The last week in May was a busy one for eight Fijian Baptist women who arrived at the invitation of New Zealand Baptist Women’s Ministries. The visitors, some of whom were in New Zealand for the first time, came for an interchurch event called “Breaking Free with the Spirit,” impressing audiences in Tauranga May 24, Rotorua May 25, and Northcote May 28 with their colourful presentations of singing, dancing and drama.

Baptist women of Auckland have enjoyed an annual inspirational event for decades. But this year, for the first time, the women’s ministries board took the show on the road. Although the Tauranga and Rotorua events were briefer and smaller, the initiative was clearly appreciated.

In Auckland the colourful, multicultural programme featured Baptist Union president Lyn Campbell. She talked of “the new normal” for churches in Christchurch following the earthquakes. Women who had found spiritual freedom in different contexts also shared their testimonies. Teams from the Eternal Christian Church and the Dream Centre led worship throughout the evening.

“It was an honour for us to be invited by you and be part of what God is doing for the extension of his kingdom in your nation,” wrote the Fijian Baptist women’s president, Amelia Gavidi, in a note of thanks.

It wasn’t all hard work, either. Driving from Auckland to Tauranga and Rotorua, we enjoyed some refreshing detours including a 20-minute walk through native bush.

And when Amelia, who loves to fish, encountered on the shores of Lake Rotorua a fisherman who had just landed a trout, it made her day.

The annual Baptist Women’s Day of Prayer will be the next occasion for an interchurch get-together in October/November. Why not run a DOP event in your church this year? A guide to help you plan one is available from our website, www.bwuswp.org.

• Julie Belding, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , is president of the Baptist Women’s Union of the South West Pacific