I have been in New Zealand for almost 35 years now and today I am reading what a New Zealander, living in Germany, says (NORTH & SOUTH magazine, February 2011):

“New Zealanders are able to think outside the box and be flexible.

Germans love a good rule to stick by.

New Zealanders have a great ability to adapt and give things a go.

Germans may hold back because they don’t think they’re qualified or allowed to do something.” – Hamish Morrison, Owner of an art gallery in Berlin

 I wish I would have known that when I arrived in New Zealand for the first time! 

“Kaitaia Primary School, Room 12 Raising Awareness of Child Poverty”

That is written on the flyer, I received today in front of the Post Office in KAITAIA.

On the flyer it says also:

“CHILD POVERTY AFFECTS US ALL!!!”

“CHILD POVERTY AFFECTS US ALL!!!

– Children are our Future

– Give Them Your time

– Give Them Hope

– Help Them Achieve Their Dreams”

I was born in Germany and have been living in New Zealand non-stop since the end of 1979.

That’s why I am very much interested in what I read today in the magazine called NORTH & SOUTH (February 2011):

COOPERS BEACH / NORTHLAND / NZ

A New Zealander, living in Germany, was asked, “How is New Zealand perceived by Germans?”

Here is his answer:

“Mention the name ‘New Zealand’ and their eyes light up. The image of New Zealand as a beautiful landscape translates for many people into thinking that the country is an organic, liberal, non-polluted and totally relaxed, problem-free paradise.”

My eyes light up when you mention ‘HEAVEN’.

Heaven is a place without death, tears, sorrow, crying, pain hunger, thirst, liars and thieves.

Heaven is called paradise. Second Corinthians 12:4

Yesterday I learned about an “internet resource to support communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.”

CommunityNet Aotearoa

On the back of the card it says, “At CommunityNet Aotearoa, you’ll find resources to help New Zealand community groups do amazing things, as well as news, job vacancies, new policies, upcoming events, training, hot topics.”

Let us pray that the “hot topic” will be praying for the community.

Linda Bond is the general of The Salvation Army and she says:

“Revival comes, when we stop praying for ourselves and start praying for the community.  God has raised up The Salvation Army for its communities.”

SHOVEL

“When we ask God to move a mountain, God may give us a shovel.” – Shane Claiborne

“Get the right kinds of religion and it will make you feel. If you have not the right kind of feeling, I am afraid you do not have the right kind of religion.” – Catherine Booth, Papers in Godliness