Making It Happen

Over the first weekend we met a group of moms that honestly just floored me.

The NZed school system is an interesting set up compared to the states as some schools have a “Bible Class,” but in general the NZ nation is referred to as a secular nation.  More than anything the Kiwis really pride themselves on tolerance.

Which really presents an interesting conundrum of how do you bring or introduce Jesus to a nation that thinks, “that’s great for you”?

Enter Amanda, Michelle, Sarah and others. Moms that saw the need in their kids’ school and did something about it by making it happen.  Similar to the states, most parents don’t get away from work until 4:30ish. So every Thursday this group of mums and dads provide a free service to the kids of Greenhithe by providing afternoon tea and supervision until about 4:30pm.

Actually, I’ll just let her tell you… As a reference, their actual church North Shores has maybe 100 regular attendees.

Here’s what I love about this the most. These mums didn’t wait for someone else to do something for their kids. These mums didn’t wait for their church to ask them to help. These mums took the initiative to make something happen for their kids so that they have a vehicle to tell their friends about Jesus.

Not only that, but as a curriculum writer, I was most impressed that they use all sorts of resources in order to make the best possible and understandable program available for their kids.

This group of mums is by far the thing I’ve been convicted by the most. They didn’t wait for someone to ask. They didn’t wait for the church to do something. They just made it happen.

Tags: Champions, KC and the Gloworms, New Zeland

Day 1 – 3.1 New Zealand

Before I left the states to hop a plane to New Zealand, here’s what I knew about our trip over: Keith, of KC and the Glowworms, had been booked for one conference and the rest we would just see what happens…

Honestly, I was completely game for that, I mean seriously, it’s New Zealand.

After what felt like a short 12 hour flight we arrived in “NZed” (as the locals call it) and immediately went to someone’s house where Keith within moments broke a string on someone else’s guitar. I’ll post a video later.

Eventually, we arrive to the Gathering, a representation of most of the Wesleyan churches in New Zealand. This has truly been the most multi-cultural experience of which I have EVER been a part.

Saturday night was Keith’s “big” concert and let’s just talk about the line up…

-     The night started off with several Samoan worship songs (sung in perfect harmony).
-    Then a Fijian traditional dance followed by a Fijian dance to “Jesus take the wheel.” (Still trying to wrap my head around this one.)

-    Keith Conner – Driving the Bus, singing Great Big God, the eagle song, reading from the Pigeon language Bible and ending with This little light of mine.

-    Then, a Tongan a capella  choir (AMAZING.)

-    Scripture read in Chinese

-    A “Sweet As” (As the Kiwis say) Youth Band

-    A Monologue

-    And a Southern Wesleyan Preacher

Around the world in 90 minutes.

At one moment I was brought to tears just thinking about the tiniest slice of heaven I was watching develop before my eyes.

After the concert requests started to pour in about having Keith coming to churches all over New Zealand. One pastor asked me, “Really? You will go anywhere?” I thought, “Why not?” We’re not doing anything else!

So, starting Wednesday we are doing a tour of schools and churches connecting with people and encouraging families to worship together.

I have to admit, I think words will really destroy what I am witness to at this moment.

But I’m ruminating on the incredible response this people are having. Who knew that Keith Conner would drive the bus around the world?

Tags: KC and the Glow Worms, New Zealand, Wesleyan Churches