15/04/2026
What an incredible few days we’ve just experienced as we hosted the Manukau Youth Team and Officers here in the Wairarapa for a 4-day mission trip.
From the moment they arrived on Thursday afternoon, there was a strong sense of whanaungatanga. We welcomed, we gathered, shared a meal, and simply enjoyed being together - laying a foundation of relationship that would carry through the entire weekend.
On Friday, the team joined our Boots on the Ground team, serving at Fernridge School. The Principal shared they were blown away by the manaakitangi and kaitiakitanga in action shown to their school community. It was such a beautiful expression of faith lived out through service.
That evening, the team poured into our tamariki and rangatahi, leading both Junior Youth and Youth Group. It was powerful to see our young people connecting so naturally and being encouraged in their faith.
Saturday was a full and faith-filled day. In the morning, we split into teams and visited local schools, taking time to prayerfully stand in the gap for the young people of this region and the challenges they face. There was a deep sense that God is moving and that He cares deeply for this generation.
In the afternoon, Pastor Niko fired us up for evangelism, and we stepped out in boldness, connecting with people around town, including Queen Elizabeth Park and the skate park. It was a powerful time of stepping beyond comfort zones and simply being present, available, and led by the Spirit.
Saturday night was a highlight, with a vibrant youth-led service filled with joy, worship, and a real sense of God’s presence. Sarah O’Brien shared a heartfelt and impactful message about living by faith, not by sight - testifying to how God showed up for her time and time again, even through seasons where she drifted off path. Her honesty and faith stirred something deep in the room.
On Sunday, the team continued to lead, blessing our Corps during the morning service. Captain Andrew O’Brien carried forward our Ephesians series, bringing a strong and timely word about being formed in Christ for relationships.
One of the most special parts of this mission was seeing our young people fully immersed in the experience. Over the four nights, they camped together at the Corps, building friendships, sharing life, and being deeply encouraged. Watching them witness older youth walking confidently in their gifts, serving with humility and leadership, was incredibly powerful. Seeds have been sown that will continue to grow.🙌🏼
We are so grateful for the Manukau team - for their willingness to come, to serve, to love, and to invest into our community. We look forward to continuing to build relationship and connection, especially among our young people.
God is moving. God is faithful. God is GOOD!
