Oamaru Baptist Church is happy to present “To Understand and Be Understood—A Seminar on Assertiveness” on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at OBC.

Our guest resource is Dr. Val Gonzales, from Mesquite, Texas.

Our goal in this seminar is to delve into the essential values and principles that inspire creating a truly supportive and welcoming community that celebrates the richness of diversity, irrespective of race or colour.

Val Gonzales will be our guest speaker during the worship service on June 15 at 10:00 AM. He will preach on the theme of “Church and Mental Wellness.”

Know more about the speaker

Dr. Val Gonzales, Th.D., M.Div., MAC, LPC-LCDC (Retired), is an ordained minister who held a Licensure in Professional Counselling with the state of Texas, USA, Department of State Health and Human Services since 2005 until his formal retirement in 2022. His specialty includes depression, addiction, and co-occurring disorders.

He holds two undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English and Bachelor of Science in Commerce) from Central Philippine University (CPU), where he received the Most Outstanding Student Award.

CPU has also awarded him the 2005 Most Distinguished Centralian Award in Pastoral Counselling.

Val took further studies from the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.); Asia Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary & The School of Psychology of Religion, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (Th.D. in Practical Theology with major in Pastoral Care and Counseling); Eastfield College; and Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas (MAC).

His varied work experiences include the following: church minister, college and seminary professor, personnel manager, program director for psychiatry clinical research, managed-care triage manager, and family, group, and individual therapist. He has over 35 years of pastoral experience and over 30 years of teaching experience.

As a professional educator, Dr. Gonzales has served as adjunct faculty in the Department of Social Sciences and Human Services at Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas (2007-2014). His latest teaching experience was as Dean and Lecturer of the School of Counselling at Singapore Bible College (2014-2020).

Dr. Gonzales wrote Journey of Hope, An Addiction Recovery Manual for Groups, Armour Publishing, Singapore, March 2017 and Addiction: An Integrative Reflection, Palmetto Publishing, USA, April 2024.

Dr. Gonzales is happily married to Chelly Molinos Gonzales. They are joyful parents to Philippe Eirenaeus (married to Fee Patterson, McKinney, Texas) and Tina Rachel (married to Alexander Halitsa of Hamburg, Germany). They have a grandchild, Kingsley Cole Patterson Gonzales, who is almost two years old.  

This seminar is open to all church members and the community. Please plan to attend and invite others.

Which Status of Christian Life Are You?

I am sharing this short reflection, which I wrote in 2014 and was part of my inspirational talk with Filipinos at Invercargill Central Baptist Church.

Meeting and ministering with migrant workers allows me to learn their aspirations and hardships, including their desire to give their families a better life in New Zealand or their home country. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Church Meeting on 11 May Sunday

After the 11th May Sunday worship service, there will be a meeting to decide on two matters:

1. Elders’ election
2. Adjustment to the constitution.

All present are welcome to attend, but only enlisted members can vote.

We will hold a fellowship lunch on Sunday, 11 May, to celebrate Mother’s Day. Please bring food to share.

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.

Two May Events – Ladies’ Morning Tea and Mid-week Fellowship

A Lecture-Seminar on Assertiveness by Dr. Val Gonzales

Our family friends, Dr. Val and Chelly Gonzales, will visit Oamaru from June 9 to 18, 2025.

They live in Mesquite, Texas. Val is an educator, minister, licensed psychotherapist, and amateur photographer who has served in Southeast Asia and North America.

During their visit, Val will preach in the morning and hold a lecture-seminar on assertiveness on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at OBC.

Val will preach about the church and mental health. Please invite your family and friends to join our worship service.

The lecture-seminar “To Understand and To Be Understood—A Seminar on Assertiveness” is open to all church members and the community. Please plan to attend and invite others.

In June 2017, they also came to Timaru, and Val conducted a “Building Relational Skills” lecture at Wilson Street Baptist Church. Let’s pray for their preparation and a safe trip to New Zealand.

On 7th May, at 7:00 PM, Jules Riding, a New Zealand Christian singer embarking on a South Island tour, will share his music and testimony at the OBC auditorium.

He titles this event “Finding God in the Wilderness, ” a mix of songs and the Word.

Your koha or donations are appreciated.

Listen to or Watch Jules’s “I Found Grace” on YouTube.

The invitation surprised me, yet at the same time, delighted me by the opportunity for our kids not only to enjoy the egg hunt but also to have the chance to see the rest home, which is just a few metres from the church, and perhaps meet the residents, staff, and management.

Oamaru Baptist Church and the Sandringham House Rest Home, though having different building numbers, No. 12 and 14, respectively, are located in the same compound and share a driveway.

To celebrate the joyful spirit of Resurrection Day, I requested parents to help their children create Easter greeting cards for our wonderful residents. It’s a lovely way to show our appreciation and spread the message.

The Easter weekend was rainy, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the organisers or the participants. The Easter egg hunt event proceeded as planned.

As anticipated in any children’s game, the Easter egg hunt inspired excitement and joy as they uncovered the colourful chocolate eggs and other hidden “treasures.”

