Turning a New Leaf in Christ

“New Year” doesn’t stay new forever, unlike turning a new leaf in Christ. When does the year stop being new?

Do you display more outward tradition than inward growth? Are you a source of spiritual nourishment or just ornamental in your faith?

Read the first sermon I delivered at Oamaru Baptist Church on 16 January 2022, as part of the pulpit roster.

➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Thank you for filling out our Task Roster

We got our Task Rosker up and running last Sunday. Thanks to all who responded to Bevan’s appeal.

Feel free to jot your name down for any tasks that don’t have a volunteer yet. You might want to pair up with someone who serves the Lord’s Supper, welcomes people, or gathers the offering.

We also have a lineup of volunteers who have offered to mow our lawns. Thank you!

Fellowship lunch on 25th January

Join us for a joyful celebration as we honour our students returning to school in February! We’re hosting a fellowship lunch on Sunday, January 25th.

We would love for you to be a part of it. Please bring a dish to share so we can enjoy a delicious meal together. Come, connect, and celebrate our students! Watch out for more details!

TEE Life of Christ Meetings Resume this week

We are back to our TEE (Tools to Equip and Empower) meetings.

• Group 2, composed of Marjorie and Tony, took up Life of Christ Book 2, Unit 1, on Friday.
• Group 1 will take up Unit 9 of the Life of Christ Book 2 on Sunday, 18th January at 1:00 PM.

We invite others to join the Life of Christ Discipleship Course. Feel free to approach the pastor. Thanks!

Invitation for Baptism

We invite those who believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord to publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ through believer’s baptism (immersion). Please see the pastor or any of the elders, Tony or Rodney, for further information.

Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, baptism is a way of obeying Christ’s command, both for the person being baptised and for the minister performing the baptism.

The Baptist Church believes that believer’s immersion is the only scriptural form of baptism.

Opportunity to support

We learned that Juscar and Johanna travelled to the Philippines last December to attend the burial and wake of Juscar’s mum. They arrived safely back in New Zealand on 31st December 2025.

May I invite anyone who wants to participate in the Filipino tradition of giving “abuloy” (donation) to a bereaved family. This is voluntary. It is our token of solidarity with Juscar, Merly and the whole family. Please feel free to donate any amount to Juscar R Alegado’s account: 01-0964-0094574-00

Thank you very much. May God bless you all!

Christmas 2025 in Retrospect

From festive highlights to heartfelt farewells and inspiring faith stories, this update celebrates community, gratitude, and new beginnings!

Suddenly, the calm anticipation of the New Year brings relaxation, allowing enjoyment of both sun and rain, and, as time would allow, perhaps a slow BBQ.

I’m happy to share a festive collection of photos and stories from our Christmas season! Join in the joy and relive these special moments that will surely warm your heart!

You are invited to organise THE ORDER OF THINGS posted on our hallway wall, preferably, way before Christmas 2026. Thank you!

Preaching at the Cornerstone Bible Community Church, Glenavy

The Cornerstone Bible Community Church in Glenavy invited me to be their guest speaker on their 3rd Founding Anniversary and Thanksgiving celebration on 20th December at the Glenavy Community Hall.

Mission Possible: Thanking God for Answered Prayers

On December 30th at 6:30 PM, we held a three-in-one (Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving) service at Vicky and Andres’s home on Haymans Road, Waimate. This gathering also served as a farewell for Abe and Jeanilyn, who were heading to Balcultha for work.

The gathering was an expression of our heartfelt gratitude to God for all the favourable developments concerning Abe and Jeanilyn’s work visa status. A thankful time for Vicky and Andres, who graciously provided them with temporary shelter while they waited.

Finally, we express our gratitude and hallelujah for all the answers God has provided to our prayers. To God be the glory!

UPDATES: Abe and Jeanilyn finally moved to Balclutha on 6th January. So far, everything is going well for both of them. Jeanilyn successfully transferred her home support work in Balclutha and has been working with clients for a few days. Abe has resumed dairy farm work and is undergoing training on new farm tasks. They have explored a few churches in Balclutha and Gore. They plan to attend Gore Baptist Church, which is 50 minutes away from their work farm.

