Tupu Whakarangi Magazine Issue 248 by Maori Postal Aotearoa

I S S UE 24 8 / HŌNG ONG OI 2023

Tupu Whakarangi

ISSUE 248

MATARIKI IN THE SCRIPTURES PG 4 ______ MĀORI POSTAL IN OUR COMMUNITIES PG 9 ______ REFLECTIONS ON AROHA PG 14

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CONTENTS

06 04 MATARIKI Page 04 - 05 Every mention of Matariki in Scripture is designed to point us to the power of Ihowā as creator, and His sustaining power in creation.

MAORI - ENGLISH Aroha - Love Atua - God Ihu Karaiti - Jesus Christ Ihowā - Father God Mana - Strength / Power Moana - Ocean Paipera Tapu - Holy Bible Rīpeka - Cross Roto - Lake Tama - Son Tamariki - Children Waka - Boat Wahine - Woman Whānau - Family

REFLECTIONS ON LIFE AND STORMS Page 06 - 07 As a believer, how wonderful it is to know that no matter how serious the storm, we have the creator of the universe, the Sovereign Lord, in our waka with us. He has promised to be with us right to the “other side”.

MPA IN OUR COMMUNITIES Page 09 - 11 "We come spectators evangelists."

not but

as as

REFLECTIONS ON AROHA Page 14 - 15

Ihowā so loved the world that He sent His only Tama to die on a rīpeka for His creation - mankind. TAMARIKI CORNER

MPA IN OUR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES Page 12

MOVIE RECOMMENDATION Page 17 Behind the song is a story you will never forget.

Testimonies from the TAKU HAERENGA Correctional Facilities WHAKAMUTUNGA across Aotearoa.

Page 20

Verses from the Paipera Tapu to remind our tamariki of important Bible truths!

AS A LITTLE TAMARIKI Page 21

Joy and effervescence found in the tamariki THAT COMES FROM THE This trip has been given to and the simple things in Bougainville. PAIPERA TAPU? me for free by Ihu Karaiti. The Paipera Tapu tells me Page 13 all about it.

Page 18 - 19

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MATARIKI

Last year our country celebrated Matariki as the first new holiday in Aotearoa for ninety-two years, and the first reinstated indigenous holiday in the world. But few people are aware of what it is really about. Matariki is a star cluster that appears in the early morning sky in Aotearoa during the winter solstice. It consists of nine stars, but only six are easily visible to the naked eye. This cluster is also known as the Pleiades as

mentioned in the Paipera Tapu or the Seven Sisters, and holds immense significance in Māori culture. It marks the Māori New Year and the arrival of the winter season. The appearance of the star cluster signals the perfect time for planting and fishing, and is considered a time for whānau gatherings and community festivities. The ancient mythology around the Matariki stars goes back to the Māori pantheon of gods and creation stories.

In Māori, Matariki means "tiny eyes" or & "eyes of God". The tamariki of the earth mother, Papatuanuku and sky father, Ranginui, were divided over whether to separate them and bring light and life to the earth. Eventually, Tane Mahuta, the god of the forest, laid on his back and used his feet to force them apart. But Tawhirimatea, the god of the winds, did not agree with his brother's actions. He thought that separating his parents was cruel. He was so angry he tore out his own eyes and threw them into the heavens where they have looked down on man ever since. The eyes of Tawhirimatea have become many constellations, and among them live Matariki, the mother and her six daughters. They rise after the winter solstice and use their mana to help the weakened sun on its journey back south.

In Romans 1:25, the apostle Paul writes : “I te mea kua whakawhiti ratou i to te Atua pono mo te teka, a karakia ana, mahi ana ki te mea hanga, kapea ake te Kaihanga,” ("They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator."). This verse explains that mankind is wrong in worshipping creation rather than the Creator and the following verses (1:26-31) explain the consequences for us doing so. This passage of scripture is sobering, and it reminds us that our worship should be directed towards the One who created all things, rather than the things themselves.

Matariki has a strong spiritual significance to Māori heritage. It is a time to reflect on the past, honour ancestors, and embrace new beginnings. The festivities surrounding Matariki provide a platform for communities and whānau to come together, share traditions and appreciate the rich Māori culture. Through the celebration of creation, Matariki is seen as a reminder of the connection the Māori people have to the land, the stars and each other.