I was told that when the children were asked about the meaning of “Easter,” they responded that it celebrates the rising of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Indeed, this significant event, which occurs on the third day following his crucifixion, signifies hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him. This is the truth that the young and old of the Baptist Church believe in and consistently celebrate.

Observing children enjoying the Easter egg hunt at a rest home, one might easily reflect that the children are catching a glimpse of their future, while the residents are cherishing memories of their childhood years.

However, we must look beyond the physical frailty that old age brings and the energy that the younger years offer, because after all, no one knows when and how our lives on earth will end.

What I reflected on from the joint Easter event at the rest home is how our Lord Jesus Christ has endowed resurrection and eternal life to all, the young and the old.

It is our prayer that through the simple greeting cards, our children have imparted hope and joy to the residents, that among the many joys of Easter, the promise of a resurrected life for all who believe stands out.

I am reminded of the old-time children’s chorus that says,

The time to be happy now
The time to be happy here
And the way to be happy is to make others happy
And to have a little heaven down here.

We appreciate the management of Sandringham House Rest Home for inviting us to the Easter Egg Hunt event and for creating a “little heaven” at No. 12 and No. 14 Sandringham Street this Resurrection Sunday.

To God be the glory!

PHOTO CREDIT: Sandringham House Rest Home FB page

Even the Stones Will Speak

In this Holy Week reflection, the author, Elmo Familiaran, considers the paradox of the weeklong events: Jesus entering in triumph but ending in his crucifixion. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus – Proclaiming the Righteousness of God

I wrote this reflection during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020. A virus, a microscopic organism like a non-living stone, has caused God’s people to proclaim His righteousness louder than before. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

What is Good in Good Friday? Understanding and Embracing its Real Value

This reflection gives us refreshing and meaningful reflections on Good Friday. You are encouraged to read the whole text as you celebrate the Resurrection Weekend. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

7 Good Friday Short Reflections this Resurrection Weekend

When Good Friday comes, we are constantly confronted with, “How can the death of the one, Jesus Christ, be redemption for all?” These short reflections are faith-assuring. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Happy Easter or Happy Resurrection! He Lives! Christ Jesus Lives Today!

What is the meaning and implication of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? This article assures us of who Jesus Christ is and the firm foundation of our joy, peace, and thanksgiving. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The church has been a regular caroller at the rest home, bringing the Christmas message through songs every December.

While I was still in Timaru, the annual ministry at Sandringham House seemed satisfactory. After moving to Oamaru in July 2024, we began to pray about how the church could better minister to the residents, now that we are based in Oamaru.

When I met the rest home owner last year, I offered my availability to be an on-call pastor to minister to a dying resident, which she appreciated. Apart from my regular visitation, the rest home has become a regular focus of prayer, as we pray for the residents, staff, and management.

About two years ago, one resident began attending our Sunday service. A friend who visits her became a church member and invited her to join. This church member stops by the rest home every Sunday to accompany her to church.

In December 2024, a couple from our church moved in. They chose Sandringham House because it is near the Baptist church. Thus, three people from Sandringham House are now attending our worship service.

At the start of 2025, we learned that the couple had to be wheelchair-bound for health and safety reasons. This sparked our wheelchair ministry with Sandringham House.

The church members take turns facilitating our members who use wheelchairs to church before the 10:00 AM worship starts and returning them home afterwards.

After doing the wheelchair routine for over two months, we learned another resident wanted to attend church. As there are only two wheelchairs available at the rest home, we were unable to bring this resident to church.

Additionally, wheelchairs may be unavailable on Sunday mornings due to increased demand. To address this risk and accommodate other residents wishing to attend the Sunday service, the church initiated fundraising efforts for two additional wheelchairs.

A generous church member offered to purchase the wheelchairs while the church raises funds.

The new wheelchairs arrived last week, and three attendees used them during the Sunday worship service on April 13. This brings the number of rest home residents attending our Sunday worship to four.

Thanks to M, our friendly octogenarian church member, who regularly visits J and other residents. She has encouraged two residents to join the Sunday worship.

We thank the Lord for C and B, who minister to and pray for their fellow residents, encouraging them to worship with them at the nearby church, among other prayer requests.

In God’s timing, a ministry has flourished. To God be the glory!

The fundraising for the two wheelchairs is ongoing. Please use the Oamaru Baptist Church account number at ANZ: 06-0941-0015036-00. Label or put “wheelchair” in the reference.

Thank you, and God bless you!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    From the house of the Lord we bless you. Psalm 118:26

How Jesus’s Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem Can Be Our True Victory

Was Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem truly triumphant? The crowd expected him to claim his kingship and overthrow the Roman government, but this did not happen.

In celebration of Palm Sunday, I want to share this brief reflection. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday Schedule

We will hold a Good Friday Service on 18 April at 3:00 PM. We will celebrate the last seven statements of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The Resurrection Sunday will be held on the regular Sunday time at 10:00 AM.

Share your “Resurrection” Stories

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again;
he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15-31-32)

On 20 April, Resurrection Sunday, I invite you to share your “resurrection” story. As many of you might remember from previous celebrations, we share stories about how God has revived, revitalised, or renewed our lives. Please share in three to five minutes. Thank you!