A strong Year-Ender: Celebrating Marie

The year 2025 ended with the church celebrating the life of our beloved, Marie Van Zyl, on 31 December.

We will forever remember Marie for her conversion story, her commitment to deepening her knowledge of her Saviour, Jesus Christ, and her testimony of repentance and discipleship through baptism.

She has demonstrated that one is never too old to follow and learn about Jesus.

Her enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel has inspired and encouraged us all. She pioneered bringing Jeanette and Jill from Sandringham House to the Sunday service.

Like the ardent and loyal disciple that she was, she fought a good fight and finished her earthly race on 27th March. She belongs to the ages.

Encouragement for the year ahead

As we face the year ahead, we continue the work God has commissioned us to do, bearing in our hearts and minds the works of grace and wonder He has done in the past years.

Like Elisha’s discovery when he took the mantle from Elijah in 2 Kings 2:13-14, let us take on the mantle of mission and work diligently while we have the chance.

¹³ Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. ¹⁴ He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

The Shepherds’ Actions – Our Christmas Do

I am sharing the application part of last Sunday’s message, which is as follows:

They hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby in the manger, just as the angel had told them. The shepherds wasted no time coming to the manger and beholding the newborn Jesus Christ.

With unwavering enthusiasm, they boldly announced the good news (GOSPEL) about the child to everyone who would listen. We must be bold to proclaim the Gospel, “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

They amazed all who heard their story. The people who listened to the shepherds’ story were surprised by their account of the Messiah, Jesus’ birth, and by how real the joy and glory they shared with the people.

1They returned, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. They have become a people of hope, glorifying and praising God.

Christmas 2025 Schedules

Join us in singing Christmas carols at Sandringham House.

Once again, we have the opportunity to share the Christmas message through songs with our neighbouring rest home on 21 December. We will practice at 2:00 PM, then we will go together to the carolling place.

Christmas Eve Service – Be ready to participate.

We invite you all to participate in the Christmas story during the Christmas Eve service. Please read Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and Luke chapter 2 so you will be prepared to contribute. Thank you.

Christmas Day Service – Be ready to share a reflection, memory, or testimony

Let us take a moment to gather and reflect on our Saviour’s birth. We will then bless one another with our reflections, memories, or testimonies. Our one-hour Christmas service will begin at 10:00 AM.

For those who don’t have family to join for Christmas lunch for any reason, we will hold a Church Family Shared Lunch at 12:00 noon in the OBC Tea Area.

After the Church Family Shared Lunch, I want to invite you to join me at Elderslie Estate for some peaceful meditation in the labyrinth or any nook. It is a conducive place to pray, talk and listen to God about your present and future.

Memorial service for Jeanilyn’s Mum

Maria Fe, Jeanilyn’s mother, was laid to rest on 12 December in Iloilo, Philippines. Since Jeanilyn was unable to return home for her mother’s funeral due to issues with her work visa, OBC has arranged a memorial service for Maria Fe on 28 December at 3:00 PM in the OBC Auditorium.

In solidarity with Jeanilyn and Abe during their time of grief, please join us for the memorial service. You are also invited to participate in the Filipino tradition of giving “abuloy” (donation) to a bereaved family through Jeanilyn Pastorpili’s bank account: 38-9024-0843994-00. Thank you, and may God bless you.

“Chairful” and cheerful blessings

Opportunities at OBC

Opportunity to Serve. The Task Roster is a chance to serve. It is a commitment; it’s an opportunity for you to actively participate in worship and service, enriching the lively atmosphere of our church community. Please write your name on the roster sheet on the table in our tea area.

Opportunity to Give your Offerings. Thank you for considering how you can support in the ministry entrusted to OBC. Your generosity is truly valued, and we look forward to celebrating God’s fruitful ministries together.  If you want to set up automatic payments for regular giving or make a one-time donation via online banking, please use the Oamaru Baptist Church account number at ANZ: 06-0941-0015036-00.

Are You Bearing in Love Like a Ball Bearing

Ball bearings play a crucial role in minimising friction, allowing for smooth movement and efficient load transmission in countless machines, from cars to everyday household items!

