The Wesleya NZ Vine by Craigs Design & Print Ltd

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SUMMER 2021

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Transforming lives, churches & communities through the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ www.wesleyan.org.nz

CONTENTS

SUMMER 2021 03 National Superintendent Crossings The Roots 04 WMCNZ Overview History 05 Farewell Reminiscences The Vineyard: Local Church Mission 07 21 Years: A History of Missions and Missionaries 12 Mission House Celebrations 12 Raised in a Wesleyan family 13 Early Beginnings 15 Coming Home 16 Tongan Wesleyan Methodist: The Beginning 17 God builds His Church The Vine: Personal Journeys 19 Is God calling you? 20 Wellbeing – A Framework 21 Body Language in a Pandemic Season 22 Local Church Directory

National Resource Centre

National Church Contacts

219 Burswood Dr. Botany Auckland 2013

National Superintendent – Rev Brett Jones natsuper@wesleyan.nz

Ph: 09 271 6460 Email: natsecretary@ wesleyan.nz PO Box 82 363 Highland Park Auckland 2143

Ass’t National Superintendent —Church Development Rev Mike Yates: churchdevt@wesleyan.nz Ass’t National Superintendent —Pastoral Care Rev Atu Lagi: pastoralcare@wesleyan.nz National Secretary Rev Peter Benzie: natsecretary@wesleyannz Director Ministerial Development Rev Melissa Powell: nbmd@wesleyan.nz National Treasurer Kerrin Thomson: treasurer@wesleyan.nz National Missions Ministry Leader Mrs Michelle Yates: missions@wesleyan.nz

Vine Editor

National Youth Ministry Leader and National Youth Consultant Rev Stephenie Couch: wesoyouth@wesleyan.nz

vine@wesleyan.nz

National Children’s Ministry Leader Rev Lauren Millington: children@wesleyan.nz

Denise Barrington

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EDITOR’S NOTE This edition of The WesleyaNZ Vine celebrates 21 years of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand. The theme for Connexion 2020 was Crossings and as I prayed and prepared this edition I could see how God has been strengthening and encouraging WMCNZ as we strive to live out our calling in Aotearoa|New Zealand. These stories reminded me of the story of Joshua and Israel as they crossed the Jordan into the promised land. The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” Deuteronomy 31:23 As Joshua led the nation of Israel across the Jordan he knew that there was much still to be done. He knew there were battles that lay ahead, he knew that the people would continue to question and provide challenges. He knew also though, that God would be with him. He had faith and was obedient to what God was calling them to do. Once they completed their crossing God asked them to set up a reminder, 12 stones. The stories contained in this edition of The WesleyaNZ Vine are our ‘12 stones’. They remind us of what God has done so far on this WMCNZ journey. They testify that he continues to be with us as we are faithfully obedient to what He has called us to do and who He has called us to be. May you find encouragement and strength in the stories of God’s Grace, strength and provision held in these pages. Denise Barrington Editor

Our Values Biblical Authority Christ-Likeness God’s Grace Disciple-Making The Body of Christ Mission-Minded Movement Servant Leadership Life and Unity Contextual Engagement Means of Grace & Works of Mercy

Our Calling Equipping Believers Developing Leaders Multiplying Churches Transforming Communities Discipling across the Generations

by Rev. Brett Jones National Superintendent

When Joshua and the priests stood at the edge of the Jordan river with the people of Israel gathered behind them, it must have felt like an impossible task was before them. The river was in flood, the people were uncertain about the future and Moses was no longer with them. And yet the words of the Lord recorded in Joshua 1 must have surely been ringing in their ears: “Be strong and courageous.” These are words that lend strength, but also raise questions. Strength and courage are surely only needed when challenges arise! Not least, that God repeats the exhortation three times. This is going to be big. So when the time for a courageous crossing arrives, it is indeed a moment for strength and courage as the priests step into a raging torrent. Courageous crossings have long been a part of our story as Wesleyan Methodists. It was fitting to celebrate 20 years as a movement at our 2020 Connexion with a “Crossings” theme and to recall the crossings of the past. Celebrating the past, as we honoured those early pioneers who stepped into a new vision as Wesleyan Methodists, recalled moments of courage as churches were planted and fresh callings embraced, and thanked God for his faithfulness on the journey. We were also privileged to honour Rev Dr Richard Waugh and Jane St GeorgeWaugh for serving the movement so sacrificially, initially as the founding National Secretary and thereafter for 18 years as National Superintendent.

We give thanks for strength and courage. In 2021 we continue to face the turbulence of the moment, as a global pandemic rages on, and communities come under the burden of social, mental and economic pressure. Alongside this challenge, the culture continues to ask questions of a church that has been swayed by new allegiances other than Christ, is often tempted to being right more than it is to living right, and does not always demonstrate confidence in the gospel. Our churches have rallied in this season and worked hard to offer care and to innovate how the church engages. But, make no mistake, it has been a difficult journey and we continue to wrestle with questions of how to be church, what faithfulness looks like in this moment and how the lost are to be reached. We lean on God for strength and courage. As we look forward to a future that is perhaps more uncertain than we are used to, it is our turn to step in. It is our turn to hear the echoes of God’s words to the Israelites, be strong and

courageous. It is our turn to risk the flood and discover the certainty God’s presence lies on the other side of stepping into uncertainty. This next season will be defined by some foundational affirmations. We will call people into Jesus’ promise of life in all its fullness and live out that fullness ourselves – heart, mind, soul and strength. We will grow healthy churches that overflow with the presence of God. We will prioritise our efforts towards sharing Good News with our neighbours and our communities. We will step into the flood with God’s strength and courage.

