A new GCI church was launched recently in Masterton, New Zealand. Of the 25 people who attended the first service (pictured below), most came from the nearby community, including friends and colleagues of Manny Ornejas (pictured at right) who helped plant the church. Manny had pastored in the Philippines prior to moving to New Zealand to work as a beekeeper. He found a sizeable Filipino population in Masterton and discovered that many of them do not have a church home. The new church is reaching out to this group of unchurched people.
At the inaugural service, Manny gave an opening devotional. That was followed by a sermon from Dennis Richards. The service was followed by afternoon tea, providing time for fellowship during which new friendships were formed.
The missional drive and scope of Filipino Christians is truly remarkable. We could sure use some of that zeal in our rather spiritually challenged
European continent.
Our congratulations to the new church!
Manny keep up the good work. It’s a joy to see you doing God’s work. Congratulations.
I, too, am awed and thankful as to how God uses his servants in and from the Philippines.