They enable machines to operate more efficiently, resulting in reduced wear and tear, lower energy consumption, and fewer maintenance requirements. READ MORE ➔

Your Giving Helps OBC Grow in God’s Work

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity;
for God loves a cheerful giver”. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)

We are deeply thankful for your unwavering support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God.

The September financial status indicates that, after nine months, offerings are below the expected budgeted amount.

Thank you for considering how you can partner with us in the ministry entrusted to OBC. Your generosity is truly valued, and we look forward to celebrating God’s fruitful ministries together.

If you want to set up automatic payments for regular giving or make a one-time donation via online banking, please use the Oamaru Baptist Church account number at ANZ: 06-0941-0015036-00.

May the Lord God abundantly bless you and lovingly watch over you.

Opportunity to Serve – October Tasks Roster

Opportunities to serve at OBC are plentiful through the Task Roster. Please don’t hesitate to enlist in any task you would like to do. 

Don’t hesitate to contact Bevan, Jonan, or anyone else for any questions you have. Your involvement makes a difference—thank you!

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, 
and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Upcoming CHURCH EVENTS to Keep an Eye On

We have three upcoming events in November. For more details, click on the titles or select “View Calendar” to browse our Events page.

Invitation for Baptism at OBC

For those who believe in Jesus Christ and haven’t been baptised (immersed) as believers, you are invited to come and be Baptised. 

Your Baptism is a testimony of your desire to be identified with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). 

As Jesus Christ, the Son of God, approached John the Baptist and was baptised at the Jordan River, so every Christian believer, in humility and love, submits to baptism.

Don’t hesitate to contact your pastor if you know of anyone interested in being baptised. Thank you!

National Leader Appointment

Chris Chamberlain recommended for National Leader appointment

The Baptist National Council and Mission Council (Arotahi) have announced their recommendation as Chris Chamberlain for the appointment of National Leader for the Baptist Union of New Zealand.

After a robust recruitment process commencing in October 2024, the search committee, National Council, Mission Council (Arotahi), along with endorsement from Te Whāriki, are collectively pleased to present Chris Chamberlain as their recommendation for National Leader.

The National Council Deputy Chair, Rachelle Martin, currently overseeing the National Leader appointment process has commended the search committee team for their work, saying the next part of the process is ready to begin:

“During this part of the process we encourage all Baptists to engage in prayer and discernment before November’s National Hui in which church delegates will vote in order to confirm the recommendation made by the National Council and Mission Council.”

READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT HERE ➔

Source: Baptist NZ website

OBC is joining the National Hui 2025

As your pastor, I will be representing our church at the National Hui on 6-8 November 2025 at Palmerston North Central Baptist Church.

Why Hui matters

When we gather as a Baptist family, something unique happens. Local stories meet national collaboration. Individual voices shape collective direction. And in the midst of it all, we are reminded that we are part of God’s mission together.

As one delegate put it: “Hui is where I remember that our small church in a small town is part of something so much bigger. It lifts my eyes.”

My hope and prayer is that OBC can send more delegates to the National Hui in the near future.

READ THE PROGRAMME HERE ➔

Ball bearings play a crucial role in minimising friction, allowing for smooth movement and efficient load transmission in countless machines, from cars to everyday household items!

They enable machines to operate more efficiently, resulting in reduced wear and tear, lower energy consumption, and fewer maintenance requirements.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 4:2 to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Bold letters for emphasis mine).

I find inspiration in the humble ball bearing, which beautifully illustrates the concept of “bearing with one another in love.”

Although small, it offers remarkable support, allowing a larger body, such as the shopping cart in the photo, to move seamlessly. I still have to see a ball bearing that is bigger than the load it carries.

To pursue unity and establish our identity in Christ, through bearing with one another in love, we must play a crucial role in minimising friction, facilitating smooth movement, and efficiently transmitting load (ministry tasks).

Operating like a ball bearing, members must enable the church to operate more efficiently by helping one another in humility and gentleness. This way, no one becomes burned out and discouraged, thereby maintaining enthusiasm and requiring less attention.

