A First Time for Everything

I wonder what phrases have come to mind for you recently. Lately I have been reminded of the phrase: ‘There is a first time for everything’, probably because that has been my experience.

It all began with the celebration on Rotoroa Island. As I walked up the path from the ferry to the Exhibition Centre, there was a sense of sacredness, of having arrived in a place of hope, discovery and transformation. Over the years, that is what Rotoroa Island was for so many people and now that sense of transformation remains as the island is being restored through the planting of trees. As I walked around the island and soaked in the beauty, I knew that this is truly a remarkable place.

A few days later, I had the privilege of journeying to Samoa to conduct the installation of Majors Stu and Michelle Lee as regional leaders. What a joy to walk through into the arrivals area to be greeted by the youth group and several others singing a blessing to me. Their enthusiasm and passion was so captivating. As I shared in worship and meetings with our Samoan friends and family during my stay, my life was enriched, my understanding enlightened and my leadership energised.

Then recently I was invited to share with those gathered for Recovery Church at Newtown. There was a sense of excitement as we celebrated significant milestones on the journey of recovery. One of the clients was also graduating that evening. The depth of support, encouragement and care extended to her by others on the programme was deeply moving. As she shared her journey with us, it was a witness to a life transformed, a hope renewed and a commitment to choose to live differently.

In all these experiences, I have been reminded of how Jesus loves and values all people, and He desires us each to live with that same attitude. Sometimes, our greatest challenge in this can be ourselves, as we may not see ourselves as Jesus sees us. But, you know, for anything negative that we can say to ourselves, God has a positive response. He sees beyond our thoughts and feelings and sees the potential in each one of us. Let us live in the truth of this verse:

‘This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need
be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending
His Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.’ (John 3:16–17, MSG)

Colonel Jennifer Groves
Chief Secretary