Tupu Whakarangi Magazine Issue 245

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Tupu Whakarangi

GUERRILLAS!

OVERCOMERS

RUTH EDWARDS

This wasn’t a movie; it was real life! I was unaware that a soldier had started to shoot the tyres.

Read about people who have overcome huge physical difficulties with Ihu Karaiti.

Many contacts were made and thus was born the Māori Postal Sunday School.

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ISSUE 245 | WWW.MAORIPOSTAL.CO.NZ

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Contents P — 04

Guerrillas This wasn’t a movie; it was real life! At the time, I was unaware that a soldier had started to shoot the tyres from the opposite direction.

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Overcomers Physical disabilities are not the only condition that people have to overcome.

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Maurice McGhie In seconds I went from being extremely fit and capable to absolutely helpless. My life changed forever!

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Ruth Edwards Many contacts were made, addresses recorded and thus was born the Māori Postal Sunday School (MPSS).

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Footprints in the Sand One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

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Brian and Simonne Young With terminal cancer, Brian never gave up on his faith, no matter the storm or obstacles that came his way.

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MPA in Our Communities Read about how the gospel of Ihu Karaiti through Maori Postal Aotearoa resources are impacting our communities!

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2023 Maramataka Order your 2023 Māori Postal Aotearoa Maramataka.

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Editorial The pohutukawa tree with the whero putiputi has become an established part of Kiwi Christmas tradition. It is often seen on greeting cards and written about in poems and songs.

In 1833 the missionary, Henry Williams, described holding a service under a ‘wide spreading pohutukawa’. The first known reference to the pohutukawa as a Kirihimete Rakau came in 1857 when putiputi of the pohutukawa formed part of the table decorations at a customary feast put on by Ngāpuhi chief, Eruera Patuone.

One Māori legend tells the story of a young warrior named Tawhaki who died while attempting to get to heaven to avenge his father’s death and seek help from the gods. His blood spilled onto the pohutukawa tree as he fell, giving the putiputi their distinctive whero colour.

But the true meaning of Kirihimete is shown in the most amazing act of aroha from Ihowā to man. Ihowā sent His one and only son, Ihu Karaiti, into the world in the form of a man to ultimately die and spill His blood as a sacrifice for our wrong doing so we could have a relationship with Him. This is the birthplace of Kirihimete - a relationship with the one who created us and what happens next is a ripple effect until our Saviour comes. Adam and Eve sinned against Ihowā, choosing to do what He asked them not to. Now there is a broken fellowship between Ihowā and man, but Ihowā doesn’t end the story there. He clothed them in animal skins showing He had made a sacrifice. Even in their rebellion, Ihowā offers a covering for their sin.

The Paipera Tapu is a story showing Ihowā is full of mercy and that even among human failure He keeps saving them. Our Atua is a Atua of relationship. Why? “So that you may know that I am the Lord, your Atua.”

Exodus 6:7 “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 The grace of Ihowā is revealed through the saving work of His Son, Ihu Karaiti.

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 This is the true meaning of Kirihimete: “he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8 What a gift to rejoice and be celebrated! I encourage you this year to stop and ponder the true meaning of Kirihimete!

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Guerrillas!

At the time of writing, Colombia had been in a civil war for just on fifty years. It is a beautiful country with much to offer, but it is sad because of a minority group. Both the reputation of the country and the people have suffered greatly. turned pale. She was aware what this stop could mean for me - a foreigner. Enith, a rural nurse, had been kidnapped by the FARC on various occasions to attend to the wounded in their bush camps. She knew what these people were capable of.

One of the rebel soldiers, armed with an AK-47 machine gun, came on to the bus and order us off. I was busy stuffing my money and ID into my shoe while praying fervently. The first miracle occurred when women were not required to show ID, therefore not revealing my identity as a foreigner. (Foreigners are often kidnapped After having spent a number of years in and held hostage for ransom.)