In conclusion, it’s essential to remember that the shopping trolley requires four ball bearings to function optimally. Ensuring these components are in place will enhance its efficiency and performance.

Let us unite as one in our church community, coming together in purpose and spirit, and each of us in places where we utilise our gifts and passions.

Together, we can achieve great things for God’s glory and honour. Amen!

Foundation Sunday 2025 Message

We have published Peter Rodwell’s message during our 17 August Foundation Sunday sermon for your reading and reflection.

Please take the time to read it by clicking the button below.

Working Bee on August 30!

As we welcome the spring season, please join us for the working bee on 30th August from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

Bring weeding and cutting tools, wheelbarrow, shovel, paint rollers/brush, etc.

Our working bee is also a team-building opportunity and a chance for fellowship. Tea will be served.

September Task Roster – Opportunity to Serve

We are thankful for your joining OBC. We invite you to join our task roster.

Joining this roster is not just a commitment; it’s a chance for you to actively engage in worship and service, contributing to the vibrant life of our church community.

Please write your name on the roster sheet on the table in our tea area.

If you have any questions about the tasks that interest you or need further details, don’t hesitate to contact Bevan, Jonan, or anyone else for help. Your involvement makes a difference—thank you!

Join the church task roster, where the only qualification is availability.

Prayer Meeting Schedule

The church’s prayer meeting schedule is held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of the month.

The Elders have designated the 1st Thursday of each month as their meeting and prayer.

The rest of the month’s Thursdays, from 3:00 to 4:00, are scheduled for the church’s prayer meeting.

OSBA Hui ā Tau (AGM) and Forum Day

Who is this day for?

Anyone who is part of our Baptist family in the region is welcome to attend – it’s not just for pastors or elders. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn more and connect with fellow Baptists, share ideas, and reflect on our collective mission.

May I encourage anyone available to come and participate? We can travel as a group to Alexandra.

Our attendance will enable us to understand our church context, both regionally and nationally, and potentially get involved, as well as meet some new and like-minded people. 

RSVP HERE by Monday, 8 September, so that we can cater appropriately and ensure we have a quorum in place.

Guest

Dr. Paul Jones, Principal, Carey Baptist College 

The newly appointed Principal of Carey, Paul, is keen to get to know people, hear from us all, and understand what we believe are the unique needs of our region and churches. Paul is very relatable, approachable, a great communicator and an all-around nice guy!

Click here for more info on Paul, his research interests and teaching areas. 

Giving

We are deeply thankful for your unwavering support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God.

Your giving is not only appreciated but also crucial in advancing God’s mission and amplifying the impact of His work entrusted to us. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey.

If you want to set up automatic payments for regular giving or make a one-time donation via online banking, please use the Oamaru Baptist Church account number at ANZ: 06-0941-0015036-00.

May the Lord God abundantly bless you and lovingly watch over you.

By Peter Rodwell

I was intrigued that Jonan had asked me to speak and commented that he was very trusting of someone he had never heard speak before. But trust me, he must, for he has asked me to speak on a subject I know very little about, and I am not a Baptist.

I have been a member of several Baptist churches in my life, but more importantly, I have lived in this world for a significant time with the Lord truly at my side, and most of the time, I have been under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Why is celebrating the past so important?

Most people today would say that they live for today and plan for tomorrow, and that the past may be interesting but not very important or useful or even a distraction!!!

Over the past few weeks, Jonan (and Tom) have taught from 1st and 2nd Kings with reference to Elijah and Elishah’s calling. What has this meant to us? Firstly, the importance of

“COMMITMENT, PASSIONATE COMMITMENT”, then of

“LISTENING FOR THE VERY QUIET WORD OF GOD”, and finally

“FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH THAT WORD” with ignited hearts. 

I find the reading of Elijah and Elisha’s faith and commitment to be very encouraging. Likewise, reading of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, all the other prophets, the gospels, and the NT letters of the apostles, is equally encouraging. 

More importantly, reading and hearing the stories of Jesus and His passionate commitment to the task he took on, to be life saving for all of us here today and so many others. Jesus is our “Corner stone”, the others are our “Foundation stones”.

So, a very big yes to the stories/memories of the past. These are very special.

