Why am I at Hinemaurea Marae?

Papa Don (82 year old “retired” builder)

Having made a Covenant with God to be available for whatever service he had for me, was the motivating factor in being part of this team.

I cannot deny that there have been days when my age began to tell, but God has granted me the enabling. My association with Māoritanga (culture) dates to my earliest years, however this present trip, and the opportunities for outreach, surpasses all previous endeavours. To God be the Glory.

Terry (Mid-30's electrician)

When first approached by Don Row I was keen to go there and then. As we got close to leaving I had a lot of work to do at Gateway Baptist Church, which I didn’t like to leave for others. So that, or someone not wanting me to go, was hard.

I believe I have been selected as one of the team to serve for the Lord in the community at Hicks Bay. I am here not only to serve but to understand the culture and learn more about the people and share God’s Word. God is good!

Davis (17 year old soon-to-be engineering student)

I first heard about the trip through various family members, who were all encouraging me to go, although there was enough motivation on my behalf, due to the fact that I had already visited with the Ngati Porou at Hicks Bay.

My memories of the good people and strong Christian community here urged me to lend a helping hand.

Bob (retired engineer and administrator)

I responded to an invitation from Don Row to join the team – apprehensive at first because I am not a tradesman – but at least I could assist those with the trade skills. I seemed to get a “green light” from God and family, so I came.

David (50 year old engineering design contractor)

When I first heard about this project I thought “I would love to go but am too busy with work”. God opened up and changed the work situation so I could come. I have reached a stage where I am wanting to help people instead of just taking care of my family and self. God has called me to serve and love others.

Damon (16 year old carpentry apprentice)

I believe God has given us all gifts (skills), and to help others is awesome. I also want to be a positive witness for Christ.

Jeff (50 years+ professional home handyman)

I believe that God wants me here. There was also no reason not to come, no family commitments or pressures, nor financial restraints.

The chance of seeing my niece after seventeen years had a definite leaning on my decision (althought it wasn’t the main reason), and that was made more crucial by recent events at home.

In hindsight, I’d say this trip was as much about my “growth” as it is about the work here on the Marae.

Andrew (45 year old desk jockey)

A time comes in everyone’s life (hopefully) where one just says “I’m going”. Lot’s of excuses as to why not – too much work to do being the main one – but a compelling reason as to why – because I felt I should.

What had “drawn” me was an 82 year old Kiwi joker called Don Row, whom I’d been rubbing shoulders with in the same church community for almost 20 years, but whom I’d never really got to know. I’d watched Don’s building teams go from and return to our church for years, some time back started to think “I’d like to join one of Don’s teams”, but never acted on it.

This time I sensed the timing was right, and after a month or two of vacillating, the flight was booked and Hinemaurea Marae awaited . . .