Moving Forward to the Next Chapter in Ministry at Oamaru

It seems like yesterday, but two years have passed doing pastoral ministry with Oamaru Baptist Church while based in Timaru.

A few years before I got involved with OBC, their membership and support had gradually decreased until the remaining few faithful couldn’t support employing a pastor.

While the organisational situation was telling them that it was practical to stop operation and close the church’s doors, the indomitable faith of the remaining members told them to persist and wait patiently for the Lord. The NZ Baptist Union, through their Regional Leaders, have provided governance for OBC after their pastor resigned in late 2021.

In June 2022, I took the opportunity to pastor Oamaru Baptist Church. That was two years of driving for an hour from Timaru to Oamaru on Thursdays and Sundays. Sometimes, we go to Oamaru on Saturday, and on a few occasions, if needed, I take an extra trip during the week.

Two years later, Oamaru Baptist Church has grown back and is teeming with life. From a few people with a majority of vacant seats to more people with a few empty chairs and then to total seating capacity on several occasions. We witnessed the revival of OBC. It is a miracle.

The Good Shepherd in Psalm 23 reminds me of the shepherd’s role in leading his flock in green pastures and quiet waters and guiding them along the right paths for his name’s sake. These are critical roles that are best carried out in person. Additionally, the church’s growth momentum in the past two years has indicated the need for more pastoral presence.

Thus, my family and I decided to move to Oamaru as the way forward to the next chapter of the ministry God entrusted us. We are excited to start a new season where we will live in the community we minister with.

How we sold our property in Timaru and bought another property in Oamaru is a beautiful testimony of God’s timing and provision that deserves a separate post.

On 5th July, our big move to Oamaru happened; amazingly, it was a stunning sunny and blue sky day. It was raining for almost two weeks before the moving date.

Men from Gleniti Baptist Church and Oamaru Baptist Church helped us load our boxes and furniture.

As planned, another team from OBC waited for us to arrive at our Oamaru home. Two persons ensured street parking for the truck.

When we arrived at almost 1:30 PM, the moving team was happy to find food the women had prepared. The moving team was hungry.

Indeed, the Lord has been the prime mover and provider for all aspects of His work at Oamaru Baptist Church.

The ministry work with Oamaru Baptist Church wouldn’t be possible without the support of the following entities and people:

• Hopevale Trust which has been our ministry partner since 2013.
• The blessings and prayers of Gleniti Baptist Church, our home church in Timaru, to release us for God’s work with OBC is very reassuring.
• Rachel Murray, Regional Leader of the Otago and Southland Baptist Association and Bradley Nicolson, Kānuka Hopestill Limited GM, providing the needed governance and guidance support.
• Oamaru Baptist Church, for their openness and warm acceptance of me and my family.

Let me share two short parables of Jesus in Matthew 13:44-46 that reflect my pastoral ministry journey from the Philippines to New Zealand.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Choosing the one road to the kingdom of heaven whenever life presents a crossroads is a rare and precious opportunity. The crossroads have led us to Oamaru… for now.

To God be the honour and glory!