So, what of the Oamaru Baptist Church’s 142^nd anniversary? 

I find the story of Mr Angus and 4 of his colleagues meeting in his home to further the possibility of founding a Baptist church in Oamaru. Then on the 13^th August 1883, 23 foundation members formally constituted this Oamaru Baptist Church in the lecture theatre of the Atheneum (now the museum). Six weeks prior, they had started a Sunday School with 16 children and four teachers. 

They soon outgrew both the Tee St hall and the Atheneum. Under the leadership of a group of outstanding and committed laypeople, a new church was built 6 years later (July 1889) in Severn St, virtually debt-free. 

By then, the church membership had grown significantly, and the Sunday School, on opening, cared for 85 children with 11 teachers. They weren’t to get their first minister/pastor until 1892, some nine years later.

Think about that! Starting with five leaders, no pastor, and only 18 further members, they founded and grew this church. Within 6 years, they multiplied the numbers fourfold. Isn’t that a foundation worth celebrating and inspiring us as a basis for our work today?

Does this lay leadership and commitment inspire us today? 

They started as five, and then within weeks had grown the church to 23 and a Sunday School of 16 children. Within another 6 years, they had significantly grown the membership and the Sunday School of 85 children with 11 teachers, even without a minister/pastor.

I think we should remember and sincerely thank those original leaders, and in that memory, may we be challenged to continue growing this church and the kingdom of God in Oamaru, in NZ, and worldwide as we are instructed by Jesus in the Great Commission.

Jonan (and Tom), through their messages over these last few weeks, challenged us as to “How committed are we?”

Many of us would say that we do not have those skills?!

There are many different programmes around today to help people understand their personality and recognise their Spiritual gifts (e.g. Strength Finders).   Many churches hold seminars to help people find their “Spiritual gifts” and to see where they fit into the body of believers (we are all of one body but of many different parts).

But the call from God is for all of us to the Great Commission (Mark 16 vs 5 “Go out into all the world, preach the Good News, make disciples, heal the sick, and care for the vulnerable”).

We are not all Billy Grahams or even Jonan Castillons, but we are all called, no matter what WE think are our gifts.

Let me now tell you a little of myself. As a seventh former at school, I was an introvert. I could not even stand up in class and read out loud two lines of a poem. Then, in 1976, I had a “God moment”. I have had a good number of these throughout my life, but on this occasion, I was at a three-day city-wide charismatic renewal conference in my home church in Melbourne with about 400 people attending.

On Friday evening, I started crying. I did not know why, and despite many people praying for me, the tears continued. I cried continuously for the three days of the conference, including all night, and was changing my pillowslip at least twice each night, but still I cried and did not know why.

At the time, our second son, Paul, was 4 years old and suffered from Benign Intracranial Hypertension (very high brain pressure – 3-4 times yours and mine), which would make him blind before he was an adult.   We were also told that he was ineducable as his attention span was less than 20 seconds. As the parents among you can imagine, this latter point made him a very demanding child.   

As most of you know, I am a retired medical specialist, and at the time was training in Melbourne to become a Paediatric Surgeon. I believed in God healing people, but my son “didn’t need that” as he was under the care of very skilled doctors.

Well, on the Sunday afternoon of the conference, I handed over my medical skills (my hands and my intellect) to God and figuratively laid my son Paul on the altar for God to heal. I also offered myself for full-time church work in the “healing ministry”. My tears stopped immediately, and I rejoiced. Paul (our second son – now 52) completed 7^th form at school and is now a truck driver, driving B trains – double articulated trucks! Praise God!!!

Three months later, many of us went to another 3-day national charismatic renewal conference in Canberra. At the beginning of the first morning, I was called forward (why me???) and was then asked to open the conference in prayer. Now remember, I couldn’t stand up in class and read two lines of a poem out loud, and I hadn’t changed much over these 10 years (other than now having the Holy Spirit by my side). How was I going to cope with this in front of 4000 people? This could be very embarrassing to say the least (I have a weak bladder).

I needed another “God moment” urgently!