THE NATIONAL SUPERINTENDENT

Crossings

When the priests stepped in, the waters piled up and the nation crossed. God’s miracle that day was a promise of his presence and faithfulness for the future. Stones were set up as a tangible reminder and a prompt to recall the faithfulness of God. As we celebrate 21 years as a movement, with the river in full flood, we also remember the provision of God, we trust His strength and receive his courage, and we ‘step in’ together.

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THE ROOTS

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW ZEALAND

Overview History

by Rev. Dr Richard Waugh QSM

The unifying work of the Wesleyan Methodist Movement in the late 1990s, led a group of ministers and congregations to form a multicultural network of churches in the Wesleyan stream. Their vision was to pursue a renewed evangelical and missional future, in keeping with Scripture and Trinitarian emphases. With much celebration and joy the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand was inaugurated on 2nd July 2000 at a worship service at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Manurewa, Auckland. In November 2000, the first National Conference of the WMCNZ was held in Auckland and a draft constitution adopted. The Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand formed as an indigenous church with New Zealand leadership, including founding National Superintendent, the Rev Edgar Hornblow. The Conference resolved to join the Wesleyan World Fellowship as a national church in a Mission Field Partnership with the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia. Over the next few years the support and encouragement of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia and, in particular, that of its National Superintendent, the Rev Stan Baker, was invaluable in helping our network develop and grow.

planting and evangelism. A total of 22 churches were represented at the 2010 National Conference, all in the North Island. In 2003, the church joined Vision Network New Zealand (later New Zealand Christian Network) as a founding member, and in 2004 became a member of the National Church Leaders Meeting. At a meeting in Sydney in late 2007 the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand was accepted as a member of the World Methodist Council (the second full member denomination in New Zealand).

On 25th August 2012 the South Pacific Regional Conference of The Wesleyan Church was inaugurated in Brisbane, Australia. The new Established Regional Conference was the first of its kind in The Wesleyan Church. The Founding President was the A significant 5-year partnership National Superintendent of the was developed with the West New Zealand National Conference, Michigan District of The Wesleyan the Rev Dr Richard Waugh. The Church from early 2003. This purposes of the Conference are involved church to church and to promote evangelism in the pastor to pastor networking South Pacific; coordinate the and strategic assistance for activities of The Wesleyan Church church planting. Many fruitful in the South Pacific; address relationships were forged and South Pacific concerns; promote continue to this day. District closer fellowship and mutual Superintendent Rev Mark understanding; and provide Gorveatte played a central role in a means for joint planning, supporting the partnership and consultation, co-operative action, visited New Zealand on a number fellowship, worship and celebrate of occasions with teams who together the collective witness of offered resourcing to our fledgling all conferences in the region. The movement. Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand together with The In its first decade, the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand Wesleyan Methodist Church of continued to grow through church Australia, The Wesleyan Methodist 4 THE WESLEYANZ VINE

Church of Bougainville and The Wesleyan Methodist Church of the Solomon Islands continues to plan together for Christian witness in our South Pacific context. In November 2021, the annual Conference celebrated the influential and sacrificial ministry of Rev. Dr Richard Waugh as he retired after 18 years as National Superintendent. Rev Brett Jones was elected as National Superintendent and tasked, along with the National Council, with shaping vision, structure and process for the third decade of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Today the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand expresses its ministry across New Zealand through 29 churches stretching from Whangarei in the north, to Christchurch in the south. Fresh church planting initiatives are planned for the third decade of our ministry to New Zealand. A refreshed call to evangelism and church health is at the heart of our strategy mapped through to 2025. In our work and witness, and ecumenical commitment, we claim and cherish our place in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church promised by God in the Scriptures, birthed in history through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord, and empowered by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

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Farewell Reminiscences by Rev. Dr Richard Waugh QSM

Rev. Dr Richard Waugh shared at national conference in Christchurch in 2020, on the occasion of his retirement as National Superintendent 2002-2020. Here are some excerpts from his address: AUGUST 2001 (UNITED STATES) Jane and I went to the United States to attend the Leadership Summit in Chicago. We also went on to meet with leaders at the Wesleyan World Headquarters in Indianapolis, and from the West Michigan District. The warmth of our welcome, prayers with people at the Wesleyan headquarters, and meetings with Rev Mark & Sherry Gorveatte, Dr Wayne Schmidt and many others was life-giving. We had come from a time of theological abuse and heartache in the old Methodist church, to be welcomed into a Christ-centred and Biblically honouring caring church where all the leaders were fully devoted disciples. How refreshing it was! MARCH 2002 (MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA) The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia invited many of our ministers to join their regional gathering at Kingsley College in Melbourne. More than 120 ministers attended. I recall the warmth of welcome we all sensed; despite the Kiwi-Aussie banter and rivalry. We cherished our new belonging to a multicultural church family and that we were now part of a collegial and diverse regional church family in our South Pacific context. During all the years since, the Australian church has continued to bless us and I believe we bless them too.

