Baptism New Zealand

Greetings from New Zealand. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for His marvelous love and care to our little Field, as New Zealanders would say, “across the ditch”.
Seminar
In November, 2005 we held a series of presentations on “Christ Our Righteousness.” This was held over three days. We had a good attendance from members, both local and isolated, visitors and friends. The topics covered were, Consider Jesus, A Righteous God and Filthy Rags, Justification – Imputed Righteousness, Sanctification – Imparted Righteousness, and Pure White – Righteousness by Faith. The meetings were with Powerpoint presentations, and were videoed. These videos have been copied and distributed to isolated members and friends who were unable to be present. We all came to the realization that none of us are righteous, there is nothing good in us; any righteousness that can be regarded as righteousness, is that which is the gift of God through Jesus Christ.
Baptisms
For more than a year Bro Ronald Johnston has been attending our church here in Auckland. He was happy to find a church that taught and upheld the truth as he had understood it from his own study of the Word of God. During this time we had regular studies with him, and on the 11th December 2005 we rejoiced to witness his baptism. Friends and members gathered at a little creek in a park nearby, and even though heavy showers were predicted by the weather man, God heard our prayers, and we had a lovely warm dry day. After the baptism we had a meal together, followed by the fellowship service and the closing Week of Prayer reading.
On the 15th January, 2006 we met together in Te Aroha for another baptism. For those of us coming from Auckland, it was an early start for the day, as we had to be at the hot pools by 8.00 am. Bro Neil and Sr. Cherry Woods have been associated with our church for a number of years, and it was a privilege for Bro and Sr Mc-Cutcheon to be present here in New Zealand at this time and that Bro Geoff was able to perform the baptism, as they have had many studies and visits together with Bro and Sr. Woods. The hot pools were chosen for the baptism as Bro Neil has a heart condition, and the cold New Zealand waters would have been too great a shock for his heart. The Lord richly blessed us all, and they rejoiced to take their stand together with God’s people. Being so early in the morning, the pool was deserted and we noticed the caretaker listening to the service and taking pictures with his own camera. Following the baptism, we gathered at Bro and Sr Paddison’s home for lunch and the fellowship service. We were all blessed and encouraged by the time spent together.
- M & E Thiel