Additionally, the book of Psalms is full of poetic praises and acknowledgements of the Creator’s hand in the beauty and majesty of creation. Psalm 19:1 states, “Ki te tino kaiwhakatangi. He himene na Rawiri. E korerotia ana e nga rangi te kororia o te Atua; a e whakaaturia ana e te kikorangi te mahi a ona ringa.” (“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”). These verses serve as a reminder to recognise creation’s role as a testament to God’s glory and power, rather than as objects of devotion.

However, in the Paipera Tapu we are warned against the worship of creation which leads us away from worshipping the one true Creator. There is a danger in ascribing ultimate significance and devotion to the temporal and finite aspects of creation. Whether we are worshipping the stars, the sun, the mountains, the moon or the rivers, we are prioritising the created over the Creator and distorting the proper hierarchy of existence.

To avoid the trap of worshipping creation, we must cultivate a proper perspective informed by biblical teaching. This includes acknowledging that creation, it all its splendour, is a gift from God, intended to point us back to the Creator and deepen our relationship with Him. By recognising the divine purpose behind the natural world, we can appreciate its beauty and significance while maintaining reverence for the One who brought it into existence.

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REFLECTIONS ON LIFE AND STORMS with what is happening to them as they do not have Ihu Karaiti in their waka. 3. Because of the intensity of the storm, the disciples had forgotten that Ihu Karaiti had made the suggestion, “Let us go over to the other side”. He at no time indicated they would get to the middle and sink. No, He knew there would be a storm, He would be with them throughout the whole trip, He could sleep and did not need to panic, and they would arrive safely at the shore on the other side.

I have been reminded lately of the story of Ihu Karaiti and his disciples crossing the roto. Luke 8:22-39 There are some very significant things about the story that apply to us as well. 1. It was a terrifying storm. All the disciples were frightened about the situation and the very likely possibility

they would drown. 2. We, like the disciples, can lose sight of the fact that it was the creator of the world that was in their waka, and going through this storm with them. How much more terrifying it is for those who have no Ihu Karaiti in their waka, as the others on the moana that night must have felt. I am sure you know of many who are terrified 6

4. On arriving there were still more things for the disciples to learn. Ihu Karaiti reached out to a very needy person who had been enduring a huge storm of his own for many years, all while the disciples had been struggling with their own storm, and he was now able to be freed. As a believer, how wonderful it is to know that no matter how serious the storm is for us, we have the WWW.MAORIPOSTAL.CO.NZ

creator of the universe, the Sovereign Lord, in our waka and He has promised to be with us right to the “other side”. Interestingly, the disciples had no idea what was ahead of them, and neither do we, but we are assured by His Word, that “He will never leave us nor forsake us”. From this story we learn that every one of us has the choice to live our lives by fear or faith. Fear is determined by the limits of what we can do to ease our circumstances and protect ourselves from things we see as being dangerous. Faith is determined by the extent of what Ihowā can do for us, beyond our imagination. “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of — infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes”. Ephesians 3:20 “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully TUPU WHAKARANGI

complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous — and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my whole life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book”. Psalm 139:13-16 The rather tumultuous

attacks on individuals, but can be part of a birthing process, in which Ihowā prepares our hearts and minds to grow into a closer relationship with Him. Let's keep this in mind as we are buffeted at times by forces or things we don't understand. Keep our eyes on our Saviour and Redeemer, Ihu Karaiti the one who sacrificed Himself for us so we can have a personal relationship with Him.

"I a koe hoki ōku whatumanawa; Be blessed and nāu hoki ahau encouraged as you reach out to him in faith i hīpoki i roto i and receive a fresh te kōpū o tōku sense of His presence whaea. Ka in your waka. whakawhetai By Howard Goold ahau ki a koe; he mea whakawehi, he mea whakamīharo tōku hanganga; he mahi whakamīharo āu mahi, mōhio rawa anō tōku wairua ki tēna. Ngā Waiata 139:13-14 times we are living in, and the difficulties we are experiencing right now, are not necessarily caused by demonic 7

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord, across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you." 88

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MPA IN OUR COMMUNITIES Martinborough God whispered in my heart. He was about to do a new thing. Ministry would change, but how? I did not know. That word was confirmed twice through other people in the months that followed.

Despite having this challenge; Mike’s chemo treatment and his low energy coupled with my own energy issues, we were determined to attend the Wairarapa Balloon Festival.

We come not as spectators but The last six/seven months had been a as evangelists. struggle physically. I was tired more than usual. I was looking forward to feeling better, and had been buoyed by the help of my good friend and ministry buddy. Having someone to help when you need it, is priceless! My friend Mike, is one of these. But one day he had some news for me he had a lump, a very large lump. What was it? Within three to four weeks, we had an answer. Cancer. I had my own news in store, I was diagnosed with liver disease (PSC) within eighteen hours of Mike's diagnosis. Two bullets in one.