Richard & Jane Waugh at a festive service in 2019 AUGUST 2006 (SOUTH KOREA) I travelled to South Korea to attend the 2006 World Methodist Conference. It was good to share rooms with Dr Alifaleti Mone of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga. I remember the fantastic presentation on evangelism by Dr Eddie Fox and the call for all the people called Methodists to “Ring the Bells” and be a light to the nations. I was so re-assured that most global members of the world Methodist family are evangelical and mission-minded. At that conference I was nominated as Vice President of the World Methodist Historical Society (and some years later became President). After an affirming process, twelve months later - at a World Methodist meeting in Sydney our Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand was welcomed as a full member of the World Methodist Council. JUNE 2007 (KENTUCKY, USA) Achieving a Beeson scholarship for the Doctor of Ministry programme at Asbury Theological Seminary, the largest

Methodist/holiness seminary in the world (with more than 1500 students) Jane and I with our three young children headed to Kentucky. The year’s intensive study helped equip me further with strategic skills, advanced preaching abilities, Biblical study work, and good time for my dissertation studies. Certainly my year at Asbury was a life-giving experience of Biblical and theological study and reflection and writing. I became convinced of the continuing importance of us always understanding and embodying the essence of sound Wesleyan theology. JUNE 2010 (CHRISTCHURCH) With others, on the Cashmere hill, we surveyed Christchurch city and prayed for a church plant sometime in the near future. We went around getting a sense of the city and it’s potential. We conferred with local church leaders and our long-time Wesleyan Methodist supporters, some of whom had been praying for many years for a new lifegiving church. THE WESLEYANZ VINE 5 3

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active mission in the name of Christ. I am pleased that our new National Superintendent, Rev Brett Jones, serves as current President. MARCH 2013 (BOUGAINVILLE) Richard Waugh and Clint Ussher survey Christchurch in 2010 prior to the church plant group

Rev Clint and Jamie Ussher and family were very soon a remarkable answer to those prayers. Praise God for what has been achieved in Christchurch with The Well church plant, the provision of a fine building, and continuing exciting growth. So many of our church plants have similar faithful and prayerful beginnings. MARCH 2011 (SUVA, FIJI) At the head office of the Methodist Church of Fiji & Rotuma in Suva, Fiji, I was part of a visiting delegation of Wesleyan ministers. Pastor Lupeti Fihaki was with me. There was a gradual dawning on the Fiji church leaders that the Wesleyan church was a fully “Methodist” Church - ecumenical, global, growing and wanting to be in good relationship with the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. We had much the same experience at the Free Wesleyan Church offices in Nuku’alofa in Tonga and with the Methodist Church in Apia, Samoa. It all helped pave the way for us to be recognised as a key part of the John Wesley family in the Pacific and led to further World Methodist Evangelism developments, a visit to the royal Tongan residence, and some years later our hosting of the Fiji Prime Minister in Auckland. MARCH 2012 (WELLINGTON) I was appointed chair of the National Church Leaders Aotearoa New Zealand meeting

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(NCLANZ), taking over from Pastor Ken Harrison of the Assemblies of God. It was an honour for our Wesleyan Methodist Church to have such endorsement of leadership and followed on from my appointment as chair of the Auckland Church Leaders meeting. Many highlight times followed, including being involved in the Bicentenary televised worship by the Marsden Cross, Civic services, Government meetings and regular involvement at the Auckland Cenotaph on ANZAC Days. “If your heart is the same as my heart; give me your hand” is the Old Testament quote that is famous in John Wesley’s Catholic Spirit sermon.

Visiting Bougainville was something of a life-long goal. I was pleased to assist at the Wesleyan Methodist annual conference, with ordinations and bringing greetings of love and practical care from the South Pacific Conference and our New Zealand church family too. Here in New Zealand we have been much assisted by the North American church and the Australian churches. It is vital we continue to be a conduit for mission beyond ourselves and especially overseas and our nominated mission field of Bougainville. So many other highlight memories that I don’t have time here to recount. Richard concluded his sharing saying, “Because of God’s grace it’s always a privilege to be called to serve in any ministry role, especially that of an ordained minister and church leader. It has been an honour to serve the mission of Jesus Christ.”

I have always believed passionately in participating in the wider Body of Christ and see it as an essential characteristic of our Wesleyan Methodist Church. AUGUST 2012 (BRISBANE AUSTRALIA) Hills Church in Brisbane was the venue for the important inauguration of our new Wesleyan Methodist South Pacific Conference (SPC). We were welcomed by aboriginal leaders and with wonderful worship. Certainly, a privilege to serve as the first President of the Conference. The SPC continues to unite us in a large and diverse family of Christians who affirm the priority of the warmed heart and

At the World Methodist Conference in 2016, Richard addresses the gathering.

ARS OF M YE

In our constitution the Equipping of Believers is one of the five aspects of our calling. We accept the Great Commission's instruction for us to go and make disciples. This has been exemplified over these 21 years as we have not only been receivers of mission support but also senders! We give thanks and celebrate the missionaries who have come to be a part of our journey and continue to pray for those we have been enabled to support in mission.

2003 2003 August to October 2003, Papakura Wesleyan were assisted by a supply United Methodist Minister from Illinois, Rev Glen Ioder and his wife Dee.

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SSIONAR MI I

21 Years: A History of Missions & Missionaries

NS AN SIO D IS

Matt Couper, with help from Phil Long, Rae Radford, Michelle Yates, Sam Qiritivabea and Brett Jones lead worship during an evening session. The ‘Growing our Future’ theme banner is in the background.

2004 Rev Allan Oliver leads a prayer of blessing and dedication over the newly-constructed Habitat house before the Fijian family moves in.

2005 September. Chris Crossley and Indonesia District Superintendent, John Simamora.

The American team from Kentwood Community Church. Top row: Pastor Mark Carroll, Lori Bestrom, Christian Saylor; Bottom row: Kylie Wood, Laurie Floyd, Pastor Rob Reynolds, Dan Metiva. Indonesia Mission Team – from left: Jonathan and Tanya Nace, Beth and Jeff Fussner, Chris Crossley.

