From Ben’s Desk

We have all been saddened to hear of the devastation, suffering and loss of life that is unfolding in Nepal over recent days. It has been estimated that over 4000 people have lost their lives. Nepalese hospitals are overflowing with the injured, and ¼ of the population are in need. This huge devastation comes on…

This past month our country has been in the grip of the cricket world cup. Even those, who in the past hardly followed NZ cricket, have become fans overnight as our team went all the way to the final. Sadly the final match was a huge disappointment. I am aware that our boys did their…

In the 10 years I have lived in N.Z. I can’t remember a time, (apart from the 2011 rugby world cup) when our country was in a more positive spirit of optimism. The cricket world cup semi- final against S.A. has brought a spirit of joyful enthusiasm and anticipation to the country that I have…

We have all been made aware of the huge damage caused by the recent cyclone Pam. Fortunately it did not cause much damage to N.Z, but it has totally devastated our Pacific neighbour, Vanuatu, decimating the entire infrastructure. This is a huge disaster that calls not only for our sympathy and prayers, but also for…

A minister friend of mine introduced me to a new series of DVD’s that have just been released, called “Towards belief”. It is a 10 part study on the belief blockers that so many people find so hard to deal with in the Christian life, ie. Suffering, religious violence, homosexuality, God and science, etc. I…

This morning in my Bible reading I read about Philip, who was sent by God from a busy, active church ministry to reach out to just one man on a busy desert road. As I read the passage I was reminded that God is not impressed with big numbers, but every individual is valuable to…

I attended a 2 day workshop and conference this past week, which was very productive and stimulating. On one of the mornings, a minister lead the devotions on the subject, “Do not be ashamed.” It was very challenging and a timely reminder to me, not in any way to feel intimidated, apologetic or ashamed of…

From Ben’s Desk (22nd February) As I have reflected on the inhumane atrocity that took place this past week, when 21 innocent Coptic Christians men were savagely and ruthlessly murdered by ISIS, I have been deeply saddened. We need to take note of this growing militant warfare against the Western World by radical Islamic terrorists….

You may have noticed in the news that there has been a strong backlash against a N.Z. Maori king’s son. It appears that this young man has broken the law and should be liable for punishment and spend time behind bars. The judge however has dropped the charges against him and his co-accused because of…

This week’s message has come as a surprise to me as it forced me to confront a subject that I have hardly ever considered before. It made me reflect on the very real area of doubt. As I researched and reflected on this subject I have to confess that I too have had moments of…