Colombia’s capital, Bogota, working with YWAM’s street kids’ team, together with Shots were fired in the air as we were a friend (Enith), we offered to “spy” out herded up the road to join others where the land for beginning a new work both in vehicles had also been stopped. A large Medellan, and a town on the north west articulated truck and trailer had purposely been jack-knifed across the highway to region, Montelibano. stop traffic in both directions. The goal of Our first stop was supposed to be the FARC was twofold: firstly to stock up Colombia’s second largest city, Medellan, on supplies through raiding and, secondly, but something unexpected happened on to demonstrate their power among the people by instilling fear. It worked! the way.

The bus on which we were travelling came to a sudden stop. As we looked out the window, we saw armed men dressed in soldier’s uniforms. Their footwear revealed their identity: FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). Gumboots are used instead of the normal army boot. I had often heard of kidnappings, extortions and killings, but this was getting a bit too close to home!

A couple of teenage girls were travelling on the bus with us. Once the shots were fired they became hysterical. One of them grabbed me and asked if we were going to be killed. I remember trying to calm her down, saying with a confidence I did not feel, “Everything will be all right.”

Another woman who had given birth the day before was forced to run with us carrying her newborn in her arms. We were Enith, who is of a darker complexion, all held together as one group.

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It was at this point I became separated from the others. Some rebel soldiers wanted to instil yet even more fear by shooting the twentysix tyres of the truck.

The screams together with gunfire, bullet shells, smoke and exploding of the tyres paralysed me. This wasn’t a movie; it was real life!

At the time, I was unaware a soldier had started to shoot the tyres from the opposite direction. A stray bullet would mean the end. It was only when I heard Enith scream my name that reality set in.

Believing that I would be either shot or kidnapped, I closed my eyes and prayed.

Taking deliberate steps towards Enith and the other people, a strong resolve welled up within: “I am too young to die; there’s so much more to do in this world serving You. Protect me Lord!” And He did!

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wire fences were ripped off paddocks in desperation as vehicles found the quickest exit.

It was then that reality hit with the majority of passengers bursting into tears, men included.

As the bus continued to our destination, behind us the articulated truck used for blocking the road was set aflame by rebel soldiers in an act of defiance.

That night, as shock set in after the day’s drama, Enith and I tied our ankles together as we tried to sleep. The last separation almost cost a life!

“Ka haere koe i roto i te wai, ko ahau hei hoa mōu; i ngā awa anō, e kore e huri mai ki runga i a koe; ki te haere koe i roto i te ahi, e kore koe e wara, e kore anō te mura e kā ki a koe.” Ihāia 43:2

Standing together on the road as a group, we looked up and saw behind the trees another hundred or more soldiers acting as reinforcements. The greatest fear was the presence of the Colombian Army. “When you pass through the waters, I will Should they arrive, a free for all fire-fight be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; when would be inevitable. you walk through the fire, you will not be After what felt like an eternity, we were burned.” Isaiah 43:2 permitted to return to our vehicles. Again weapons were fired to confirm the order. Article by Angela Crichton Because of the blocked road, barbed

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OVERCOMErs

“Ka rite ki tā te hēpara tāna whāngai i tāna kāhui, ka whakaminea ngā reme e tōna ringa, ka hikitia ki tōna uma, ka āta ārahina ngā mea e whakangote ana.”

Ihāia 40:11 We all know several famous people who have used their God-given talents despite being matapō - Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Andreas Bocelli, and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, who use Gospel music to share the aroha of Ihu Karaiti. None of these people have had easy lives but they have had the kaha and perseverance to keep trying until they succeeded.

both got severe frostbite.

Mark had to have both legs amputated below the knee, but with great kaha and determination he built his life again. Mark took up cycling and won a silver medal for cycling in the Paralympic Games in Sydney in the year 2000 , then in January 2002 he In 2007 Bernard Goosen climbed to the summit of from South Africa scaled Mt Aoraki.

Kilimanjaro in a tūru wīra. It took him six days. In 2012, Paul Leefe from Hamilton Kyle Maynard who has no was born with an arthritic forearms or lower legs, condition that affects his crawled to the summit of thumbs, ringa and waewae.