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Jonathan and Tanya Nace in a rickshaw during their mission trip to Indonesia.

Teenage Mission Team visits New Zealand. A team of 15-17 year old students from Impact Church in West Michigan visited New Zealand. Below: Nicole, a teenage student from Michigan, is speaking at the Chinese service at East City Wesleyan with a translator. She was thanking them for the welcome to their service and sharing how neat it was to worship with another culture – we may not understand each other at the time, but we are still brothers and sisters in Christ.

The team of students with Ryan and Angele Gerten, and Neville and Lyncia Harkness, the Children’s Directors at Living Waters in Napier. The team had just finished a weekend programme with the children.

From left: Aaron Combs (IWU), Stefan Schiavone (IWU), Geoff Davies (NZ), Aaron Fussner (NZ), Phil Gormong (IWU).

Phil Stuller, Lynda Benzie (NZ), Suzanna Bierly and Stephanie Stearns, also part of the IWU mission team. March. Rev. Peter Dobson, the newlyappointed Principal at Kingsley College, Melbourne, Australia, was one of the keynote speakers and represented the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia.

The West Michigan team, from left: Dr Peter Newhouse, Pastor Phil Struckmeyer, Rev. Steve Deur, Rev. Mark Gorveatte and 13-year-old John Gorveatte.

Living Waters Wesleyan Church at Greenmeadows (Napier) was privileged

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2006 March. Rev Wayne Schmidt dynamically speaking on leadership

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to welcome Ryan and Angele Gerten from Michigan, USA, as GO-Net Volunteer Missionaries for one year. Their role was to work in student ministries as well as with the worship team. They trained and equipped leaders to continue the work already begun.

Habitat for Humanity – Fiji. At Navula, Catherine Gafa with local children helping to paint primer on a new house

Jeff and Beth Fussner, with two of their children, Aaron (17) and Emily (13), arrived in New Zealand on 16 February. Jeff was the Pacific Area Director for Global Partners and worked with churches and missionaries in the Pacific Area.

Tina Ridley, a partner with the cession|community, serving in Guatemala since late 2005.

September. Annie assisted Beth Fussner with Youth Resiliency programmes through East City Wesleyan’s LifeGrowth Community Trust.

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Rev Drew & Amy Donovan from New Brunswick began serving at East City Wesleyan Church.

2007 Josh and Becca Bowlin, preparing to arrive in 2007

Rev Kathy Clifford went to India to prepare for a longer term mission appointment. She also did short-term teaching mission work in Bougainville.

Ordination Service on Petats Island. The mission team consisted of Rev’s Niven Ball, Kathy Clifford and Allan Oliver accompanying Dr Fussner.

Below: David Holmes (WIFNZ) and Dr Craig Dunn (WIFUSA)

Rev Richard Waugh (left) congratulates Rev Mark Carroll and the KCC Mission Team. Bob Hendriksen standing behind

2009 The NZ Wesleyan church is partnering with World Hope Australia and Indonesia to bring the love and hope of Christ to communities in practical ways.

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Rev. Amber Livermore

2013

2015

2016

Dennis and Heidi Cook – Inner City Auckland Ministries

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2012

Logan & Emilie Hoffman The Well 2012-2016.

Medical Missions to Bougainville.

2017

cession|community missionaries to Columbia

Richelle and Nigel Webb

Jess Lord Global Partners Mission Service with Redoubt North

2019

Eliza Edge, served in Millwater Wesleyan

2014 IWU Sports Blitz

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Mission House Celebrations by Michelle Yates We are thrilled to be able to announce a very special Mission opportunity, with our partnership with Bougainville. Ps Isaac and Ruth Karoan, (Garnean) in Buka Town, Bougainville and Rev Kathy Clifford, have conceptualised a practical idea to enhance local financial sustainability of the Tanamalo Bible College, on Buka Island, Bougainville. They have arranged the building of a two-storey house in Buka Town, known as The Mission House. This two-storey house, made of permanent materials, is almost complete. Once both storeys are complete, the whole house can be rented out. The intention for a portion of the rental income from the Mission House, is to financially support the college – paying the Principal John Mark and contributing to other college-related expenses. The Mission Board, in association with the National Council, have committed to financially

underwriting the final aspects of the construction of the house. Our desire is to see the Tanamalo Bible College running; students in training, with lives being Divinely

Raised in a Wesleyan family Kia ora. I was not raised in a Wesleyan family, but our kids have been. A Christian family yes and through 20 years of church ministry and pioneering in NZ, a Wesleyan family too. When I reflect on up to 20 years of ministry in NZ, both locally and nationally, the aspect I am most satisfied with is that my kids got to be enveloped in the vibrant faith and family culture of the Wesleyan Methodist church of NZ!! We are not the only ones, many of our Wesleyan families who have either pioneered or joined the journey since,

Mission House Buka Town, Bougainville – October 2021 transformed; AND the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bougainville being encouraged, in 2022.

by Rev. Mike Yates

have also shared this experience. This has become a rich multicultural, extended family. Many of those growing families continue to be friends and share the stories and experiences that have bonded us together over the years. There were Camps and Conferences, later youth camps and rallies. Remember those fun and formational Church family camps, annually at Lake Taupo? Along the way our kids have not only been raised, but ‘raised up’ in a Wesleyan family. Two of ours have become youth and young adult leaders in the movement and in Ministry at the local church. Thankfully all our four kids have navigated and survived our (at times) frenetic ministry escapades! That’s due in no small way to the input from inspired leaders, mentors and friends they have met along the way at the local, national and international church level! A number of whom, through the years, have come and served sacrificially from the international Wesleyan family. I like that about our movement, we are part of a global church family too! So my kids didn’t choose to be raised by Wesleyan parentage and extended family. But to this day, after 20 years, they are still choosing to belong! Well done Church!

