Kiwis and Castles

Greetings from Larnach Castle in Dunedin!

I am sitting in a remodeled horse stable on a blustery cold evening high above the twinkling universtiy city of Dunedin [done ee den] in the south east coast of New Zealand. The temps are suddenly very cold here with snow and sleet warnings. (View from our room balcony)

This amazing Scottsman-built castle in 1847 has a history of sad stories (Mr. Larnach's suicide, his daughters death from typhoid, its use as a mental hospital, and years of disrepair) has a current happy ending for folks like me who relish the experience of echos of history in large framed portraits, Victorian style gardens and stories of the past. Yes, it's a bit spooky too!

Our 28 hour journey to reach NZ (locals say N-Zed) was a bit much, but our very warm welcome from our hosts, Howard and Lynette Webb, brought immediate refreshment. This is a family whose Christmas card was a reenactment of Indiana Jones! Needless to say, their goofy sense of humor matches Dave's! God thinks of everything!

A local Christian paper, The Challenger!, held an article about Kiwi's believing in God but not having much interest in religion. Sound familiar? So how does the Church here reveal Christ in ways that inspire a transformed life through relationship with the One true God?

Our first OUTFLOW conference in Christchurch all day Saturday was a delight. We found the Kiwi response was quite warm and eager, tho we had been warned to expect a high level of reserve. How eager they are to touch people in their communities with the truth and grace of Christ. Some travelled long distances over mountains to be there. May the Lord bless their resolve with more fruit than they can imagine!

We have quite a windy bit of sleet blowing up here. . .Dave has a national radio show interview this morning and a workshop this evening in Dunedin. We're looking forward to seeking what the Lord has in mind today.

Pray that the Christians in this univeristy town hear the Lord's leading in how to best touch people with who He is will grow in a new New Zealand!

Sending our blessings back at you!
DAVE AND PAM