Mount Kilimanjaro without He has used a tūru wīra assistance. from an early age. One day a friend suggested he try Then there is Mark Inglis rugby and, with the support from NZ. Mark and his of whānau and friends, he climbing companion, Philip joined a wheelchair team.

Doole got stuck in a snow cave on Aoraki Mt Cook in Paul also spent six 1982. They were there for months in the USA on a thirteen days before they scholarship. Since then he could be rescued and they has travelled all over the

In 2001 Erik Weihenmayer from USA became the first matapō person to climb Mt Everest, the highest maunga in the world. Then in 2008 he completed the Seven Summits – the highest maunga on each of the continents.

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world representing NZ with the Wheelblacks, competing in the Paralympic Games in Atlanta 1996, and in Sydney in 2000 where they won a bronze medal. Paul is married to Toni who is also disabled due to a trampolining accident when she was young. She has earned a teaching degree and has become a skillful artist, painting with her mouth.

They have a young son.

Physical disabilities are not the only condition that people have to overcome. There are some things that we can’t put right by physical means. We all know people who have overcome the crippling effects of alcohol abuse, drugs, criminal activity, or depression through the transforming power of Ihu Karaiti.

We all, at one time or another, have overwhelming relationship, emotional, financial or spiritual issues. Ihu Karaiti knows and has compassion because He knows what suffering is like. The Paipera Tapu tells us, “ He was hated and rejected; His life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at Him. We despised Him and said, “He is a nobody!”

Isaiah 53:3 CEV Bible Ihu Karaiti acknowledges the weight of our troubles, promising,

“Haere mai ki ahau, e koutou katoa e mauiui ana, e taimaha ana, a maku koutou e whakaokioki.

Tangohia taku ioka ki runga ki a koutou, kia whakaakona koutou e ahau; he ngakau mahaki hoki toku, he ngakau papaku: a e whiwhi koutou ki te okiokinga mo o koutou wairua. He ngawari hoki taku ioka, he mama taku pikaunga.”

Matiu 11:28-30 “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” Matthew 11:28 -30 Ihu Karaiti has the aroha and the power we need to work through our trials.

Past copies of Tupu Whakarangi are full of stories of people who have been down and out but have triumphed over their sins or trials through the saving grace of Ihu Karaiti. Check out some of their testimonies on our website www.maoripostal.co.nz Are you an overcomer too?

Article by Liz Silcock

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maurice mcghie When I was asked if I would provide a copy of my testimony for this magazine, my mind boggled. Although having never left Aotearoa, my life has been filled with many people and situations.

I was blessed to be born into a loving Christian family, and I have never met anyone I would have preferred to have as my Mum and Dad. We had a life typical of Open Brethren of that era. On Sundays we had Sunday School, Bible Class, and other church meetings. During the week we had Girls and Boys Rally, prayer and Bible readings. On Saturdays we had many varied youth activities which we enjoyed, all without alcohol or drugs.

There were six children in our family and my parents were very hospitable. There was always someone coming or going and lots of activity, which made for a very interesting life. Even though I received all that Bible teaching, I would have to admit I was a very naughty boy. By the time I was fifteen, it was really getting me down. I knew what the answer was - I needed to confess my sin to God and hand my life over to Him. When I did this, it took a huge weight off my back, giving me a new lease on life. From then on I became actively involved in church activities.

At the age of 22 I went to a BBQ out at the back of a farm. The river had been recently

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Tupu Whakarangi

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In seconds I went from being extremely fit and capable to absolutely helpless, my life changed forever!

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damned up to form a pool, and was very do nothing to remove that cloth from my murky. I checked the depth in by the bank face. and it was plenty deep enough to dive into.

Somebody went up to a farmhouse to But I dived and landed further out than phone for an ambulance. It was decided where I had checked. I hit a gravel shelf the track was too bumpy for it to come that was just under the surface. I was down, so I was placed in a van on a wooden paralysed from the neck down instantly. seat that ran along the side, with nothing In seconds I went from being extremely to hold me there. fit and capable to absolutely helpless. My life changed forever!