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It means getting up very early and arriving on site, when the hot-air balloonists do. No day was quite like another. I don’t know how many Tamariki A Ihowā magazines we gave out over the weekend. It was sixty here, thirty there, another thirty odd somewhere else etc. It was probably the lowest turnout we had ever experienced and it felt like the Lord had specifically tailored the event to us. Having more time to spend with the children, translated into more meaningful dialogue. For Mike and I, the best events are those that 9

brought us connection and relationship. It is often the connection with one child that makes all the difference to an event. We are beginning to do things a little differently - our focus will be more about reaching the one’s and two’s. We will still spend time in the local park each weekend. I may work alone, more regularly than before, but more effort will be focused on using the places I naturally go, as ‘evangelism territory’ like the cafe, or the supermarket. One day recently, I was going to Pak 'n' Save and felt compelled to take my pump, balloons and MPA's Tamariki A Ihowā magazine. While shopping, I came across, Rachel and 7 year old, Te Ana (not their real names). Te Ana looked sad so I handed her a Tamariki A Ihowā magazine. She was delighted! Then I made her a balloon cat. She

"Nā, ki te mea kei roto i a te Karaiti tētahi, he mahinga hou ia; kua pahemo ngā mea tawhito, nā, kua hou ngā mea katoa." 2 Koriniti 5:17 grinned from ear to ear! Before I left, I prayed with them, in the middle of the supermarket. Not a week later, I saw Te Ana, once more downcast and unwell. I had a different Tamariki A Ihowā magazine to give her and I also had a snake balloon ready to give away. The following week I saw her again, and was able to give her a different Tamarki A Ihowā booklet yet again. Her mum Rachel, remembered my prayers and had been touched by my kindness. That was so encouraging to me. Only God opens the

doors that no man can shut. God placed me in the perfect place at the perfect time. In HIS time. I am naturally an introvert. I call myself the ‘Sociable Introvert’. God uses me most often, in times I fear the most. Courage is feeling the fear, and doing it anyway. As the Bible says, “When I am weak, then I am strong”. 2 Corinthians 12:10. One night recently, I walked into a very busy store and I had in hand the TAI ‘Easter edition, and my balloons. Kids were in front and behind 10

me, in all directions.In the first five minutes of being in store, six TAI magazines got into kids hands, and three more quickly followed. I also delivered ‘Hope for All’ booklets (hundreds of them), and in the process forty five kids got a puzzle book in their hands. Another regular stomping ground is the hospital where I get my bloods taken and also take the opportunity to get booklets into hands. When visiting the GP for my flu vax I chatted with the nurse while she jabbed me. I then WWW.MAORIPOSTAL.CO.NZ

had to ‘sit’ for fifteen minutes in the waiting room, so I picked the seat next to an eight year old girl. I looked at her and said, “You don’t look very well... I think I have something that will make you feel a little bit better.” I made her a dog balloon and gave her a TAI magazine. She was called away but by then I had commanded the attention of the entire waiting room, and could hear the boy behind me say “Balloons; I would like a balloon.” That’s all it took. Four children and fifteen minutes later, I left behind four smiling faces, each with a magazine in their hands! I have been serving in Kid’s Church for nine months, but this week was my first time teaching whilst making a ‘more complicated’ balloon. The lesson was on ‘bees’. Much harder than anything I have done in the local park, or anywhere else for that matter, (and super scary for me!). I thought it was going to be a ‘one off’ but found myself teaching on ‘dragonflies’ two weeks later. I

honestly didn’t imagine I would be doing that. Nor capable of it. You never know where God will take you when you have an open heart. You can take any situation in your day to day life, to make a difference in the world. Focus on the one. The one, is what matters. The two’s, fives, tens, twenties, and hundreds and thousands take care of themselves. Just as Jesus taught the parable of the lost sheep, where the shepherd went after just one sheep, I reach one at a time, that’s how it’s done. When God creates the connection, we just need to be obedient in the moment. This is much, much, easier said than done but don’t give up. Keep on trying! No matter who you are, no matter where you are, God can still use you! "Do not grow tired of doing good for at the right time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up." Galatians 6:9 Article by Haydee Muir

