Gaining the Blessings of Christian Love

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

When Pastor Colin learned that we were moving to Timaru, he told me right after one Sunday worship service, “Please don’t go without us praying for you”.

Knowing and experiencing how vital prayer blessing is, I told him we would still be here next Sunday.

We were set to leave for Timaru on 14 August, a big move for our family, but we have to because a relevant job opportunity has come, which is vital for getting a resident visa.

Living in the North Shore area, particularly in Glenfield and Forrest Hill suburbs, we have fostered relationships among churchmates and a group of Filipinos in the past nine months.

We are continually thankful for the hospitality and generosity of Sharon and Boyet Quimba, their family, and their friends.

As we were packing our things and finding ways to dispose of our car and the few pieces of furniture, I couldn’t help but think about how one could quickly dispose of material things when moving.

You can sell or give your things quickly, but never let go of the friendships you have made, mainly when they are bounded by Christian love.

We can’t avoid feeling sad, realizing we won’t see Glenfield Baptist Church for some time. Still, we rejoice in the truth that Christian relationships are treasures one could have forever, both on earth and in heaven.

So, on 12 August 2012, we attended the worship service at Glenfield Baptist Church. Pastor Colin called us to the altar, and he and the congregation prayed for us. I won’t say it’s our last worship service with them.

Glenfield Baptist fulfils the meaning of church to us, and I’m sure the welcome won’t end each time we visit.

Growing up experiencing the power of prayer, I don’t want to miss any opportunity of gaining the blessings of Christian love wherever I am.

In moving to Timaru, we are embarking on a new chapter of our faith journey in New Zealand.

The prayers of friends and family give us strength and encouragement. Glenfield Baptist Church provided the needed sanctuary when we started in New Zealand.

Our hearts are forever grateful to all of you. Let us pray without ceasing as our faith journey continues.

From time to time, the home group holds shared meals. After the worship service on 12 August, they had a shared lunch to bless our trip and spend time in fellowship at the Quimbas.