July 30th is the United Nations Global Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Throughout the world people trafficking and labour exploitation is increasing with no country left untouched. Such abuse happens within communities, and it occurs in cities and rural areas too. In fact in all places where such criminal activity is occurring there will be a church nearby.

In light up the upcoming theological conversation, ‘Hovels, Havens & Homes’, being hosted at Ramsey House on Tuesday the 11th of August, Dr. Andrew Shepherd issues a challenge to all followers of Jesus to be a part of the solution to the housing crisis here in Aotearoa.

Last week my attention was caught by the logo of a local counsellor which had a large dandelion head being blown and its seeds being launched. “What a great image of the Church”, I thought, “coming to maturity and flowering so that by the wind of the Spirit, seeds of new life could be spread afar”

Sophie Otiende powerfully quoted Maya Angelo when she stated “I come as one but I stand as ten thousand”. A survivor of human trafficking, Sophie from Kenya is now works tirelessly to assist other women to take their first steps to freedom…

“The start of a mental illness or disorder can happen at any time in a person’s life. One way to think of mental distress is that it’s always an uninvited guest. No one wants depression or panic attacks, for example, to come on into their lives, stake a claim in their headspace, unpack, and settle in for a long stay!”

There’s been a lot more talk about mental health. Have you noticed? Even in our churches. New Zealand’s been experiencing a rising tide of mental distress and addiction. One in 6 adults will be diagnosed with a common mental disorder at some point in their lives, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar…

Recently a young boy lay in Wellington Hospital on life support, in a serious situation. The family were devastated and in need of support. The young boy’s father had been attending a Hindi-speaking Christian prayer group, led by Rev. James Vinod from St John’s Johnsonville…

For the past five years, a collection of young adults from Blueprint Church in Central Wellington have been hosting handball (foursquare) on the corner of Cuba and Manners Streets. Every Wednesday night from 9.30-11pm, anyone and everyone is welcome…