Battle Log

Christchurch (NZ) Team

Monday, 1 March, 2021

Posted by Posted 1 March 2021, 6:40 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink

New Zealand Mission - Whangarei - Day One.

I’m hoping to be able to write daily reports - so they will be shorter than usual.

I made it up to Whangarei without problem on Saturday.  That evening I received a message from Abraham in Auckland: “Are you watching the news?”  It was bad news.  Auckland was going into a 7 day Covid lockdown from 6am on Sunday.  Andy was flying to Auckland at 7am on Sunday! :O  Sadly, this means that the Auckland leg of the NZ Mission had to be cancelled.

What this means is that the first week of the mission will be focused solely on Whangarei.  And the good news was that we were able to get Andy up to join the team in Whangarei early on Monday morning.

Monday started with some training before a group of about ten headed to the Kamo shopping area.  The team scattered.  Tracts were handed out, and conversations were initiated.  It was an encouraging time for me - It was so good seeing God answer our prayer!

Christine and I had a chat with an elderly guy (pictured).  We engaged on how we know God exists, and moved into the law - which brings the knowledge of sin.  We were just about to get to the gospel when, sadly, the guy said he had to go.  He accepted a gospel tract as he left.

We gathered again for a late lunch before heading into the Cameron Street Mall for the afternoon outreach where there were many opportunities to talk with people.  I had lots of conversations, my first too were with guys who seemed to grasp the gospel first time (checking questions confirming), which was very encouraging.

At the end of the outreach, I paired up with Ruby, and I ended up tackling a conversation with a group of about 8 to 10 high school kids.  It was hard work, as I couldn’t hold the attention of all of them, so I focused on three.  The law and the gospel was explained, and various checking questions were employed.  All those kids (and some more that joined them after the conversation started) accepted gospel tracts.

For Andy and I, it’s SO GOOD to be in a new environment, with fresh people to share the gospel with.  And it was SUPER encouraging watching all the Christians getting involved with the great commission!  Please keep praying for the Whangarei outreach continuing tomorrow.