The driver was panicking and drove so fast up the bumpy track that he damaged There were about seventy people at the the radiator of the van. I felt like my head BBQ. A lot of them were splashing around was disconnected from my body, and I so it was quite some time before someone could not use my arms to stop myself realised I was in trouble. from falling if needed.

(About twelve months prior I had had a dream in which this very incident occurred.

At the time I woke in a cold sweat but when I pondered it, I realised I didn’t know that place, so had pushed the dream to the back of my mind.)

When we arrived at the farmhouse, the ambulance was there and the paramedic put me on oxygen. Sometime later the doctor arrived. What took place next is almost unbelievable. The doctor poked and prodded me for a while and then to everybody’s surprise he said: “Take I remember flicking around in the water, him home. He might be a bit stiff in the one minute seeing the sky and then the morning”. I thought he meant “dead”. next muddy water. Almost instantly this dream came back to me. I heard a voice So, they took me out of the ambulance, put saying “Hold your breath”. I had spent a me back in the van and drove me home lot of time under water so I was used to over a windy road, all the time carrying holding my breath. Eventually I was pulled me like a sack of spuds. No stretcher or from the water and laid on the bank. anything to hold my head still.

It must have been a traumatic experience for my friends. I was covered in mud and blood and could not move. Someone tried to clean me up with a wet cloth and for some reason left it over my face. Maybe they thought I was dead. It made it hard for me to breathe, and it was at that moment I realised just how helpless I was. I could

There was no one home at the time. Dad was at work at the hospital, and Mum was at my Aunty’s house. (I have since learned that at least one brother was at home.)

After a few hours a friend arrived to see what was happening. He phoned for another ambulance. When the paramedic

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examined me he said “You have broken your neck”, and immediately took me to the hospital.

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When I arrived ‘World War Three’ broke out. The doctor in charge did not want me there. He said “Send him to Wellington, I don’t want him dying in my hospital.”

However that afternoon two young lady physiotherapists who, having finished their training at the American Airbase at Christchurch, had just started on duty at the hospital. They stood up to the doctor, which must have taken a lot of courage because of the strict hierarchy at the time and physiotherapy was looked on with suspicion.

Fortunately they won the day and I was kept there. They worked with me for hours every day over a long period of time. great grand child. Deciding I needed to control my own working environment we Had I been sent to Wellington I would purchased a dairy/grocery business and have laid on my back for about six weeks, went on to own and operate nine different not moving to prevent further injury. My shops. body would have seized and the outcome would be totally different.

This period of my life lasted about fifteen years. During that period we were burgled The war between the doctors and the countless times, had a lot of theft from our physiotherapists went on almost on a shops, people being untruthful in business daily basis. The doctors said I would never transactions and pulling out of walk again and be unable to have children. unconditional property sales contracts.

They were going to teach me how to live We had money due to us, not paid out after in a wheelchair. On the other side, the sale of property. We were left in debt with a Physiotherapists said to take no notice young family and two shops to operate. At because they were determined to get me one point our mortgage interest went from walking again and after some time they 9% to 21.5% making life really difficult. did but I was left with numerous medical problems.

Other times I was forced to work in service stations at nights, constantly being It became extremely hard to find a full time threatened, intimidated and attacked. One occupation that I could manage and I went night I was threatened, with having my through quite a number of different jobs, home firebombed while I was working. during which time I was exposed to lead, This meant I would be unable to protect carbon monoxide, asbestos, glass dust my family or property. Very traumatic! and agricultural and industrial chemicals, which did nothing to improve my health.

Finally my marriage broke down and the implications of that were far worse than I got married and had three children, and breaking my neck. I ended up in a small now I have thirteen grandchildren and one country town separated from family and

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with no friends. I was sick emotionally, hours of the day and night. Far more than physically and financially. I was full of the average person on a benefit could ever disillusionment. I felt alone and rejected. accomplish. All glory to God. Without Him none of this would have been possible.