"Ā kaua tātou e ngākaukore ki te mahi i te pai. Tēnā tōna wā e rite ai ka kokoti tātou ki te kāhore tātou e ngoikore. Nā reira, i te mea e whai takiwā ana tātou, kia mahi tātou i te pai ki ngā tāngata katoa, ā tērā noa ake ki te hunga o te whare o te whakapono" Karatia 6:9-10 TUPU WHAKARANGI

MPA IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES just want to say in my past I was a bad sinner. 1. "II have been through some rough times and bad

times. I read parts from the Bible and doing these test books that you send me and then receiving a certificate means so much to me in my life. It's like I am getting somewhere for my future to come for my children and I give a big thank you to Māori Postal Aotearoa. You are putting me on the right path of life and reading and studying the Bible has made me a new person like I have been reborn. I am thankful to have you all on my side and you have done so much for me that I couldn't be any happier and more proud to have you be there for me. Thank you very much. God bless to you all" Auckland Prison was given the Tupu Whakarangi Issues while 2. "Ihaving a hard time and started reading through

them. I had been inside for a month at this point. I am a God-fearing person and I believe that our Heavenly Father is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End and He sent His son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. I believe that my children and I will benefit from receiving your resources as it will help us grow in our faith." Auckland Regional Women's Correctional Facility

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Everyday expressions you MAY NOT know come from the paipera tapu. “CAST THE FIRST STONE”

“Ko te tangata o koutou kahore ona hara, mana te kohatu matamua e aki ki a ia.” Hoani 8:7

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. “ John 8:7 Today this expression means to be quick to blame or criticise someone else. However, in the Paipera Tapu we see Ihu Karaiti give a challenge and show compassion. Some religious leaders brought a wahine before Ihu Karaiti accusing her of committing adultery. Their law said that the penalty for this was death by stoning, and the accusers should be the first to throw the stone. These leaders wanted to hear what Ihu Karaiti had to say about it, and they weere shocked. He said, “He that is withot sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.“ John 8:7 They were convicted because they knew that they were all sinners and so they quickly went away, leaving the wahine with Ihu Karaiti. He had compassion on the wahine and told her that He did not accuse her either, and He told her to go and not to sin again. Before we find fault with others- we are just as guilty in some way as they are. The good news is that, although Ihu Karaiti hates sin, He loves every sinner, no matter how bad. He loves us so much that He was willing to bear the punishment for all our sins on the rīpeka so that we might not be condemned. If we confess that we need Him to save us from the judgement of Ihowā and accept Him as Lord of our life then we too may walk free. TUPU WHAKARANGI

REFLECTIONS ON AROHA Recently I have been faced with some strange emotions. I have been confronted by the perplexing, but real oddity, of the capacity of aroha. Aroha is a driving emotion with varying degrees of intensity and expression.It is a transferable concept whereby we share the deep expressions of our hearts with other significant people.It cannot be transferred to inanimate objects which are unable to return the emotional wave that develops between two persons. As my mother used to say, “You can’t aroha something that has no capacity to aroha you back”. So, what is the oddity of this? It is the inherent aspect that we rarely recognize and is rarely mentioned until it happens, and that is the pain that goes with aroha. The greater the intensity of aroha, the greater the intensity of the pain when separation for whatever reason happens. We don’t, we just can’t, aroha everybody in the same way. There will always be some to whom we are closer and with whom we and they mean ever so much more, simply because we just cannot aroha everyone the same. The only way to avoid this pain is to never aroha, but that is humanly speaking almost impossible and if achieved would induce such a cold and withdrawn personality that remote loneliness would be the result. No. We cannot, not aroha. Pain is the cost of aroha and we see it in 14

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its most incredible example in the person of Ihu Karaiti when Ihowā so loved the world that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for His creation mankind, and that cost to Him was not only the physical in His suffering, but perhaps even more so, the pain of seeing so many of His created people with whom He wants fellowship, reject Him and turn their backs on Him, refusing to enter into the warmth of His aroha. There is a real sadness in loving someone and not receive aroha back in return. So, how do we deal with this pain? Understandably, the reactions to it are many and varied, but there is an interesting example in Scripture in Job 1:20-21:

"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said, 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.'” In the midst of job’s enormous load of pain and loss, he chose to worship, and, in this response, he came to understand the closeness of Ihowā TUPU WHAKARANGI

and the reality of the temporariness of everything that he had previously owned and depended on, after some time of reflection. Aroha cannot be fractured, or divided, it is always complete in itself, no matter how much or little. We don’t give a piece of aroha, we don’t receive a piece of aroha, we receive it whole in small or large portions. Recently I have been enveloped in the aroha of friends so deep and meaningful to both of us, so deeply needed by both of us, but when I have had to leave, the pain has been almost unbearable. The pain is very real, it really hurts. We have felt it deeply, and it is geography that divides us. But, the aroha is still as deep and meaningful as ever. There are ever so many reasons why separation takes place but, in every case, there is always pain. Yes, there is this cost, but the salve of pain, the joy from that pain is what makes aroha such an incredible conveyor of closeness to one another. Article by Howard Goold

MOVIE RECOMMENDATION AMAZING GRACE

Behind the song is a story you will never forget.

