Community built with blessings
Saturday April 2 was a special day for a fledgling group of West Auckland Christians. It marked the first anniversary of their Waitakere Three Angels Church (Waitac).
Some 70 people turned up for celebrations at the Swanson Primary School hall, where Waitac holds a service every Saturday morning.
For leaders and members the celebration was a time to reflect on 12 months of achievements.
And it was a time to thank God for blessing the church, meeting its needs and nurturing growth. Launching a new church and putting facilities in places for young and old members isn’t easy.
Waitac Leadership team member Bryn Jones has been there from day one. Speaking at the celebration, Bryn outlined how needs arose and how God quickly fulfilled each need.
No church service is possible without a venue. Securing the school hall was crucial. “This hall has served us so well that God appointed this place,’ he said.
Then on the first Sabbath the leaders realised the need for carpets for children to sit on to do colouring-in during the sermon. The following week, a member secured some carpet offcuts from a supplier she knew.
“The Lord knew our need even before we started worshipping here. The carpets were already rolled up, hemmed and ready for us.”
No church is complete without good musicians. When the church was looking to replenish its choir, along came a new member – a talented pianist.
“The rest is history,” Bryn said.
The school’s management also lent its support. When the church was looking for storage space, the school obliged.
Perhaps the biggest achievement of the church has been the launch of a radio station. Members suggested a radio station but how to go about it was unknown, says Bryn.
“A transmitter and antenna was costed at $1300 – all we had in the bank. But we had the conviction this would play a key role in this ministry.”
The account was emptied out and four weeks later Radio Waitac was born, broadcasting on 87.9FM, 24/7 with an excellent range of programmes.
“The Lord blessed as more money came in to support the radio station: a computer, a mixer and other associated hardware and a 12.5m aerial mast which gives coverage as far as New Lynn and Riverhead. The blessings went further: the mast installation and erection was done largely by a group of Pentecostals,” he said.
Bryn says the church founders are happy with progress in the first 12 months.
Waitac was launched by Nathan Mitchell (Ministry Leader), his wife Rona, and Bryn and his wife Christine, who saw the need for a Sabbath keeping church in Swanson. The four are still closely involved in running the church.
The first service drew 23 people; an average of 38 people has attended every Saturday since. However, fostering an individual relationship with God is a key focus for these Christians.
Membership is diverse: Kiwis, Asians, Indians, South Africans andSt Lucians.
But Waitac is not just a Saturday morning service. The church holds regular Bible studies, men’s and women’s activity nights and social outings, even sending a team to support affected residents in Christchurch.
What: Waitakere Three Angels Church
Where: Swanson Primary School Hall 703 Swanson Rd
Time: 9.30am every Saturday
www.waitac.org.nz
Saturday April 2 was a special day for a fledgling group of West Auckland Christians. It marked the first anniversary of their Waitakere Three Angels Church (Waitac).
Some 70 people turned up for celebrations at the Swanson Primary School hall, where Waitac holds a service every Saturday morning....
Saturday April 2 was a special day for a fledgling group of West Auckland Christians. It marked the first anniversary of their Waitakere Three Angels Church (Waitac).
Some 70 people turned up for celebrations at the Swanson Primary School hall, where Waitac holds a service every Saturday morning.
For leaders and members the celebration was a time to reflect on 12 months of achievements.
And it was a time to thank God for blessing the church, meeting its needs and nurturing growth. Launching a new church and putting facilities in places for young and old members isn’t easy.
Waitac Leadership team member Bryn Jones has been there from day one. Speaking at the celebration, Bryn outlined how needs arose and how God quickly fulfilled each need.
No church service is possible without a venue. Securing the school hall was crucial. “This hall has served us so well that God appointed this place,’ he said.
Then on the first Sabbath the leaders realised the need for carpets for children to sit on to do colouring-in during the sermon. The following week, a member secured some carpet offcuts from a supplier she knew.
“The Lord knew our need even before we started worshipping here. The carpets were already rolled up, hemmed and ready for us.”
No church is complete without good musicians. When the church was looking to replenish its choir, along came a new member – a talented pianist.
“The rest is history,” Bryn said.
The school’s management also lent its support. When the church was looking for storage space, the school obliged.
Perhaps the biggest achievement of the church has been the launch of a radio station. Members suggested a radio station but how to go about it was unknown, says Bryn.
“A transmitter and antenna was costed at $1300 – all we had in the bank. But we had the conviction this would play a key role in this ministry.”
The account was emptied out and four weeks later Radio Waitac was born, broadcasting on 87.9FM, 24/7 with an excellent range of programmes.
“The Lord blessed as more money came in to support the radio station: a computer, a mixer and other associated hardware and a 12.5m aerial mast which gives coverage as far as New Lynn and Riverhead. The blessings went further: the mast installation and erection was done largely by a group of Pentecostals,” he said.
Bryn says the church founders are happy with progress in the first 12 months.
Waitac was launched by Nathan Mitchell (Ministry Leader), his wife Rona, and Bryn and his wife Christine, who saw the need for a Sabbath keeping church in Swanson. The four are still closely involved in running the church.
The first service drew 23 people; an average of 38 people has attended every Saturday since. However, fostering an individual relationship with God is a key focus for these Christians.
Membership is diverse: Kiwis, Asians, Indians, South Africans andSt Lucians.
But Waitac is not just a Saturday morning service. The church holds regular Bible studies, men’s and women’s activity nights and social outings, even sending a team to support affected residents in Christchurch.
What: Waitakere Three Angels Church
Where: Swanson Primary School Hall 703 Swanson Rd
Time: 9.30am every Saturday
www.waitac.org.nz
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