If ever there was a candidate for suicide I would like to take this opportunity to it was me. I was in the pits of despair as express my sincere gratitude to my family deep as I could go. (including Jenny who shared over twenty challenging years of her life, helping and However God had not forgotten me!! He supporting me), friends, and the health sent people looking for me and He lifted professionals who worked together with me out of that pit. I’m not talking airy God, achieving the positive outcomes fairy stuff, I’m talking about difficult, hard in my life and getting me to where I am to do, very real and practical things. God today. My faith is stronger than it has ever prevented me from committing suicide, been. from doing things that would have done irreparable damage to my family and I wish all of them, and you the readers, your friends. families and friends a peaceful, joyous and hope filled Christmas season and the I was talking with my brother Jim on the coming year. May God bless you all. phone one day and he said to me, “I cannot do anything to change your circumstances, ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our but I can give you some advice, take your Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He focus off yourself and turn it onto God and has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ helping other people’. from the dead, and into an inheritance At the time my relationship with the Lord that can never perish, spoil or fade. This was not right and my old nature kicked in. inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who “Yeah right!” However God started to work through faith are shielded by God’s power on me and changed my thinking. One day until the coming of the salvation that is I was at the beach and began speaking ready to be revealed in the last time. In all verses and singing worship songs that I this you greatly rejoice, though now for remembered from my youth. That day was a little while you may have had to suffer a turning point in my relationship with grief in all kinds of trials.

God. These have come so that the proven I used to view Him as someone who was genuineness of your faith—of greater worth up there with a big stick, waiting to whack than gold, which perishes even though me everytime I did something wrong. refined by fire—may result in praise, glory Now I know that even though He is holy and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. and just, powerful and awesome beyond Though you have not seen Him, you love description, He is also gracious, merciful Him; and even though you do not see Him and loving. He loves us more than anyone now, you believe in Him and are filled with else could. an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, God supplied my own needs and enabled the salvation of your souls.’ me to help hundreds of people, running 1 Peter 1:3-9 support groups, programs for the elderly and helping individuals. I have met others Article by Maurice McGhie needs by taking them to hospitals, doctors surgeries, mental health services, airports and have been on mercy missions at all

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MPA History

RUTH EDWARDS

Arnot and Ruth Edwards founded the work of Māori Postal Sunday School, now known as Māori Postal Aotearoa.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 “For everything there is where they learned Te Reo Māori. Arnot a season. There is a time to be born and a started writing Bible lessons for Māori time to die.” tamariki to read; there were Bible stories, questions and some colouring to do.

Ruth Euphemia Edwards was born in When completed they would return them Auckland, 23rd January 1923, and died in to Arnot for marking Queensland, Australia on 19 September 2022 - four months short of reaching 100 It wasn’t all straight forward - there was years. no fancy printing press! He used an old typewriter on which he typed, using two Ruth was the youngest of six tamariki. Her fingers. This was a very slow job. father owned the largest daffodil farm in Aotearoa, situated in West Auckland. She He found a lady who “could type with ten has a very unhappy childhood and at age fingers” so he dug her garden while she eleven was thrown out of home by her typed the lessons Arnot had written. A father and told never to return. machine - which would only be found in a museum today - was used to “print” the Eventually she lived with her mother who fifty lessons, one page at a time. Ruth’s told her not to judge her father for his comment about them was “they were actions, as everybody fails in some way rough, but readable.” and forgiveness is necessary. When Ruth left school she worked in a bridal shop When they had their first child, Arnot and factory and was quickly put in charge of Ruth drove their car around Northland the workroom. handing out the printed lessons to tamariki who played by the roadside. Many contacts On 17 June 1944 Ruth married Arnot were made, addresses recorded and thus Edwards from Upper Hutt. Arnot was a was born the Māori Postal Sunday School. returned soldier who had been stationed in the Pacific Islands during the second Serveral years later the number of families world war. They were married in a small reached with the MPSS. lessons had church in New Lynn, West Auckland. grown considerably, not only in Northland, As Arnot was a returned soldier the but to other areas of the North Island also.

Government sent him to work on a farm Arnot and Ruth felt a more central location for over fifteen months. would be better to print and distribute the lessons to branch leaders, who now took Soon afterwards they shifted to Dargaville the lessons to the tamariki in their own district. In 1947 Whanganui was chosen as a suitable city as it was central and had a good postal service.

