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’re 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 will still be here next Sunday.

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

Living in the North Shore area, particularly in Glenfield and Forrest Hill suburbs in the past nine months, we have fostered relationships among church mates and a group of Filipinos. We are thankful always for the hospitality and generosity of Sharon and Boyet Quimba, their family, and their friends.

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

I mean, you can sell or give your things easily but you can never let go of the friendships that you have made, especially when they are bounded in Christian love.

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

So, on 12 August 2012, we attended 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 had provided us with the needed sanctuary when we started in New Zealand.

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

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