My call to ordination stems from a deep desire to serve my community and glorify God through His Church. The Anglican Movement's emphasis on building transformative local faith communities resonates deeply with this calling.

As a member of the Wellington Interfaith Council, I have had the privilege of witnessing the power of interfaith dialogue in fostering understanding and respect among diverse communities. This experience has further strengthened my belief in the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming spaces within the Church.

Additionally, my work as a coach mentor at All Saints Church has allowed me to see firsthand the transformative power of coaching in helping individuals reach their full potential. This experience has inspired me to explore how coaching can be integrated into the Church to support spiritual growth and discipleship.

As the Wellington Diocese representative of the Tikanga Pakeha Ecumenical Council, I am committed to promoting unity and cooperation among the various Christian denominations in our region. This role has provided me with valuable opportunities to engage in ecumenical dialogue and to explore ways in which we can work together to share the Gospel and serve our communities.

As the first Indian woman to be ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, I am honored to be able to serve my community as a bridge-builder and a symbol of diversity within the Church.

The Anglican Movement's core values of Whakapapa, Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Wairuatanga, and Kaitiakitanga deeply resonate with my own beliefs and aspirations. I am committed to fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our community, extending God's love and hospitality to all, caring for creation, and nurturing and protecting our spiritual and physical environment.

Through my work as a deacon, I hope to embody these values and create a space where individuals can experience the transformative power of God's love and grace. I believe that by living into these values, we can build a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world.

My journey in faith has been marked by a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities I have been given to serve my community and to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am excited to continue this journey as a deacon, working alongside others to build a more inclusive, welcoming, and transformative Church.

The Ordination Service for Cassandra Mesa will be on Saturday 23 November at 2 pm at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.