Giving Peace a Chance

Here is a sign that made me think as I went past a church yesterday. Thoughts like " What are other churches then? Conflict churches?" Actually my first thought was that this must be one of those "Save the Gay Whales " churches to put up a sign like that. Though depending on the love of Christ is a good point. I just can't help thinking that the mission of the church is first to change people hearts, transforming lives to be more like Christ. Political statements and action come cheap in Western democracies today. Many churches in Germany in the 40's were all for peace as well and their witness was pretty wimpy to say the least. It has been said that in the concentration camps the best people died first. That seems quite probable because good people would seek to defend the weak. They would share their meagre food. They would not be scamming them. They would die early. It is one thing to stick a sign on the side of your church. It may be another to live sacrifically.

Fire and Ice

Zane gets some air

Snow melt river fresh off the volcano

Betsy got back into skiing and enjoyed the snow

Checking out the beginner runs. The twins show lots of potential

Here is the team in action at the village Kindergarden. It was a great trip with opportunities to pray with people for healing, deliverance and filling with the Holy Spirit. Several awesome healings occured including a woman who was paralyised from a stroke. From 30degC in Fiji last weekend, Kerrie and Ruby joined the family in near zero temperatures at Mt Ruapehu this weekend. A great holiday and a bit of a contrast!

Good News In Fiji

Well , after a lot of preparation Kes and Ruby have gone with a team of 21 people from our church www.encounter.org.nz
to the Yasawa Island group in Fiji. It was important that Kes went because she started it all 2 years ago. Heather, a friend of ours was born there but left when a young child. Although Heather is now a grandmother she had never been back. Kes and I have been going to the Yasawas for several years. Kes asked about family connections and we made a video about the islands and her family. The video motivated Heather to go back. When she did, she prayed with some people who really felt the presence of God. A local pastor pleaded to Heather to return again with a team to touch the people. The current trip is a result of all this background. We celebrate the opportunity to help the local people experience real encounters with God.