friendly, reusable canvas bags—perfect for groceries. These bags are handmade by women who work in Marketplacers businesses in South Asia. Bags can be purchased online (marketplacers.co.nz), by phoning 09 526 6363, or emailing admin@marketplacers.co.nz.

THE CAMP

A month or two ago, we joined a trip to the Rohingya migrants* who live south of us in a series of camps making up the world’s largest refugee camp.

Once we were cleared to work in the camp, we spent a day packing food. In all, a thousand bags worth of rice, lentils, oil, salt, sugar, noodles, soap and an umbrella. Hot, heavy work resulting in 12 tonnes of bags.

Then we travelled to Camp 4 which houses 45,320 people.

Within the camps, the army oversees and controls everything.

Our food parcels were distributed with each recipient showing a card to prove their entitlement.

Our final day, we returned to spend time with the camp children, giving out t-shirts, cutting their nails, combing hair and putting clips in the girls’ hair. The camps house many children—every day about 60 babies are born.

Every person spoken with said they wanted to return to their homeland. Having nothing to do all day and relying on handouts is soul-destroying for these usually self-reliant people. A further sad reality is that many are being used as drug mules. There are also the usual potential dangers for women and children in these camps.

Please continue to pray for the safety of these people and for a political solution enabling them to return home.

Pray also for our church’s ongoing visits. * T he Rohingya people are a stateless IndoAryan-speaking people residing in Rakhine State. Following ethnic cleansing in late 2017, thousands crossed the border making the numbers in the camps up to around one million.

From Gary and Heather in South Asia

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are 7 There h Christian­— for eac s the task make daunting, ss seem le sn’t it!? doe

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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE NZBMS, through Mission World, presents the following opportunities to join with God’s mission in our world by joining with Tranzsend or one of our other strategic mission partners.

• Children’s worker (Arab World) with Interserve. To work with an organisation that serves people who have fled their own country because of war or disaster. Role involves developing and running children's activities within a refugee camp setting. Language learning is required.

• Website and social media trainer (Japan) with OMF. To serve, equip, train and encourage local churches and individuals to use social media for outreach and advertising.

• Mission servers (South Asia) with Tranzsend. To be the next generation of servers in Bangladesh. A range of skills and opportunities are possible. Is this you?

• Chief Engineer (Arnhem Land, Australia) with MAF. To ensure that training and maintenance activities are performed in accordance with organisational and regulatory procedures.

• Primary Principal (Cambodia) with SIM. For an international school. Role focuses specifically on preschool to Year 5 students.

• Nurses (East Africa) with Pioneers. To serve for 6+ months with a team that runs a medical clinic, a primary school and an orphanage as an outreach to the people and refugees in the area.

• Finance Personnel (Pacific and beyond) with Wycliffe.

To serve the Bible translation movement by conducting ‘internal audits’ around the Pacific and beyond, one to two weeks at a time.

• Construction Instructor: (Sri Lanka) with WEC. To train young locals focused on the construction industry.

Willingness to mentor and support students spiritually.

Minimum requirement of one year.

For more information and to express an interest email info@missionworld.org.nz or phone 09 526 8446.

POSITIONS VACANT Are you the next General Manager of our Engineering, Electrical & Technology business?

Love serving and teaching children?

Up for a challenge for a few months or years?

This company in South Asia is a social enterprise, primarily engaged in diesel generator sales, the rental and servicing area, with minor operations in steel fabrication, hydraulic fittings, manufacturing and solar installations.

The position would involve managing the current business operations and service and installation contracts. Significant time will be spent with international companies and NGOs, so a high level of English language competency is required. A background in any of the following would be advantageous: • • • • • •

high voltage electrics fabrication machining diesel maintenance chemical process technology contract negotiation

GEMS School in Bangladesh is looking for primary and secondary school teachers. You will be working with local children and alongside local teachers in an English Medium School using the British curriculum. This is an amazing opportunity to positively impact the education of these children and the future of a better Bangladesh.

The opportunities include: • curriculum work • upskilling, training and encouraging local teachers We are looking for someone who enjoys learning about a new culture and is passionate about helping others grow.

For more information please contact Andrew Page on 09 526 8442 or email andrew.page@tranzsend.org.nz

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