June-July Update

Hello everyone! Barry here,

The past couple of months have been surprisingly full despite the interruption to business as usual. Here in NZ, we've been able to see the beginnings of many of our visions and hopes for our community starting to come alive. So here's a look at what we've been up to...

MAKING IT OFFICIAL

Earlier in June, Letitia and I were officially prayed into our role of leadership by our elders of YWAM New Zealand. It was postponed a number of times due to COVID restrictions, but the national leadership were eager to have it done as soon as possible. It was an honor to have members of our community and YWAM family there be a part of it and celebrate with us. We're incredibly grateful for our team's and the Auckland crew's efforts setting up and facilitating the powhiri.

OUTREACH

We've wanted to do a staff outreach around Northland to get to know our own backyard and connect with what God's doing in this part of the nation. We were able to travel to Dargaville and Kaitaia

and finished in the Bay of Islands where we joined with the team from YWAM Te Ao Marama. It was so meaningful to visit the places that carry such significance in the story of the Gospel in New Zealand, especially as missionaries in this land.

CHRISTCHURCH

After outreach, we went to Christchurch to spend time with friends and family and that's when the Lord guided our next steps. We feel that though this season presents us with so many challenges, the Lord has also provided amazing solutions. Without overseas students coming to our schools, now is an opportunity for YWAM NZ to reassess how our young people in Aotearoa are being raised up and discipled.

During our time in Christchurch, we initiated what we felt the Lord say to do, which was to advertise a DTS for half price in September, as well as create scholarships for young people in New Zealand to pave a way for our schools to be more accessible for people of every walk of life.

BACK IN THE NORTH

Two of our staff members have started a monthly youth event in collaboration with our local church to reach out to young people in the Kaipara district. It's encouraging to see the response and support that has come from this.

With all the ups and downs of this year, it has been amazing to see the faithful hand of God present in all of it.

Though much of the immediate future is still unclear, we're excited for what we're in the midst of and all that we're learning along the way. Thank you to all of those who support and pray for us, we are so grateful!

Mauri Ora,

Barry & Tesh