Be a Part of Our Task Roster

OBC needs your participation in the task roster. Join our task roster.

Please actively engage in our worship and service community and brighten our church community. Please write your name on the roster sheet at the tea service area.

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

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

An evening of music and testimony with Jules Riding

On 7th May, at 7:00 PM, Jules Riding, an NZ Christian singer doing a South Island tour, will share his music and testimony at the OBC auditorium.

He titles this event “Finding God in the Wilderness, ” a mix of songs and the Word. Your koha or donations are appreciated.

The wheelchairs have arrived

As announced last Sunday, two new wheelchairs have been purchased, and they arrived this week for use this Sunday.

The arrival of these wheelchairs means that one or two more from Sandringham House could attend our worship service.

For those who want to contribute towards these items, please write “wheelchair” as the reference.

Giving

We are truly grateful for your unwavering support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God. Your generous contributions play a vital role in furthering the mission and deepening the impact of His work. Thank you for being an essential part of the church’s 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.

I titled the first part “The Good, the Bad, and the Life,” which sounds like the famous 1960s movie The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. However, ours is a real-life version that doesn’t get ugly but results in a beautiful life.

Before discussing the “Good” part, do you know why chickens scratch the ground?

God created man and woman to be very GOOD (Genesis 1:26-27; 31)

The notion of being created in the “likeness” of God beautifully emphasizes the profound dignity and immeasurable worth of every human being.

The two critical trees in the middle of the garden (Genesis 2:8-9)

Genesis 2:8-9 says:

⁸ Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 

⁹ The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

In most illustrations and depictions of the creation in our Sunday schools or church presentations, we see only one tree with red fruits, often labelled as “apples” to simplify things.

The trees in God’s garden were pleasing to the eye and good for food. And yes, there were two trees in the middle of the plantation.

The BAD Fall

How the serpent tempted the women

• It casts doubt on the woman (3:1)
• It gave a dishonest affirmation (3:4-5).

MAN AND WOMAN – How the woman and man fell (3:6)

• By her senses, eyes and taste (3:6)
• By their ambition to be “like God” (3:6)
• By sharing the fruit of the forbidden tree (3:6)

How God responds to the bad fall

• Confronts them (3:9-13): Where are you?
• Stipulates the consequences (3:14-20)

The LIFE – “Redemption 101”

The Lord God is our Almighty Creator, and He cannot destroy what He created in His image.

So, God made garments of skin to clothe Adam and his wife. He affirmed that “the man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil,” but He took away the privilege of eternal life.

Rediscovering the “LIFE” we lost

We are on a quest to rediscover and regain the “life” we lost because of Adam and Eve’s bad fall in the Garden of Eden.

Returning to our chicken story, we have had a similar experience to the chickens. In nature, chickens diligently scratch the ground to uncover nourishment for themselves and their young.

Isn’t this a reflection of most people today? They labor tirelessly, striving to carve out a living, yet many find themselves falling short of the rich, fulfilling life that God intended for them.

In contrast to chickens, which a lurking and preying hawk may hunt, we are embraced by the Almighty God, who longs to redeem us.

Ever since we fell from the garden, we have been engrossed in dealing with the good and evil of this world. Many are happy to be stuck believing life is about knowing what is good and bad for them.

The true meaning of life is not merely about identifying what is good and evil and choosing the good, but rather about being empowered to “reach out our hands, take from the tree of life, eat, and live forever.”

Let us not neglect our need to focus on finding true life. We will conclude this series next Sunday.

Life of Christ Course Starts

Twelve people attended the first Life of Christ (LoC) session on Sunday, March 30th.

Six more are joining in another class schedule we will set this week.

With a potential total of 18 persons, we will divide the participants into three groups.

➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

LoC Learners will take up Unit 2 on 6th April, 1:00 PM at the OBC Tea Area.

Working Bee Day is on Saturday, 5th April

Weekly Activity Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
  NOTE: Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information. Thank you!
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 PM

Five OBC Women Will Attend “Connected Across the South”

We are happy to share that five OBC women will attend the Regional Women’s Event at the Dunedin City Baptist Church on Saturday, 5 April, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Let us pray for their (and other delegates from Otago and Southland regions) safe travel to Dunedin and back.

Pray for Rachel Murray, the main speaker; Jewel, and other women who will share their testimonies.

IN PHOTOS: Women and Men of OBC

We thank the Lord for stirring up our men and women. We look forward to more tea, bbq, and fellowships in the months ahead.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Be a Part of the Task Roster

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.

Twelve people attended the first Life of Christ session on Sunday, March 30th, at 1:00 PM at the OBC Tea area.

Six more are joining in another class schedule we will set this week.

With a potential total of 18 persons, we will divide the participants into three groups.

In case you haven’t read our previous post, The Life of Christ by SEAN (Study by Extension for All Nations) is the discipleship course that OBC is undertaking.

Let us pray for inspiration and encouragement for all our Life of Christ learners so that they may find the strength and motivation to finish the course.

Our next session will be on Sunday, April 6, at 1:00 PM at the same venue.