Auckland Tabernacle
Interim Pastor Rodney Cowell
Making progress in seeking new senior leader. About 60 attended Global congregation newcomers’ camp. Leadership training and discipling groups are part of the growth in this work amongst internationals. Prison ministry is growing. Hosting a large funeral for iconic local “street identity” was an amazing opportunity to demonstrate the gospel and introduce many to the Tabernacle. Prayer walks, street outreach, and increasing evidence of community involvement indicate future emphases for our church.

Albany
Pastor Ryan Bond
February 6 was not only Waitangi Day, it was also the day Albany Baptist commissioned Pastor Ryan Bond. The service was followed by a picnic. The following weekend was the annual church picnic at Wenderholm , with soccer and volleyball. Ryan has been leading us through the book of Luke. Cherie Wallace resigned as Assistant Pastor and we had a time of thanksgiving for her ministry. We also say a huge thank you to Gwenyth Pritchard for years of service as our Baptist reporter and pray for a speedy recovery from recent ill health. A large contingent of our youth attended Easter Camp and afterwards they lead the service in music and recalled how camp had affected their walks with the Lord.

Howick
Pastor Peter Somervell
We welcomed our new Associate Pastor, Joe Fleener, his wife Mandy and their three lovely children. The church family are enjoying the talents they bring with their ministry. Waitangi weekend we had a “fish camp” at Kaipara Harbour. Over 60 people attended with the Sunday devotions led by Joe Fleener. Two of our young men are studying at Carey Baptist College – Luke McMahan, second year, and Simon Newbold, first year. HBC support a number of mission organizations with monthly reports/visits. This year – Steve and Lyn Davis (transzend); Sheila Leech (Vice President HCJB Global); update from Leadev Langham (Myanmar School of Theology); update on Slavic Gospel Association, Russia. We hosted Professor John Lennox in February.

Manukau City
Senior Pastor Alastair Hall
Fundraising is happening for short term missions team to Thailand in July. A pre-Easter family drive-in movie featured The Chronicles of Narnia over three nights with over 200 vehicles. Good Friday’s 8am outdoor service was followed by a breakfast and Easter Sunday Church. We had a good numbers at E Camp and Easter Camp. Life-changing experiences include Manuele, who stood up and took several steps from his wheelchair. Praise God for miracles! We did a series on the life of Moses and are now doing a series on gifts. At night church we are working through the book of Romans.

Westgate
We have changed our name to Westgate Baptist Church, more accurately reflecting our location, especially as a large commercial centre called Westgate is planned nearby. Rob Stacey, our associate pastor responsible for youth, and his wife Deborah have welcomed Lily-Grace to their family. They have also moved house, organised Easter Camp for over 70 young people, acquired a commercial coffee maker for the church and commenced a monthly ‘Issues’ group, all while continuing with Rob’s regular duties. In March we enjoyed church camp at Chosen Valley, where Andrew Pound, former associate pastor, is manager. Marriane Brown is now co-ordinator of Mainly Music as Gail and Tony Langdon have moved to Rangiora. Kay Wilson has started a new ESOL Bible study group. May 15, 22 and 29 we hosted Impact rallies leading up to the Greg Laurie event. June 19 we celebrate the 100th birthday of Hilda Griffin. She and her husband, Cyril, founded the Hobsonville Baptist Fellowship that became Westgate Baptist Church.