I opened my mouth and prayed for about 15 minutes. My friends in the front row said they all got colds from the draft my knees were creating. Yes, I was nervous, very nervous.   I had no idea what I had said, but received thanks and many compliments.

Later, I listened to a recording of my prayer. My voice did not waiver at all and the prayer was amazing. Not me, but God through the Holy Spirit within me. Whenever I now speak, I am just as nervous, but so long as the Spirit is with me and I have asked God to use me as the vessel, then I am able.

Now, back to each of us and our spiritual gifts. 

Are we really limited? 

Do we only get given one or two spiritual gifts?

Recently, an 80-year-old friend (in our weekly Zoom bible study group) shared that evangelism definitely wasn’t one of her gifts and she wouldn’t be doing it. We talked about the scripture that says we are ALL called to the great Commission, and although we all may use different ways, we must make ourselves available to God and create opportunities to share the Good News wherever we are. The next week, she shared in our group that she had been able to do just that. (after 80 years)! How exciting! PTL!

1 Cor 12 vs 4,5,6:

“There are different kinds of gifts but the same spirit.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, but the same God works ALL of them in ALL men”.

As for sure God and the Holy Spirit aren’t limited,

and if they are in us as Jesus promised …. then neither are we limited! 

God is not dependent on OUR skills and intellect. Remember the story of Balaam’s ass (Numbers 22)? Yes, God used an ass to speak very clearly to Balaam. If God can use an ass to speak, surely God can use each one of us.

We are all called, we are all promised the Holy Spirit, we are all promised God’s wisdom … if only we ask!.

 James 1 vs 5- 6: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt”. 

We will know it is true spiritual wisdom because

James 3 vs 17: “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere”.

At university one day, in the corridor outside the Emergency Dept in Dunedin, a non-Christian class member asked me some very challenging questions about God in a rather aggressive way. As background, there were only six Christians in our class of 120, and even some of the lecturers openly mocked us in class, and the science taught was quite strongly anti-Christian!

This classmate was much bigger and stronger than me, and you may recall that I was a very shy lad. I had not been a Christian very long, and my Bible knowledge was quite limited. Another God moment was needed, as my heart lifted heavenward and called for help. I was stunned at the scriptural answers that came through my mouth, and I learnt a lot.   My rather aggressive colleague became a Christian!! PTL!

I was aware last Sunday that a number of you from Jonan’s study class felt too shy or inadequate to share what the study classes meant to you. Reflect for a moment on what I have shared so far. Are any of us inadequate if the spirit of God is within us?

Now I ask all of you, no matter how shy you may feel, stand up if you can, close your eyes, put your hands face up in front of you, and we will all come together in personal prayer, offer ourselves both in body and in intellect to God for His service. …… silence ……..  

Let us now ask for God’s wisdom, ……… (silence ………)

And remember to ask this whenever we are in need.  …..

(Please feel free to sit down). 

Over these next days, weeks and months (or even years), continue to ask God what He wants you to do. Seek spiritual wisdom and be willing to respond… even if it is not in your comfort zone. 

Being a Christian is never going to be a walk in the park. Jesus made it clear that the walk may include suffering, may include persecution, will unlikely not include wealth and comfort. Are you willing? Are you passionately committed?

I will finish by asking each of us, “What is our personal role in the picture of the Waitaki river dam, power house, and power network going out, that Jonan has shared with us”?

When you have your answer, please share it with Jonan or write it on the board in the tea room.

Now, let us join together and sing “Take My Life and Let it Be.”

While waiting for the musicians to come to lead us, I ask if there is anyone here who does not have a personal relationship with Jesus and would like to? Then please speak to one of the leaders after this service, or simply ask Jesus into your heart and confess your past, asking Jesus for forgiveness. I assure you it will be given.

August marks the foundation month for Oamaru Baptist Church.

Recognising local church history is vital for the church’s existence and ongoing life.

Hebrews 13:7 states, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

Many in the church will forget the 5Ws (What, When, Where, Who, and Why) and 2Hs (How, How much) if the local church history celebration is neglected.

And because they have forgotten the 5Ws and 2Hs of their local church, many would “abandon ship” when the worst crises come. Some of the remaining few will resolve to dissolve the local church, sell the property, and advise the remaining members to join other churches in town.