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CHRISTCHURCH Lesley Simpson ‘After years of “waiting” for the WMCNZ to arrive in the South Is, my highlight was the appointment of Clint and Jamie Ussher in January 2012 to begin pastoring a church plant which was to grow into the present day “The Well “ church. It was then that I could conclude my time as Canterbury representative for the WMCNZ (2005-2012) and reflect on the many people, prayers and support from the national leaders to ensure this moment!’

PAPAKURA

want to start to transform this South Auckland sad suburb? Since 1998 the Upper Room Fellowship had met in the upstairs lounge of Des and Verna Vince’s. It was the embryo of what would become the Papakura Wesleyan Church. Des Vince was a well-known building contractor and in 2000, he gifted a section of land at the corner of Dominion Road and Croskery Road (worth $350,000) to become a Wesleyan Christian centre in the area. Two families lent the $70,000 to purchase the “Show Home” on the site. In February 2000 it was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Don Bray, International Mission Director

Rev. Edgar Hornblow I knocked on the door and this Mum was obviously high on drugs. We talked about her children who came to the Papakura Wesleyan “Kids Club”. I said I’d visit next door where other “Kids Club” young people lived, but she said “No good, too early. They’re sleeping off their binge from last night”. Just down the street a pizza delivery boy had been clubbed to death not long ago. Where did Jesus

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Early Beginnings

The Papakura Wesleyan Centre was opened and dedicated on 20 June 2009.

Des Vince “turning the sod” for the foundation of Papakura Wesleyan, 2004

The Papakura Wesleyan Climbing Wall

of the World-wide Wesleyan Church. This was the first Wesleyan building this century. Little did we realise that by 2008 we would have a debt-free facility worth $4 million.

A GLOBAL VILLAGE Warren Jack James 2:26 says, “Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” It was a highlight for me as a partner at East City Wesleyan (ECW) and being on staff with the Auckland affiliate of Habitat for Humanity to see this verse put into effect so clearly by many Wesleyans who collectively offered their practical support to help struggling families out of appalling housing conditions into decent homes they would eventually own. People participated in fundraising events and have volunteered on site both in NZ and overseas. A group of men from ECW came to the Otara Habitat depot one Friday evening every month to undertake maintenance work culminating in them building a rugged transportable toilet block which provided separate men’s and women’s flush toilets for the volunteers at the construction sites, previously unheard of within Habitat. Another highlight was the Navula Vou project in Fiji which was the brainchild of Lupeti Fihaki. Habitat Global Village (GV) teams of volunteers THE WESLEYANZ VINE 13 13

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were confirmed members and I was a lay-preacher when we left Fiji. We were thankful to God for the things He has done in the lives of so many during those early days. The many phases we went through and the obstacles that satan used against us as a means to stop or disrupt this new wave or exodus of the Methodist Stream moving forward here on Aotearoa New Zealand. travelled from NZ to this remote, small, Fijian village in 2005, 6 and 7 and built 12 houses, did some renovation work on the church building and made improvements to the fresh water supply. All told, 13 Aucklandbased Wesleyans participated including key leaders Allan Oliver, Des and Verna Vince, Jane St George-Waugh and son Simon. Since that time, other Wesleyan partners have ventured further afield to Cambodia, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Nepal as GV team members, cession|community has supported Habitat’s ReStore shop, newly-appointed ECW Lay Pastor, Caleb Taylor has also been a member in several GV teams to Fiji and currently Kay Emmitt and Heather Jack volunteer weekly (COVIDpermitting) in the Curtain Bank for Habitat Northern Region. All these people have been truly the hands and feet of Christ and that is something to be treasured.

LOOKING BACK Lupeti and Titilia Fihaki A life pulled out from the front seat of a car in a fatal car crash in Nadi Fiji and on that hospital bed, realising that the pain was unbearable; That person cried out; ‘Lord, if there is any use left for this life on earth, spare my life; if not please take my life away; Ni sa bula Vinaka. My name is Lupeti and my wife is Titilia. We are from Fiji with Tongan roots. My father is from Nukunuku Tongatapu and my mother is 14 THE WESLEYANZ VINE

from Nukuni Ono i Lau Fiji; my wife Titilia her roots, can be traced back to the first Tongan missionary to Fiji Sioeli Pulu (Joeli Bulu in Fijian) Her father’s name is Joeli Bulu and her mother is Mereula from Navula, Keyasi Navosa. My wife and I and our youngest son left Fiji late in 1985, after the 150th year’s celebration of Christianity in Fiji. Our aim for leaving Fiji was to look for a place for the family to live. The rest of our children were left behind at our home in Nadi. We first went to Madang in Papua New Guinea to work for a while and decided to explore Sydney, fortunately we had an open return air ticket for 12 months, so we left PNG and travelled on to Sydney. We stayed there for a while and felt that it wasn’t a good place for our family. Auckland was just a stopover before heading back to Fiji and we have been here ever since. A few of the children joined us the following year and we became a member of the Mt Eden Fijian Congregation which is part of the Mt Eden English speaking congregation of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. We were very active and committed members to the Mt Eden Fijian congregation in its activities and responsibilities. We