Newton’s song “Amazing Grace” serves as a metaphor for Wilberforce’s life. Wilberforce sings it in front of his political peers as a kind of personal anthem. He loves to escape to country spots to pray and ponder nature. While there, he begins to question whether his penchant for spiritual solitude renders him unfit to be a politician. Wilberforce concludes that he’s called to serve God and others by shaping public policy, saying, “God has set before me two great objects: Suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of society.”

For most Americans, William Wilberforce isn’t a household name. Amazing Grace may change that. This powerful film recounts the celebrated English reformer’s fierce battle to abolish slavery in the British Empire. It also chronicles the faith journey of a man who struggled to reconcile his passion for justice and politics with his natural inclination to retreat into a secluded life of spiritual contemplation. The film opens as the 18th century is trailing to a close. Eight years of fruitless effort promoting abolition have left Wilberforce (a junior member of Parliament in the House of Commons) demoralized and depleted. One observer comments that he’s given his youth and his health to a failed cause. Chronic illness has forced Wilberforce to retreat to the home of his cousins Henry and Marianne Thornton to rest and reassess his wherewithal to keep championing an unpopular idea. The Thorntons introduce Wilber (as his friends call him) to Barbara Spooner, a fiery young woman whose TUPU WHAKARANGI

zeal for the abolition movement matches his own. And as he recounts his history to her, lengthy flashbacks fill in his backstory and introduce us to an idiosyncratic cast of supporting characters who play important roles in the battle against slavery. Among these is the ex-slave trader turned pastor and musician John Newton, who serves as Wilberforce’s mentor. The young reformer’s best friend is William Pitt, whose political ambitions lead him to the position of prime minister at the tender age of 24. Pitt introduces Wilberforce to two other important reformers, the freethinking (and free-drinking) itinerant preacher Thomas Clarkson and an erudite former slave named Oloudah Equiano. Finally, an old fox coincidentally named Lord Fox switches sides after being convinced of Wilberforce’s argument. The cagey older politician’s help is invaluable as Wilberforce seeks to outmaneuver parliamentary nemeses Lord Tarleton and the Duke of Clarence. Article by Plugged In

TAKU HAERENGA WHAKAMUTUNGA (MY LAST TRIP) Kiwis have traditionally been great travellers, but when Covid 19 raged across the world all travel from NZ was banned for quite a while. Yet, even though the restrictions have been gradually lifted, many people remain reluctant to leave our country. The cost of air travel has increased a lot, and there is still some uncertainty about staying in foreign countries and picking up a nasty virus.

no cost to myself! Everything has been arranged for me. I have done nothing to deserve it (have indeed done many things that would count against me) so that is what makes this offer so wonderful.

In the past I have travelled a time or two to visit family overseas, but the thought of organising a trip now is quite daunting. I would need to do a lot of planning: How long could I afford to be away? Which way should I go? How much are the cheapest fares? How long are the flights (and could I cope)? I would have to book tickets, accomodation, arrange internal travel. What luggage should I take? Do I need insurance? Can I afford it? There are lots of things to work out.

• When I came to understand that I was a sinner before Ihowā and asked His forgiveness, believing that Ihu Karaiti gave His life to pay for my sins, I was welcomed into His family. (John 1:12 : Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God)

But the really exciting thing for me is that I have been offered a trip at

I am not sure of the exact date, but this trip will be to Heaven! And it has been given to me for free by the Ihu Karaiti. The brochure (that is the Paipera Tapu) tells me all about it:

• My ticket to Heaven has been paid for by Jesus’ death on the Cross. (Rev 5:9: ”... you were killed, and by your sacrificial death you bought for God people from every tribe, language, nation, and race.”