Over the following years Arnot and Ruth had eight tamariki although Alan, their fourth child, only lived for seven months.

Arnot, along with Ruth had a deep desire to serve the Lord, and to see tamariki come to know Jesus. They talked to parents and

Tupu Whakarangi MPA in our Communities

children about God’s aroha. They prayed that many whānau would find in Jesus a friend and Saviour.

Ruth loved and cared for her tamariki, who were rapidly growing up. She sometimes found it difficult to find the money to give them adequate, healthy kai, but she could adapt well when the need arose. She trusted God to supply ALL their needs, and He did.

She also remembered how her own mother had been able to feed Ruth and her siblings, by adding water to the soup or stew. Ruth coped well when unexpected visitors arrived or with people coming to “stay” after prison release or those who needed somewhere to live because of unfortunate circumstances. She never turned anyone away.

By 1965 MPSS had continued to grow beyond Arnot and Ruth’s expectations.

They were receiving requests from Fiji and some other Pacific Islands, so decided to move to Australia where they set up a postal Sunday School for the people of the Pacific.

We honour Ruth at this time as we look back on her very long and full life. She spent it well serving people, no matter their circumstances or who they were.

She was always available to counsel them and pray with and for them.

Her love for God and faithfulness to Him was amazing and even as her health failed she was able to tell people about her Saviour, Jesus Christ. When whānau gathered at her bedside a short while before her death her son Stan said to her, “Mum, you will be able to see Dad when you go to heaven.” Her reply came quickly, “I’m not worried about Arnot, I want to see Jesus. I know I will see your Dad too!”

No reira: E Rutu haere, haere. Haere ki tou kainga - i roto i te rangi. Haere ki tou Kaiwhakaora a Ihu Karaiti.

Article by Ken Forster (With help from Ruth’s family)

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That comes from the Bible?

Everyday expressions you probably didn’t know come from the paipera tapu.

“A LEOPARD CAN’T CHANGE IT’S SPOTS”

“E taea ranei e te Etiopiana te whakaputa ke tona kiri, e te reparo ranei tona kotingotingo? me kore noa e taea te mahi pai e koutou kua taunga nei ki te mahi kino.” Heremaia 13:23 “Can people change the color of their skin, or a leopard remove its spots? If they could, then you that do nothing but evil could learn to do what is right.”

Jeremiah 13:23 When we think that someone is never going to mend their ways, we sometimes say “Well, a leopard can’t panoni its spots!” We think that a person cannot panoni their nature, and it can be very difficult to change the way we think and behave. But it is not impossible with God’s help.

The Paipera Tapu tells us “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 If we confess we are sinners and ask Jesus to be our Saviour He will come into our manawa and, day by day, change us into a person who knows and shows that he is loved by Ihowā.

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FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

“One night a man had a dream.

He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.

For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to the LORD. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it.

“LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you the most you would leave me.”

The LORD replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

- Margaret Fishback Powers

BRIAN YOUNG

Tupu Whakarangi

Our love story began at Hawera AOG in 2017, where we got to know, understand and learn from God His plans for unmerited favour.

God guided and led us into our new life together, and we were married on Saturday, 20th February 2021.

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through His Word, directed us to the best things in life - family, work friends, church and community.

Brian did the MPA lessons from 2018 - 2020, with the majority of his results being 100% during the time he studied. These Bible We were two people who in previous lessons strengthened his faith and gave him relationships had our hearts broken. We the courage to fight the battles of life. also had trust issues. This led us to desire healing and be restored fully through Jesus. Brian slipped away on Tuesday 6th September 2022 at home with me beside We had to learn to ‘Trust in the Lord with all our him. He had terminal cancer and had tried heart and lean not on our own understanding, different chemo treatments. He never gave but in all our ways acknowledge Him and He up praying. He never gave up on God. He never gave up on his faith, no matter the will direct our path.’ Proverbs 3:5 storm or obstacles that came his way.

