Hamilton Central
Derek Allan
This has been quite a month for overseas mission. We commissioned a young family to work in South Asia, under the auspices of an agency that partners with NZBMS through Mission World; we enjoyed the tranzsend Prayer and Self-Denial weeks (raising a little extra cash via a competition to guess how many little watering cans it would take to fill the big one); and we also raised more than $3,000 to send children to a Christian camp in Turkey through KIT.

The Essential Jesus materials have been well received for personal, family and group use. It has been fascinating to see how the growth of the Sunday morning prayer meeting has spilled into renewed expectancy in the services, with frequent prophetic words and visions being given.

Katikati Community
As we arrived into church today we were warmly greeted by a variety of loud voices singing “One Way Jesus.” As 16-year-old Sam opened in prayer more people arrived and more chairs had to be found, a dream problem for any pastor. During notices Alisha, one of the youth leaders asked the congregation for anyone under 25 years to stand and about 25% of the church stood up! A sure testimony to what the Lord is doing in these times. Next followed a well put together drama, a reading from 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, and a testimony by 18-year-old Marcus. Two baptisms followed. The youth service was enjoyable and challenging; further seating problems are likely at the next youth service.

Paeroa
Doug Martin has nearly completed a series on Nehemiah. Lyn Ross is taking us on a journey with Paul through Acts. Self Denial has once again challenged us. Bob Turlington has just completed a series on Sunday nights entitled Defending Your Faith. Bob also ran a school holiday programme with the film Hop as the theme. At the end of May we had combined services and George Lawson from the Barnabas Fund shared on the persecuted church. Along with the other churches, we continue to take a monthly service up at Ohinemuri Retirement Home. Most Saturday nights there is a youth group activity. We hold a monthly film evening as a community outreach, which is worthwhile and is well attended. Many of our members are involved in Bible in Schools. We recently held a garage sale with some proceeds going to missionaries. Our ladies are looking forward to a combined churches Pajama Party that includes a competition to find the oldest teddy bear.