As my wife and I stopped and reflected on our journey in the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand, we went right back to honour those Godly people God inspired in those early years before we became a movement; their prayers, hope and dedication to see a change and a new season. They were promoted to glory and didn’t see what they were hoping for. We are also thankful that we can share with the church some of the things that we hold close to our heart; and that is the beginning of our movement and the opportunity to be there and learn from our leaders The ministers. We were also grateful to be among many faithful and committed God fearing people called by God to form the movement whilst still in the Methodist Church of New Zealand. As a layperson attending those early meetings, the conversations, the prayers and the careful thoughts displayed by those church ministers were very humbling and encouraging. Because those ministers were God fearing people and what they believed in were very important for Aotearoa New Zealand, many like-minded people after reading through the information on what the Wesleyans stand for, also joined the church. We hope that all our lay men and women from those early days of the movement, can join Titilia and I in honouring those early ministers and their families.

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Coming Home by Rev. Allan Oliver For Glenis and I, joining the Wesleyan church was a coming home experience. We came to a place where we felt safe and valued. We were blessed as Redoubt North Wesleyan (RNW) Church developed as a secure spiritual home base for us and a loyal band of families. We wanted to be an outward looking community-serving congregation and drew some locals into our fellowship. Then something like a teenage growth spurt came upon us. Hala and Debbie, a Niuean couple from a nearby street who were looking for a church home, came to a RNW service to check us out. Their first impressions of our service were OK but they left not intending to come back. However, we visited them at home and soon they brought their five lovely and gifted children. (See the Mahani-Tafua Family photo with Hala and Debbie on the left.) They were all soon at home, moving into the full life of our church and, a little later, into sharing leadership. More blessings: they brought along some friends and lots of wider whanau. (See the Whanau photo) And we enjoyed fun adventures together too. The family were so inspired and refreshed by a trip to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with two nights in

a Christian camp that they repeated the trip a second year. Footnote: Hala and Debbie together with Shaniqua, Siuofa, Hala and Paisi were at our 2020 Connexion at the Well in Christchurch.

Hala and Debbie with their five children, Shaniqua, Naomi, Siuofa, Hala and Paisi and grandson Carson Hala.

In the mountains – Hala, Naomi and Siuofa

Sadly Hala passed away suddenly in April. He was a man full of faith, wisdom and commitment to his family. His value and memory will live on.

The whole family

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Tongan Wesleyan Methodist: The Beginning

Accompanying images:

Rev

Accompanying images:

by Rev. Uilameti ’Akau’ola The Tongan Wesleyan work was first established on Sunday 24th September 2000. The occasion was marked by a service led by Rev Siosifa Lokotui from Australia, who was in Auckland, NZ at the time with a team of supporters, to be part of this celebration. This special service, which marked the beginning of the Tongan Wesleyan work, was held at the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church, Nasaleti - in Mangere Bridge.

Uilameti

Uilameti ‘Akau’ola, Uilameti ‘Akau’ola, Licensed Minister, preparing for Ordination. Licensed Minister,

The President of the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church, Rev. Dr. Liufau Vailea, was very happy to allow their church to host this occasion as an indication of their full support to the establishment of this new fellowship because he understood that the vision of the new work is the pursuing and upholding of Scriptural Holiness in the life of the church and it’s members, not only in Aotearoa but in the world. The Tokaikolo Church was also very generous to host the guests and members of the new work for lunch after the service. The Tongan Wesleyans are indebted to the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church for their warm support, encouragement and very generous hearts.

Licensing of Uilameti ‘Akau’ola. Also in picture: Wife, Fisiioko holding the baby Isope, Sifa Lokotui, Rev Viliami Tavaki Tupou former President Polosekeini Tonga and Allan Oliver.

Other people that we are indebted to include the late Rev. Tavake Tupou, who advised and provided spiritual encouragement to Rev Viliami P Tonga. The National Superintendent, Rev. Edgar Hornblow, National Secretary, Rev. Richard Waugh and the Wesleyan Methodist Church family of NZ who also provided invaluable support and encouragement.

Uilameti ‘A

The second Conference of the WMCNZ was held again at the Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi Church on the 2nd to 4th of November in 2001. We remember quite vividly that Rev. Tom Blythe, the former National Superintendent of the Australian Wesleyan of the Australian Wesleyans, was preaching on the opening night. His theme was, Rev Tavaki Tupou “The Wells of Living Water,” and he former President Rev Tavaki Tupou former Presiden emphasised the importance for the (elected in) 1995 new church to, ‘focus not on the Methodist Church (elected Methodist Church ofofNZ.NZ. well, but on in the)1995 Living Water.’ It was indeed a challenging message and a Rev Tavaki Tupou former President blessing. It was in the same year, 2001, tha the WMCNZ licensed its first Tongan Ministers. Those people include Sela Fonua, Uilameti ‘Akau’ola mo ‘Unaloto Finau. Uilameti was also the secretary and the treasurer for the Tongan work at the time. The work continued to grow with the setting up of a training programme in partnership with the Bible College of NZ (now Laidlaw College). Rev. Siosifa Lokotui was recruited to start this new programme which was conducted in the Tongan language. This programme was a great blessing as many in the church and from other churches benefited as their understanding of the teaching of the Bible was expanded and

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preparing for Ordination.

deepened and their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ also grew. The church’s journey was not plain sailing. There were a lot of challenges, and at times, our existence was threatened. But where we are today, is due only to God’s faithfulness and mercy. As in 2 Corinthians 19:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Photo: 2001 Licensing of Uilameti the baby Isope, Sifa Lokotui, Rev V