“Whakapaua tōu ngākau ki te whakawhirinaki ki a Ihowā, kaua hoki e okioki ki tōu mātauranga ake.” Ngā Whakatauki 3:5

Since Brian’s death different cultures, people, walks of life and children have been brought together. I am excited there are many more souls to bring into the kingdom of God. I will be resuming teaching at the Hawera AOG and will continue to carry on the legacy of This is the promise given to Brian and myself Māori Postal Aotearoa which our town and

by God. “Two are better than one, because region so desperately needs. they get a return for their labour. If either of them falls down one can help the other up. I am blessed that Brian got to know and But pity anyone who falls and has no one to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He help them up. Also, if two lie down together, experienced the covering of God’s grace and they will keep warm. But how can one keep was living his BEST life. This has brought warm alone? Though overpowered two can such peace to me. I know that God will take defend themselves. A cord of three strands care of Brian in paradise. is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 This scripture sealed the deal. My love for Brian grew and I managed to love as I had never loved before. I discovered a NEW me.

When I married Brian I knew that we may have many obstacles to face. Brian had overcome so many things - diabetes, alcoholism, depression, memory loss and the fear of people but God transformed Brian into this outgoing, confident, kind, gentle, caring, loving, protective, determined and faithful husband.

God set me free from the conditions, the PC’s and expectations of this world. God

Article by Simonne Young

STOP - THINK “Ā, he aha te pai ki te tangata, ki te riro i a ia te ao katoa, ā ka kore he ora mōna?” Māka 8:36 “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world but lose his own soul” Mark 8:36 Have you ever stopped to wonder What this life is all about?

Why you’re here and where you’re going When your lease of time runs out?

Maybe you’ve been far too busy, Trying hard to reach your goal; Would you let me ask you kindly, Have you thought about your soul?

You may reach the highest portals, And your dreams may all come true, Wealth and fame may be your portion, And success may shine on you.

All your friends may sing your praises, Not a care on you may roll; What about the great tomorrow Have you thought about your soul?

Don’t forget your days are numbered Though you may be riding high, But, like all of us poor mortals, Someday, sure you have to die.

Your success and fame and glory, Won’t be worth the bell they toll; Let me ask you a question, Have you thought about your soul?

If you’ve never thought it over, Spend a little time today; There is nothing more important, That will ever come your way, Than the joys of sins forgiven, And to know you’ve been made whole, In the name of Christ, my Saviour, Stop and think about your soul.

MPA in our Communities

www.maoripostal.co.nz

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MPA in our Community

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TE TAI TOKERAU, NORTHLAND Kia ora koutou. We are Ned and Ngaire Leefe from the North, sharing a little bit about what we do on the streets of Te Tai Tokerau.

Firstly, we love God and are obedient to God’s calling. When God first told us to go to Kaikohe we thought ‘yes Lord, we will be faithful’. We did not know where, who or what we were going to do. However, God knew and we loved evangelising.

In January of this year, God began to reveal more as we were obedient and so we headed North with five other people we know from different churches. We ended up at the local Kaikohe Skate Park. Before long others joined us from Celebration Church. We would set up every Saturday, and load our car with BBQ and provisions to feed people.

Kids and parents arrived. Such an amazing time of sharing we had with whānau. When winter set in we headed for the main streets of Kaikohe and have been there ever since.

We gave out kai, clothing and karakia. We have heard wonderful testimonies of people turning up to church after meeting people on the street. How good is our God?!

We need to be the best representation of Jesus Christ and let that light shine. We are so very grateful to the committed whanau from Celebration Church for their heart for their community, serving so faithfully every weekend.

Today we are still running and are in four locations. We are able to sustain ourselves by koha and tithe. Thankyou everyone for helping to sow seeds.

James 25.35-36 ‘For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Article by Ngaire Leefe

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY ABOUT MPA IN YOUR COMMUNITY? Send it into us: info.maoripostal.co.nz

POKENO I hold a stall at the Pokeno market.

Interested people call in for discussions, prayer, prepared packages, or seedlings.

The stall operates most Sundays of the year, 6.00am to 12:30pm.

