By Te Hauoterangi Karaka
NZCMS Māori Evangelist
Tēnā koutou katoa. Things have been very busy in Te Puaha O Waikato, attending and conducting many tangihanga, house blessings, Hura kōhatu, hospital and pastoral care visits.
Marae Ministry
Marae ministry and pastoral care have been keeping me very busy due to the huge amount of Tangihanga (funerals) in Ngati Tipa Te Puaha O Waikato (Port Waikato). Over the past three months alone, I have conducted fifteen Tangihanga and with that comes added pastoral care for the whānau pani (bereaved family).
Since I began my mission ministry in Te Puaha O Waikato, under Te Mana O Te Wheke and NZCMS, I have worked to build relationships with the Iwi (people) after the passing of their loved ones, which also extends into the conducting of what we call Hura kōhatu, (Memorial Celebration) after one year of their passing.
Throughout the year, I maintain a very close relationship with these whānau, offering ongoing support by attending “Nga Kawe Mate”, the mourning ceremony that is subsequent to the tangihanga. Please pray for me as I walk alongside these families from the funeral until the unveiling during the Hura kōhatu.
This ministry has been very rewarding, building trust and strengthening strong relationships, which has also resulted in the growth of our Marae Karakia Rātapu. These marae services have been very consistent, with approximately 45–60 people attending. On two occasions, we have had as many as 80 people attend!
Toko Torutapu o Parawai
At Toko Torutapu, we are slowly building a closer relationship with the vestry and clergy. As you may be aware of some of the histories that lay beneath the surface, Toko Torutapu in Thames has been closed for over two years. I guess, like anything, restoration takes time, with ongoing ministry, prayer and much self-examination. But I am very confident that we will achieve this goal of unity in Jesus’ name.
I have been conducting one service a month. However, we are planning to increase to two services a month. The possibility of introducing an extra service would help to build the ministry and its members spiritually with the ongoing ministry of God’s word. Waiting once a month between services is not helpful for anyone’s spiritual walk!
Finally, I would like to give thanks to Bishop Ngarahu and Manutaki Wiremu for their support. I also thank God for my supporters. Without your support financially and in prayer, this ministry would not allow me to work so closely with our people.
Kororia ki a koe e te Atua.
Prayer Needs
• Pray for the pastoral work Howard is involved in and for all the tangihanga, that God would empower him for the work.
• Pray for the marae services Howard is running and for the people who are attending, that this ministry would grow and that the people would come to know Christ.
• Pray for reconciliation and healing from past wrongs and hurts experienced at Toko Torutapu, that Jesus would bring a miraculous wave of restoration to that community by His Spirit. Pray that the Spirit would empower Howard with patience and wisdom as he brings the Gospel to those places.
• Pray that Howard would be able to add another service a month in this area so that the people can hear the Gospel and be fed more regularly.
• Praise God for all that he is doing in Te Puaha O Waikato. Pray that Howard and his wife Gladys would be blessed with times of rest and restoration with friends and family in amongst their busy lives as ambassadors for the Gospel in Aotearoa.
Thank you, Tessa. I remember Ray (and Jean) very warmly from our time at St Tim’s before we left for St John’s College at the beginning of 1987, and was excited many years later to learn of their visit to the Elliotts in Uganda. (We visited them in 1997 on study leave.) That visit, and a later one, showed their quiet growth in faith and mission during the years. I praise God for Ray’s life and service, and pray for the Comforter’s presence to be so close to Jean.
Hey there,
A friend of mine told me about you guys and I’d love to come along on Monday!
Cheers,
Caleb Croker
Hi Caleb, I’ve just seen your message. I apologise that this was missed. I assume you’re talking about the Seriously Interested in Mission group? The next one is August 11 and we’d love you to join. Can you email us at office@nzcms.org.nz (Rosie writing here)
Thank you Tessa
Thank you Archdeacon Fran. Mothers Union appreciated your input when we visited the Far North recently. Your wisdom and wise counsel made it a memorable weekend. God bless you in your new role.
Rev Fran, you and Rapiata are a gift to the Church. May the Lord bless you as you serve in this next season
With reference to the article ‘By invitation not invasion’. My husband and I were involved with CMS from the 1960s onward and this was always the attitude of CMS leadership. They deferred to the church leadership opinions whenever possible, wherever there was a local church. I’m not aware if this has change. It isn’t something new.
Hi Pauline,
I agree with you!! I don’t think this has changed, just good to re-iterate why and we send mission partners. This is Rosie writing — hope you’re doing well!
Yes Pauline it was the same for Alan and me. When we went to Singapore 1966–69 it was in response to a request from the Bishop oof Singapore and Malaya.