Redoubt North Wesleyan Methodist by Rev. Peter Benzie Lead Minister Redoubt North Wesleyan Methodist has come a long way since a small group of us met in December 1999 to consider what God was calling us to do, as many we knew and loved were leaving or about to leave the Methodist Church we were part of. It soon became clear that God was calling us to plant (though we didn’t see it as a plant back then) in the Redoubt North area in South Auckland. It also became clear to us that God’s particular call to us was to children and their families, though of course not exclusively. What a ride we’ve had since then. The number of people who call Redoubt North their church home, their church family, has grown considerably and is still growing. We continue to see even greater spiritual growth in people. It wasn’t always that way. For about 10 years the number of

people who attended our Sunday Services grew slowly. It wasn’t for a lack of trying or desire. We were making an impact on our community through outreach like Mainly Music, a Light Party, the Christmas Experience, and an after school kids club etc. but we weren’t seeing many from the community join us in worship.

Before you think – that’s bad, let me tell you something I told the church on several occasions in those early years. The numbers at worship may not have been increasing at the speed we wished, but we were making a difference in the community. At one point in about 2003 I estimated the good news of the Gospel had reached into at least 20% of the homes in the community because of the efforts of our people.

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God builds His Church

As we know it is God who builds his church and in 2010 he did that when he brought several Niuean families in particular to his church. In the process

Children and their families hear the gospel at Light Party 2019.

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Redoubt North became the multi-cultural church we had always wanted it to be. How we have been blessed as we have grown together. Today our church is a colourful mixture of many ethnicities including Niuean, Fijian, Cook Islander, Maori, Indian, Fijian, Tongan and European. Our worship, functions and events have a multicultural flavour underpinned of course by the word of God and our faith. The message I hope you take from this is that when we are faithful to God’s call he honours our efforts. He builds his church – our role is to be his hands and feet to reach our communities and invite them to come in. To come in and hear the Good News. To come and be part of the family. Something which I’m pleased to say our people are often talking about – we are a family. A family that misses being together because of the lockdown we are in as I write this. So, what have been some of the other highlights from the first 21 years? What springs to mind here is the construction of our church building in 20056. That truly was a “whole of church” effort as every adult and youth (and many of the children) who called Redoubt North home at the time was

involved in a practical way in the project. The opportunities it has since provided us as a base for worship and outreach have been many and varied. The growth and outcomes we have seen because we have the building have been huge. Having your own church building cannot be underestimated as a resource for advancing the kingdom of God. Now we look forward to what extending the building will mean for further advancing the kingdom. When I think of highlights I also think of Mainly Music and its impact on children and their families. Some of those children are now parents themselves and what our Mainly Music team fed into their lives is now being seen in how they parent their kids. I think of our Christmas Experience – a chance for people to stop and de-stress in a relaxed environment, listening to Christmas carols, watching a Christmas movie all while having a hot drink and some food. I think of our many times when we have come together to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. And when we have come together to support each other in times of sadness and grief. But then again that’s what families do isn’t it.

And then there is our Light Party which has been an annual event on 31 October every year including this year in lockdown as we went online and held a very successful online Light Party Sunday. We look forward to when we can offer an inperson Light Party again so we can welcome the large number of children and their parents to have fun and hear the good news of the gospel (in 2019 for instance we had over 100 children plus their parents come along). As I re-read this I am struck by how many of our highlights are of our community facing outreach. I’m not surprised and I am pleased. Pleased because it means that we have been faithful to the call God placed on us that day in December 1999 – the call to reach our community for him, with him. May we always be known for doing so. These first 21 years seem to have gone past in the blink of an eye. I look back with gratitude and awe for what God has done. I look at what he is doing now with wonder and amazement. And because of that I look forward knowing that as long as we remain faithful to our call, God will use his church – Redoubt North Wesleyan Methodist – to advance his kingdom here on earth in even bigger and more amazing ways than he has up till now. That excites me. May these few snippets from our first 21 years encourage and inspire you as you follow God’s call to you and your church - his church. May you too experience the joy and wonder of God building your church - his church.

Children having fun on the bouncy castle at our 20th birthday celebrations. The building God has blessed us with is in the background.

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Are you passionate about serving the church? Is God prompting you to respond to the call of a lifetime? Applications for Pastoral Ministry Training Pathways in 2022 are now OPEN. Both Ordained & Commissioned Ministers are required to complete a pastoral ministry training programme prior to their ordination or commissioning. This training includes completion of biblical and theological study through an approved provider, and a personalised development and training programme through Wesley Ministry Institute. The programme begins with a one year programme as a recognised Ministry Student. Ministry students who are accepted for training toward ordained ministry are then required to complete a further two year programme as a Licensed Minister. Further training requirements for Commissioned Ministers are determined by their particular ministry context.

PASTORAL MINISTRY TRAINING PATHWAYS

Pastoral Ministry Training Programme During each year of our ministry training programme, students will participate in: 4 Ministry Training Intensives – each Intensive is delivered as 4 Teaching Blocks 2-hour Session fortnightly (onsite or via distance learning) Understanding the Self – access tools and coaching to understand your personality, leadership style, strengths & weaknesses (e.g., MBTI, Strength Finder Coaching, Enneagram etc.) 8 Skill Development Workshops – opportunities to hone practical ministry skills, preaching, leading small groups, leading meetings, financial management etc. and learn from skilled practitioners Supervised Ministry Experience - practical field experience in a ministry placement Regular Reflection & Evaluation Cohort Connections (in-person and online opportunities to connect with others engaged in ministry training)

For more information www.wesleyan.nz/ministry-training or contact us at: ministry.training@wesleyan.nz

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 4 FEBRUARY 2022.

