Kaitaia
Pastor Louis du Plessis
More than 40 women stayed overnight at our annual ladies camp at Cooper’s Beach in May, and another 20 came for the day. Joey du Plessis, our pastor’s wife, spoke on metamorphosis. There wasn’t time in the last session to hear all the testimonies of the way God spoke into the lives of those who came. Thirty people completed a 17-week discipleship training course run by Louis du Plessis.

Eleven folk were welcomed into membership. The junior church made large banners that brighten up the walls of the hall. Jules Riding held a concert on June 25, teaching the children some new songs before singing. We have been blessed by an Auckland family who repaired and painted our church roof voluntarily – it is wonderful not having to mop up all the wet areas we had every time there was heavy rain.

Whangarei Central
Under the guidance of our new librarian, Terrie Aldred, the library is undergoing a huge renovation. It is becoming more user friendly with new shelving, out-dated books being replaced and the CD and DVD library greatly extended. Terrie has also begun a writing group to encourage church members to write their testimonies and stories. David Lyle Morris, over a weekend, held a worship seminar, a music cafe, and led the music team on Sunday morning. Susan Cooney supervised the Sunday school in a service which centred around lights; the small children were delightful singing “This little light of mine.” Becky Esveld, who works with 24/7, attained a Diploma in Youth Ministry.

Auckland Tabernacle
Pastoral Team Leader Lee Kok Soon
We rejoice in God’s leading in the appointment of a new Senior Pastor, Rev Lindsay Jones, who commences his ministry in November. New international evening service to be launched in July to meet a need of growth. Six-week cooking club pilot started as outreach to local community. A recent ministry leaders’ forum was useful in focusing priorities and promoting unity across our congregations. Morning congregation interim pastor Rodney Cowell is extending his term until November.

Franklin
Senior Pastor Maurice Milmine
In May we commenced the E100 Bible Reading Challenge Series, recommended by our Assistant Pastor Steve Clark. It has brought a renewed interest to daily readings of the Word. It involves 26 adult small groups and five youth base groups, as well as sermons based on the readings. Greg and Rosie Blok, Wycliffe translators in Thailand, have returned home on their first home assignment with their children, Thomas and Xanthe. We enjoyed hearing of their journey so far at a shared lunch. Our praise and worship time during Sunday services has seen an added dimension, since Luke Kaa-Morgan has become our Assistant Pastor for Worship and Community Ministries. Prison Ministry commenced this year at Springhill Prison, led by Grant and Shelley Buchanan, involving a team of about 20 church folk.

Manukau City
Senior Pastor Alastair Hall
Our short term missions team is on its two-week missions trip in Thailand – a multi-cultural, multi-generational team of eight people. During June/July/August we are holding the Network Course (discovering your spiritual gifts) and the Kairos Course, which looks at our world from God’s, the Church’s and the world’s perspectives. Ruth Page, working with OMF Singapore, spent a month home with us in June. She spoke at many of our ministry groups. EXCEL school of performing arts performed on the last weekend of June, with a number of commitments. We had a bit of man time – 50 guys turned out for a movie night and air hockey. We’ve just started a series on Colossians for morning church.