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  WORK AND WITNESS TRIP 2009 TO NEW ZEALAND You can be proud of your W&W team. I had heard of the exciting exploits of the New Mexico district Work and Witness teams. This year Dinah and I had the opportunity to be a part of the team and experience it for ourselves.
Larry Fry was our team leader. Larry’s administrative skills were evident all along the way. Although we had to make adjustments as all W&W trips do (the W&W slogan is “be flexible”). I personally have never seen a W&W team together in harmony and unity more than this team. There was no discord whatsoever. There were a variety of projects to be completed at the Otara Church of the Nazarene, South Auckland (where Dinah and I served as missionary pastors from 1979-1985). Two large classrooms were totally renovated with new ceiling, new floor, new walls, new insulation, new paint, etc. These will serve in various multi-purpose capacities such as a classroom for extension classes from the Nazarene Bible College in Brisbane, Australia and for driver’s education training for the Otara community. (Over 400 drivers have received their permits because of these classes as an outreach to the community.) In the main sanctuary curtain rods and curtains were installed on scaffolding due to the height of the windows. This will allow power point and videos to be used at district assembly and for weekly services and other activities. A house was recently purchased for the district youth pastor and the free standing large double garage next to the house was renovated to serve as a youth activity center for both Otara Church teens and teens on the New Zealand district. We were told this had been a drug house before the church bought it. One of the most beautiful projects I have ever seen done on a W&W trip was the installation of a large, custom built lighted cross on the outside of the church building that was principally done by Mr. Virgil Haley. It was a tedious project that took skill and stamina to complete. On the last evening the Nazarene pastors and spouses in the Auckland area hosted a meal for us. Dinah and I gave a devotional message. Afterwards we all gathered outside near the cross, prayed and watched the cross as it was illuminated. I thought of two scriptures where Jesus said, “If I am lifted up I will draw all men unto me.” “If any man will come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The whole community has been talking about the beautiful lighted cross. After a 13 hour flight to Sydney, Australia and a 2 1/2 hour flight to Auckland, we landed in the green, green country of New Zealand. It is a country of 4 million people, 40 million sheep and 10 million cattle. There is a 19-hour time difference between New Zealand and New Mexico. Words cannot adequately describe the various shades of green pastoral land that we saw and toured in the north island. We visited Rotorua where thermal geysers shot high into the air; boiling mud pools and green ferns and palm trees grew. We visited the Waitomo Caves by boat in an underground river and saw millions of glowworms that hang from the roof of the cave. We soaked in the hot thermal pools after several days of hard work on the work site. I felt that Jesus’ admonition that his disciples be unified in John 17 was lived out by the team. Each team member contributed in his or her unique way. I had heard Ray Farley promote the Level Club but it was good to see Ray in action. He is an excellent worker and served as supervisor to see that the projects were done. Paul and Ardith Couzens both contributed greatly to the curtain project and Paul built flagpole stands for various international flags to be used at district assembly. Marion Wolgamott contributed in various capacities. His daughter, Laura James, was very adept at using all the power tools, and her high energy level accomplished much. Dinah cooked breakfast every morning and did the laundry for the team. She also joined me in speaking for several services and events. I preached nine times while in New Zealand and I drove the van for our various excursions. Fortunately, I had had experience in driving on the opposite side of the road. After the team left, Dinah and I took a few days vacation. We also spoke for the district NYI and NMI Conventions and I chaired the district assembly. New Zealand is known as the “Polynesian Capital of the World” with more Pacific Islanders living there than on their home islands. The New Zealand district is made up of people from eight or more different language groups. District Superintendent, Dr. Neville Bartle and wife Joyce were gracious and fantastic hosts. They worked along side the team in projects and preparing meals. Host pastor, Max Tavilitonga, and church members, Koa, Papa, Datrina and Kris were a tremendous help in meeting our needs and assisting. They were warm-hearted and thanked us with special greetings, meals, farewell gifts and words of appreciation for the work that was done. If you have never been on a Work and Witness trip, plan now to join us next year. Your lives will be changed and you will make a difference. In Christ's Service, Dr. J. Fred Huff
For More Information Contact: Dr. J. Fred Huff Send Mail to Dr. J. Fred Huff
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