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Wellbeing – A Framework A WELLBEING CONCEPT As a Wesleyan movement we have embraced the concept of a “consistent life ethic” and are oriented toward those things that enable life to flourish towards God’s intended purposes. We believe that Jesus came to bring “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10) and that this fullness encompasses us in a holistic way. The Great Commandment expresses vividly what a fully realised human life looks like. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12) We are people who are freed to love. This is not just something we offer to the world. It is something we are becoming. As people called to the Great Commission in the Spirit of the Great Commandment we seek to live full, authentic lives that express the fullness we call others to. But because we know the human tendency is to exceed

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human limits, even in the pursuit of divine imperatives, we accept the necessity of investing in our own wellbeing or hauora. We can see this through some different lenses: Wellbeing offers INTEGRITY as we live what we proclaim congruent inner and outer lives Wellbeing offers HOPE to others as we speak and live the fullness of Jesus Wellbeing is MISSIONAL as we offer the fullness of Jesus in ways which resonate with our society’s increasing embrace of wellbeing In the Aotearoa-New Zealand context, this idea of Wellbeing or Hauora is captured in an holistic framework that has its roots in Maori understandings of wellbeing. Te Whare Tapa Wha or the House of Four Walls seeks to capture the breadth of wellbeing across the physical, mental/ emotional, spiritual and social spheres of life. There are four dimensions of Hauora; Taha Tinana (Physical Well-being health), Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional well-being - selfconfidence), Taha Whanau (Social Well-being - self-esteem)

and Taha Wairua (Spiritual wellbeing - personal beliefs). This concept is not solely a Maori idea. The Samoan Fonofale model encapsulates similar ideas. The Fonua model is a Tongan framework for health which comprises five dimensions of life which are interdependent and complementary to each other. Sino (Physical), ‘Atamai (Mental), Laumalie (Spiritual), KaingaI (Community), and ‘Atakai (Environmental). The Fijian Vanua model mirrors this. Our Wellbeing model draws on these rich sources of truth and seeks to express the walls and roof of our lives as being grounded in a cornerstone which is Jesus himself.

by Rev. Brett Jones National Superintendent

Our 20th year as a church family was defined by one of the most challenging circumstances in a generation - the COVID 19 pandemic. Through it all, our body language has been on display - those subconscious postures and actions that emerge under pressure. As 2021 draws to a close and the country emerges from our second major lockdown, what posture will be called for from the Body of Christ? Miraculously, we were able to gather in Christchurch in November 2020 to celebrate the 20th anniversary milestone and to honour our retiring National Superintendent Rev Dr Richard Waugh. It was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the refrain of “The Goodness of God” became our anthem with good reason. We hoped that life was back to normal, not a new normal, we were over that, but actual normal. The 2021 Delta outbreak changed the script yet again, and drew a fresh response from the church. Across the movement churches dusted off their 2020 run sheets, made refinements and improvements and continued being the church. As the country soon opens up with fresh hope, it does so with a more polarised society, with battle lines drawn on vaccination, mandates, the economy, business sustainability and mental health. The church is not immune from these fractures and tensions - we exist in families, workplaces and communities that are wrestling with the issues. The question for us is how will we as a church model body language that speaks of the priorities of the Kingdom?

Cor 9) and was well on the way to living a 2 tier society within the church (1 Cor 11). Paul called the church out in 1 Cor 11 and focused their offence around exclusion from Holy Communion. He then called the church to the better way of love in 1 Cor 13. Sandwiched between these chapters, Paul reveals his God’s vision for the body of Christ in 1 Cor 12 in a fresh, compelling way. Paul affirmed that as a body we don’t get to exclude ourselves or each other from the body. It’s not a part of our body language. Think about your own body for a moment. It’s not just undesirable to exclude others, it’s near impossible, that is unless you want to gouge out an eye or lop off a hand. In fact, those parts that we consider weaker or less presentable are due

In coming weeks, there will be those who for a variety of reasons are unable to meet for in-person worship: the immune compromised, the vaccine hesitant, the mandate decliners, those who are isolating, those who woke with a sore throat that morning, those who are COVID positive and those who have long been unable to attend worship because of age, disability or illness. We will be tempted to ask why and perhaps even to offer our evaluation of the adequacy of their situation. But the church is not called to that. We are called to special honour. We will celebrate that we are still connected in worship at church and at home. But we will also experience the pain of disconnection from each other.

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Body Language in a Pandemic Season

special honour. It’s not just that we refrain from exclusion, we find sacrificial ways to care and radical ways to include. This is our body language.

“1 Cor 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” This is our body language. It will challenge us. It will shape us. We will learn to be the church in fresh ways that expose the smallness of our imagination, but usher in God’s larger vision of a Kingdom that is known for its love. May it be so in our body language.

In 1 Corinthians Paul wrote to a church that was squabbling about sources of authority (1 Cor 3), was in dispute over what to put into their bodies (1 Cor 8), was struggling with differences of opinion around freedom (1 THE WESLEYANZ VINE 21 3

The Wesleya NZ Vine

Articles inside

Is God calling you?

Body Language in a Pandemic Season

Wellbeing – A Framework

Local Church Directory

National Superintendent

Early Beginnings

Coming Home

God builds His Church

Tongan Wesleyan Methodist The Beginning

Farewell Reminiscences

21 Years: A History of Missions and Missionaries

WMCNZ Overview History