Paraparaumu Baptist Church was planted in 2009 (after the former church there had closed years before). Despite a small congregation of approximately 70, the church is committed to finding ways to serving in its community. Ps Kevin Schulz tells their story:

“One of the main reasons we began our church was so that, as Christians, we could make a positive contribution to our community, and impact it for good. It has been a point of focus in our services, church meetings and forums.

“As a new church plant our resources in finances and people are limited, but there is still a lot we can do:

• We contribute weekly to the Kapiti Food Bank.
• We have a Helping Hand Fund that enables us to respond to those in need, both inside and outside our congregation.
• We have formed a close link with Youth Quest, a not-for-profit group based in Kapiti that helps teenage boys struggling to find their way in life. Many of the boys are referred from the courts. We were asked to make our buildings available when they were struggling with an urgent need. We were able to help. They have since moved into a building of their own but they continue to use our auditorium for their graduations and I have recently gone onto the Youth Quest board.

“We continue to look for opportunities in serving those around us and showing them the difference Christ makes when he takes over the direction of our lives.

“There has been discussion about the possibility of programmes like mainly music and a walking group for young mothers. The events that are of most interest to us are where personal friendships can be developed with those in our community and where a team from our church can work together in providing leadership. We continue to look to the Lord to see what he might begin amongst us.”

From Paraparaumu Baptist Church’s 1^st annual report, December 2011.