By NZCMS Māori Evangelist, Keri-Ann Hokianga
I continue to lead as Co-Priest at Koringarau (new church plant) as I found it is important that pastoral care and discipleship happen to support my role as Evangelist. Rev Sela Havili and our families have been a huge support in looking at ways we can help the whānau members who choose to come to church. We currently have 38 people in attendance on the Sunday services. Nineteen of these people are unchurched Māori who attend the service called Koringarau.
Please note that connecting with the Māori people who do not belong to a church and/or to a body of believers is a delicate and very challenging space. As I step out into the community, my discussions with Māori are greatly impacted by negative narratives of the Gospel, causing them not to want to come and be part of a church or church body. Their reasons vary from colonisation and its impacts on Māori to seeing the church as an unsafe place for Māori, to being hurt by the church, to very practical reasons such as having to choose whether they fill up their cars to get to church or feed their families. These are discussions that will take time as I endeavour to connect with Māori from outside the church space.
However, connecting with Māori regarding the Gospel is being received well. I see that there is an openness to hearing me preach or tell stories about the Gospel and I have not had any Māori turn me away because they’ve taken offence to what is being preached or said.
Through my work as Co-priest at Koringarau I’ve been given the opportunity to fulfil certain duties for some of the whānau, such as house blessings and unveilings of loved ones who have passed. Through these, I am introduced to more whānau members.
One of the most powerful moments for me was during the funeral of a large whānau here. During the service, I preached from Matthew 11:28.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Over 80 people attended this service and heard about the Salvation of Christ and the comfort he offers to those grieving. Continued whanaungatanga/relationship building has allowed us to see one of the whānau members meeting regularly at our church during the week, learning how to pray, sing and read the Bible.
Another exciting initiative has been an invitation from the Christian Broadcasting Association to record 4 months’ worth of content for Radio Waatea. This has allowed us to continue partnering with Ngā Whare Waatea marae broadcast our 30min Karaitiana/Christian service on their radio station every Sunday morning at around 7am. This broadcast apparently reaches around 5000 Māori listeners. You can listen to this here.
Praise God for the work he is doing in this community and thank you for your support and prayers.
Nga mihi Keri-Anne! Terrific to read of your ministry. Praying that you know the Holy Spirit’s leading each day. Kiaora to Sela.