After much anticipation and one very sleepless night our group of 30 boarded our bus, along with 14 from CIMAH and made our way to the beautiful far north, stopping in Whangarei to collect yet another 4 excited rangatahi. On arriving it became apparent to us all how awesome the ministry in Tai Tokerau has been, with the numbers that awaited us. I believe it would be safe to say that close to 120 rangatahi were powhiri’d onto Mahimaru marae that first day, all eager to begin a week immersed in Christian fellowship, fun, sun and surf.
After the beautiful kai that followed, and a safety brief, we were off to Lake Ngatu, and as expected all were water babies, and our only hardship was getting them out again.
On our second day, after a sun and funfilled day doing waka ama, kayaking and swimming Te Kenehi felt a need to practice their items for the culture evening. Low and behold, without any encouragement from anyone our rangatahi found themselves teaching 80 rangatahi the actions to E Ihowa and Haruru ana. I stood in awe at the unhindered work of the Spirit amongst us that day and quite simply walked around repeating ‘God is SO good’ with everyone laughing and nodding in agreement. This was Manukau Takiwa’s night to do karakia, and all of us leaders stood proud as our rangatahi shared their faith with their peers, as only they can. It was unique, it was inspiring and it rocked.
Wednesday saw us making our way to the beautiful and awe inspiring place we call Te Reringa Wairua; Cape Reinga. Seeing Gods creation and the spiritual place of our people laid out before us, left many of us at a loss for words, and yes a little teaary eyed. A karakia and waiata shared together set forth yet another day of unity and inspiring fellowship, which saw us lunching in Houhora, back at Lake Ngatu and ending with a karakia by CIMAH, a concert, platforming the talents of each pastorate, and the cementing of new friendships with the whanau that came from in and around Kaitaia.
Thursday, but one day left. This day was to be spent sunning in the idyllic Matai Bay. We had swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling. By the end of the day we had 20 kina, 1 crayfish, 3 fish and 150 smiling faces. After a cleanup at the Coca cola Lake,another awesome kai, it was time for the annual disco.
Friday saw the sad goodbyes, mobile numbers and bebo usernames exchanged, and hugs all around. On our way home all of the rangatahi of Manukau made a highly anticipated stop. We visited our beautiful Nana May, we sung and prayed together surrounding her and I know she would have been smiling and singing along with us.
A huge thankyou to Rev.Rangiwai or ‘Uncle Morris’ as he is now fondly known to all our kids. For taking care of our boys in the night time hours, and making sure our kids were always safe. To Aunty Sarah for taking very good care of our tamariki and babies. Nana Ethel for all your loving, Tapu for well ummm, just being you, keeping spirits high and dangers low. Our rangatahi leaders. Hayley, Zion, Arohanui and Pare, awesome work, you were asked to step up and you did so, ensuring our week was fun, safe, respectful and focused. Last but not least, our rangatahi. I am so proud of you all, you represented our Takiwa with heart and pride, and our Lord Jesus with true faith and confidence.
This week for me confirmed that not only is the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus strong and welcome in the hearts of our young, but that our vision and ministry to and alongside them must extend to include more gatherings to fuel the fire placed within them. The idea of a Living Gospel amongst our rangatahi within our Haahi has already taken flight, and 2009 is set to be a year of great accomplishments and works in His name.
Blessings
Your servant in Christ
Kimi
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Te Karaiti Te Pou Herenga Waka 