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• My accommodation has already been reserved. (John 14:2: “There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you.”) • All my clothing will be provided (Isaiah 61:10: "I will be full of joy in the Lord, my soul will be glad in my God; for he has put on me the clothing of salvation, covering me with the robe of righteousness.") • My reservation has been guaranteed (1 Peter 1:4: "...and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away.") • My journey will be very quick. Ihu Karaiti told the thief dying on the cross next to Him: (Luke 23:43 ”I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”) • I will be with Ihowā forever. (John 14:2-3: "I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.") What an amazing trip this will be! And the great thing is that this offer TUPU WHAKARANGI

is open to everyone! However, it is a limited-time offer, because very soon Ihu Karaiti is going to come and judge all the sin and wickedness in the world, and the opportunity will be gone. (John 3:36: "Everyone who has faith in the Son has eternal life. But no one who rejects him will ever share in that life, and God will be angry with them forever.") Ihowā loves everyone, and He has made a way for everyone to come to Him (John 14:6 "Jesus answered him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me.'”) But each person has to choose whether or not to believe and accept His offer. So, will you accept forgiveness for your sins and receive a trip to Heaven to live with Him forever? All you have to do is genuinely want to have your sins forgiven, and put your trust in Ihu Karaiti to save you from the penalty you deserve for your rebellion against Ihowā. Then He will receive you into His family and give you your ticket to eternal life with Him. I hope I will meet you at our journey’s end! Article by Liz Silcock

I K I R A TAMCORNER!

Each note reminds our tamariki of an important Bible truth!

“Do not be afraid God will be with you.” - Joshua 1:9

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." - Luke 6:31

"Love each other as I have loved you." - John 15:12

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart" -Proverbs Proverbs3:5 3:5

u do, ver yo e t a h "W h all t it wit a k r o s w eart, a your h or the gf workin " Lord 3:23 ssians - Colo

"Don't worry about anything. Instead, tell God about everything." Philippians 4:6

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23

"Don't worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34 20

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AS A LITTLE TAMARIKI Sunday Church Services in Bougainville are a long affair, often between three to five hours duration. Even though Sunday School does take up a portion of that time, the children understandably find the entire service a bit of an endurance test during which their creativity knows no limits. I have watched (rather horrified) as big black beetles were captured by children and pushed along the wooden planks representing racing cars, their legs being broken as they are pushed towards the Grand Prix finishing line. Once the excitement of the “race” is over, the beetle's legs are pulled off one by one. The beetles are then left flaying on the dirt floor. I silently pray that a hen will soon discover them and end their misery. One of the children looks for something else to play with and discovers one of my hair strands. We are to be reminded at this point that the Bougainvillians wear TUPU WHAKARANGI

They

can

found

"He pono tāku e crawling on the wooden mea nei ki a koutou, posts and planks the congregation use to ki te kore koutou sit on and if you are a e tahuri, ā, e pēnei newcomer, to lean on. The more experienced me ngā tamariki are already well aware of the potential for nonohi, e kore these ants to inflict koutou e tomo ki te nasty bites and so keep rangatiratanga o te well clear of them! rangi." Mother's wisdom prevails and realizes Matiu 18:3 a great crop of Afro hair, something they are very proud of. All the more reason why straight hair drew the attention of the children and was used as a “toy” during the service. Firstly it was stretched and measured by a small girl who then displayed it to her neighboring friends, though not at all willing to part with it. It was then rubbed up and down different legs, arms and even tongues! Thankfully at this point, it broke. It was time now to concentrate on the ants. 21

that children and biting ants do not make a happy combination, so bunches of peanuts freshly picked from the garden are distributed and shared around. Once more my concentration returns to the service as I too happily munch on peanuts and think of the joy and effervescence that is to be found in children and the simple things in life. I was reminded Jesus' words . . .

“Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 By Angela Crichton

Through his treachery, Judas supplies sinners with a solemn warning. We learn from his example that a person can be very near to Ihu Karaiti and yet be lost and damned forever. Nobody was ever closer to Christ than the twelve. Judas was one of them, but he is nevertheless in hell today. While he may have given intellectual assent to the truth, he never embraced Christ with heartfelt faith.

WALKING WITH IHU KARAITI BUT FOLLOWING SATAN

Judas wasn't deceived; he was a phony. He understood the truth, and he posed as a believer. Furthermore, he was good at what he did - the cleverest hypocrite we read about in all the Scriptures, for no one ever suspected him. He had everyone completely fooled except Ihu Karaiti. who knew his heart. Wherever God's work is done, there are impostors like Judas. There will always be hypocrites among the brethren. The favourite trick of Satan and those he employs is to 'disguise themselves as servants of righteousness' (2 Corinthians 11:15). Like Judas, such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light' (13-14). The Devil himself is a master at making his work look good - and he is busily at work among the Lord's people. 22