“New Zeal” in the Land
A report on a new missions opportunity for the Church of God in New Zealand from Regional Superintendant Marc Morris.
The scenic beauty of New Zealand, situated southeast of Australia and north of the Antarctic, is breath-taking and inspiring! However, the natural majesty of this island nation is not the only inspiration Church of God members will find when visiting. God has opened a very unique missions opportunity and model!
In 2007, former ETS graduates Eugen and Esther Dupu moved to Oamaru on the south island with their two daughters. Oamaru, a wealthy coastal farming area is near where on location scenes of Lord of the Rings and The Lion Witch and Wardrobe were filmed.
Hired by the Waitaki Youth Foundation, Eugen and Esther have effectively ministered five years to hundreds of young people and families, quickly expanding their pastoral care and discipleship impact.
“We have a great treasure in Eugen and Esther, tent-making missionaries that are poised for such a time as this to lead our Church of God efforts to reach a new generation of Kiwi’s for Christ,” says national Board Chairman Ray Bloomfield.
Plans are now underway to recruit and deploy a T42 short-term group (Team 4 Two years) by January 2014, to work with and be trained by the Dupu’s for New Zealand ministry and church planting. Self supported volunteers, ranging in age 18 – 35, are needed for birthing a church while working with locals on dairy farms, helping on hunting/fishing exhibitions, youth counseling, etc. One major upside feature is having the awesome privilege to see New Zealand’s gorgeous sites and coastal creatures, such as blue penguins and seals.
For more information on the Church of God New Zealand, the T42 Team and New Zeal in the Land (a vision trip to NZ/Australia in November 2013), please email Marc A. Morris, Regional Superintendent at morris2276@cs.com.