On the left at the top and extreme right at the top are the MPA posters, and also on a turning frame on the corner of the desk.

These posters are a sample of the range of posters we offer in a total package of posters, Calendar, testimonies, TW when available, some children’s colouring sheets, intro information and contact details.

Between the bottom of the three Bibles and my right elbow is the tin with the invitation to donate to MPA. Hanging from the ceiling are six A3 sheets with Bible verses on and these are read each week by people passing by or quoted by tamariki who have learnt them at Sunday School or mass.

On the left are some seedling vege plants we give away, and some donations come from people grateful for these.

Article by Howard Goold

MPA in our Communities

MPA in our CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

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Tupu Whakarangi

BELOW ARE LETTERS RECEIVED FROM INMATES:

Do we listen when God speaks?

He can use anything I have heard whispers so heavenly Established by a love We wander, still He draws near We stumble, He does get harder to hear as we walk away We tend to focus on what we see Accept the Lord is always before your face Know it is us that walks away His heart longs for us to turn back He’s not concerned for your sin and shame Let go of your burdens that wrap around your neck Confess to the Lord you’re overwhelmed by shame Don’t focus on your sin, know you will overcome By his strength and made perfect in weakness That’s the power and wisdom of God We are all sinners justified by faith, Saved by grace.

Ngawha Prison A Blessing (For those in correctional facilities) You have overcome by the blood of the Lamb, kia kaha be strong and courageous in all areas of wellness, You are the head and not the tail.

Every trial will build you. You will not be utterly cast down though you may rise and fall. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Step out, be led, be anxious for nothing. The Lord has you. He is greater than anything you have ever said or done.

Kia Ora I was just reading the latest Tupu Whakarangi magazine and saw Graham Batson had passed away and just wanted to send my blessings and deepest condolences to the Maori Postal whanau. He was a great man for the people over the years and a real inspiration to many. He is now resting in a good place next to our Father in heaven.

Sisters, brothers, walk free in blessing. Look forward, not behind though the waves and wind will toss you to and fro. God’s hand through Jesus will lift and give you perfect peace in the storm.

I would also like to thank all of the people at Maori Postal Aotearoa for the excellent work you all do to provide myself and others with love and peace with your mahi. So from the bottom of my heart, Thank you all.

NRCF

Rimutaka Prision

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www.maoripostal.co.nz

YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD? GO HOME AND LOVE YOUR WHaNAU. - PAUL WASHER “If I wanted to find out whether a man was a Christian, I wouldn’t go to his minister. I would ask his wife. We need more Christian life at home. If a man doesn’t treat his wife right, I don’t want to hear him talk about Christianity.” - D.L Moody

Tupu Whakarangi

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MAori - English Index Aroha - Love Atua - God Heremaia - Jeremiah Ihāia - Isaiah Ihowā - God Ihu Karaiti - Jesus Christ Kaha - Strength Kai - Food Kenehi - Genesis

Kirihimete - Christmas Māka - Mark Manawa - Heart Maramataka - Calendar Matapō - Blind Maunga - Mountain Paipera Tapu - Holy Bible Panoni - Change Putiputi - Flower

Rakau - Tree Rīnga - Arm Tamariki - Children Tūru wīra - Wheelchair Waewae - Leg Whānau - Family Whero - Red

Don’t COMPARE YOURSELF TO THOSE WHO CALL THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS. COMPARE YOURSELF TO SCRIPTURE. - Paul Washer

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www.maoripostal.co.nz

2023 Maramataka If you would like a quantity of 2023 maramataka to distribute or share with whānau and friends, please complete this form and return it to us at the address below.

Alternatively, you can order through our website at www.maoripostal.co.nz/ resources/annual-calendar Our annual maramataka sell out every year so be in quick!

FULL NAME: ADDRESS:

CITY: POSTAL CODE: QUANTITY REQUIRED:

Please note: Orders DO NOT carry over from previous years. If you have ordered maramataka in past years, you will need to place an order for our 2023 Maramataka.

Send to: Māori Postal Aotearoa PO Box 10, Wanganui 4500

Tupu Whakarangi

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