However, those who are aware of the 5Ws and 2Hs of the local church they are joining will choose to stay and endeavour mightily to continue. They are resolved to await the disposition of God’s Mighty Hand, the rightful owner of the church.

I’ve noticed that many pastors and ministry leaders passionately refer to God’s work as “my” ministry and “my” church, expressing a heartfelt ownership and strong dedication to the mission they serve within the community.

I acknowledge that there have been a few instances when I was in a hurry and made the same mistake of using “my” or “our” in referring to the ministry responsibilities that I have been entrusted with.

I would quickly apologise (if I still have the chance) and clarify that it wasn’t “my” or “mine,” but rather the church I serve and the ministry tasks assigned to me by His church.

Using the proper pronoun reinforces my belief: in my heart and mind, we are merely stewards in His vineyard and servants in His kingdom. Therefore, we are accountable to the one true Master and Owner, the Almighty God.

When people understand that the church and its ministries belong to Him, rather than to the pastor, elders, or ministry leaders, they will take part in that stewardship and accountability.

Three years ago, Oamaru Baptist Church faced a serious crisis. Many members had left for various reasons. Some of those who remained suggested dissolving the local church and selling the property.

The majority of the few remaining church members are dedicated to continuing until “God lifts us from this church,” which is their firm commitment. Church attendance and membership have increased in the last three years.

From fewer than ten Sunday-goers in 2022, Oamaru Baptist Church welcomes 55 to 60 people every Sunday in 2025.

OBC elected its local church elders in June, joining Rachel Murray and the pastor on the governance team. We are currently in a transitional phase during which the full governance responsibilities will be transferred to the local church when the time is right.

We have started an evening service in July. There is an ongoing discipleship course that aims to train members to plant and lead a church. The church continues to grow.

On Oamaru Baptist Church’s 142nd anniversary, this 13 August 2025, we are focusing on the theme, “Passionate Commitment”, to ignite the hearts of those who are attending the church to participate in the various ministries.

When we view the local church as a precious inheritance passed down from the faith of our founders, we become acutely aware of its essential aspects—who, what, when, where, why, how, and how much—and recognise that we are merely the current stewards of God’s work.

As accountable caretakers to the Almighty Owner, we will cherish this responsibility deeply for as long as we live.

But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

“I Know Whom I Have Believed” Hymn By Daniel Whittle

Let us keep praying for His church to grow in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and men. To God be the glory.

Viewing life from God’s perspective

Through the years of searching, I have found that the greatest gift a person can have is the ability to see and live life from God’s perspective.

It is similar to the “what would Jesus do” thinking or asking yourself, “How does Jesus see this?”

It is like what Paul says in Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

It may sound ironic and paradoxical, but being “crucified with Christ” is crucial to experiencing the life that Jesus Christ offers. It means being transfixed into living in love and forgiveness as Christ is.

It is also like what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Jesus Christ clearly said that it is not only “seeking the kingdom of God”. One must seek his righteousness, as well.

It is both the kingdom of God and his righteousness for “all these things” to be added unto you.

Reminder: Fellowship lunch on 3 August

Let’s bring food to share at our Fellowship Lunch after the worship service on Sunday, August 3, to celebrate significant life events such as birthdays and anniversaries.

It is also an occasion to welcome those who have joined us lately. Friendly people of OBC, please take the time to get to know one another, especially those who are new to you.

Ray will be the guest speaker at the Men’s Breakfast on August 9th.

Baptist church men, please take note of the Men’s Breakfast on 9th August, 8:00 AM at the Lagonda Cafe.

Oamaru Baptist Church is the sponsor of the 9th August Men’s Breakfast. Let us (all Baptist men) attend and meet other men in town. The breakfast menu is shown in the picture above.

Your hopes and dreams for OBC

I want to invite all who come to Oamaru Baptist Church to worship, participate in the life and ministry of the church, and “pin” your hopes and dreams for OBC.

On the board at the tea area, I have posted the diagram, “Oamaru Baptist Church – Hydropower Plant Analogy”.

