In this regular column, our Baptist National Leader, Charles Hewlett, keeps us posted on the happenings in Baptist faith communities across Aotearoa. The original Charles Mail is emailed out on a Friday and reproduced here the following Monday.
This time there was no Friday email – it’s just appearing here:
Matawhaiaro | Personal
Dear Baptist Whānau
With a couple of Regional Hui over the past seven days life has been extremely full (and extremely encouraging) for me and the team. Hence the short Charles-mail this week.
However, I am keen to let you know I will be away for the next few weeks and that normal Charles-mail communication won’t resume until later in July.
On Thursday Joanne and I fly to Norway to represent you at the Baptist World Alliance gathering. This is our first international Baptist event and we are really looking forward to it.
Three days after I return I have my hip replacement surgery (July 17). I’m guessing this will take me out for a few weeks – so maybe I will get back into the office late July.
Please remember me in your prayers.
I have been having so much fun at the Regional Hui.
Firstly, last week, we gathered in Palmerston North for the Lower North Island Association Hui (pictures below).
Secondly, we gathered in Matamata for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty & Eastland Association's Hui (pictures below).
As I reflect on all the wonderful people I have interacted with this past week my mind can't go past Philippians 1:3-5:
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Thank you so much for your love for Jesus and your commitment to serving him through the Baptist family.
If you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to contact the National Support Centre, or your Regional Leader. They will be keen to serve you the best that they can.
With heaps of love
Charles
Karakia | Prayer
Dear Lord,
I am so very thankful for our Baptist Whānau.
Thank you for our many faith communities across Aotearoa and beyond, and for those who lead them—for our pastors, our chaplains, our overseas workers, our ministry leaders, our administrators.
Lord, we pray that our faith communities would thrive! We pray for healthy resources, growing disciples, robust leaders, and for effective mission to flow so that gospel renewal can occur.
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
In your name Lord we pray,
Amen.
Pikita o wiki | Photo of the week
Sharing with the wider team at our Regional Hui has been a real highlight for me. I love my colleagues!
Photos: supplied by Charles Hewlett.