I want us all to participate in fulfilling the aims and functions of the church by writing on a piece of paper your hopes and dreams for OBC. I have provided pens and paper (white sheet or yellow-green post-its) in the adjacent table.

Celebrating our 142nd Founding Anniversary

On 10 August, Sunday, we will have picture-taking sessions as part of our our 142nd Founding Anniversary celebrations.

On 13th August 1883, at a meeting held in the Lecture Hall of the Athenaeum, the Church was formally constituted with a foundation membership of 23.

August is the month we celebrate the founding of the Baptist Church. We have designated the 17th of August as our Foundation Sunday celebration. I have invited Peter Rodwell to be our speaker.

Please note our celebration schedule. The current part of the founding anniversary celebration involves pinning our hopes and dreams for Oamaru Baptist Church.

Giving

We are truly grateful for your steadfast support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God. Your generous contributions are vital in advancing our mission and enhancing the impact of His work.

If you want to set up automatic payments for regular giving or make a one-time donation via online banking, please use the Oamaru Baptist Church account number at ANZ: 06-0941-0015036-00.

Thank you for being an essential part of our church’s journey. May the Lord God abundantly bless you and lovingly watch over you.

“To serve and not to be served”

“To serve and not be served” is a crucial phrase that Jesus Christ told his disciples when they discussed James and John’s request to sit at his right and left in his glory, as well as who should be the greatest in God’s kingdom.

However, the phrase doesn’t end there; he added that in addition to serving, he is to give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus said in Mark 10:43-45 (paraphrased): In contrast to this, anyone who aspires to be great among you must become your servant, and anyone who wants to be first must be the servant of all. Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

May the joy of serving God and others be the unwavering theme of our hearts, guiding us as we worship Him and lovingly serve through His people.

OBC is holding an Evening Service on 20 July @ 6:30 PM

On Sunday, July 20, we will hold two worship services: one at 10:00 AM and one at 6:30 PM.

We currently hold evening services every other week. It is a blessing and an inspiration to hear testimonies from our evening worshippers, which is something our morning worship attendees would also like to hear.

In the spirit of the phrase “to serve and not to be served,” I encourage our regular worship attendees to support our worship services (both morning and evening) by volunteering to assist with various aspects of conducting the services.

We need singers, instrumentalists, door greeters, worship leaders, servers, and many more.

Thank you very much.

Morning Tea for Everybody at OBC

You are invited to come for morning tea at the Oamaru Baptist Church Tea area on Tuesday, 22 July at 10:00 AM.

This tea event is an opportunity to spend moments with people of all ages—a chance to get to know our fellow mates.

Come for some fun and fellowship!

Ray will be the guest speaker at the Men’s Breakfast on August 9th.

Baptist church men, please take note of the Men’s Breakfast on 9th August, 8:00 AM at the Lagonda Cafe.

Let us all support Ray as he shares his message. The cost of the breakfast will be published soon.

Fellowship Lunch on 3rd August

Let’s bring some food to share on Sunday, August 3rd, to celebrate our brothers and sisters who have completed Book 1 of the Life of Christ.

We want to celebrate special life events from recent weeks and months, and to welcome those who have joined our worship and fellowship warmly.

Holding fellowship lunches is also about team-building, where we volunteer to prepare, serve, and help with the aftercare tasks. Please be ready to participate.

TEE Life of Christ Book 1 finishes on 27 July

The TEE-ers or Lifers are just one unit away, Unit 10, from finishing Book 1 of the Life of Christ (LOC).

They will tackle Unit 10, the final unit, on July 27. Then we will have two weeks of review before the Final Exam on 10th August.

Meanwhile, let us celebrate and honour them with a fellowship lunch on 3rd August. We will also hear from our Lifers their testimonies and lessons learned from LOC Book 1.

Giving

We are truly grateful for your steadfast support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God. Your generous contributions are vital in advancing our mission and enhancing the impact of His work.

If you want to set up automatic payments for regular giving or make a one-time donation via online banking, please use the Oamaru Baptist Church account number at ANZ: 06-0941-0015036-00.

Thank you for being an essential part of our church’s journey. May the Lord God abundantly bless you and lovingly watch over you.