Wairarapa Reinforcements
On Sunday 27 April, Wairarapa Salvation Army celebrated the enrolment of two soldiers and three adherents, as well as the commissioning of two local officers.
Lieutenant Ashton Vaitaki says, ‘A lot of our people are new to The Salvation Army and had a lot of questions, so we thought let’s run some ‘Mission Matters’ membership classes, teach them about The Salvation Army, and see what happens!’
New soldiers Lesley and William Rowland have been attending the corps since late last year. Ashton shares that the couple had been worshipping separately at different churches for many years but have now found a place where they both feel at home. Lesley serves in children’s ministry and William is part of the ‘boots on the ground’ men’s ministry to the community led by Lieutenant Niko Vaitaki.
‘They are a beautiful couple with prophetic giftings, and they are both so generous with their time,’ says Ashton. ‘They are coming to Congress with us later in the year and we are excited about that!’
Adherents Helen and Bruce Crisp have been part of the corps for four years and together run a thriving playgroup. ‘Helen has such a heart for kids. She is creative and has a gift for bringing stories to life! She also used to be a teacher, which makes her perfect for this ministry,’ explains Ashton.
Niko explains that Bruce used to be in the Defense Force. ‘Bruce remembers chaplains from The Salvation Army bringing hot drinks and food out to the field and what an impression that made on him,’ says Niko.
Adherent Eleanor Hamilton’s first contact with The Salvation Army was through her granny who had her dedicated as a baby in The Salvation Army in Glasgow, Scotland, and taught her many Salvation Army songs. Eleanor sings and plays guitar and Ashton and Niko are so thrilled to have her as part of the corps.
‘Eleanor is so in tune with the Holy Spirit, and we love having her lead us in sung worship,’ says Asthon. ‘She is also one of those people who just gets in there and helps with anything and everything!’
Niko and Ashton are so grateful to add these five committed reinforcements to their team. ‘When we arrived, we had this beautiful building and its lovely grounds,’ explains Ashton. ‘It feels like we are now in a season where God is building his church—the people!’
Niko adds, ‘We prayed and prayed for people to come forward and they have! Every week now people are stepping up and putting their name forward and saying, “Yes, I can do that! Hey, I can help with that, or I can do this!” God has given us good support in his timing which not only takes the weight off us, but it is good to see our people growing in the Lord and in ministry and service.’
Two new local officers have also been commissioned. Charles Toki is the Colour Sergeant (flag bearer), and Cathy Morris is the Corps Sergeant Major (CSM). Charles and his wife Sandi have been part of the corps for many years. Ashton describes Charles as a ‘mighty prayer warrior’ and believes he is the right man for this special job.
‘Given what the flag represents and how it is used at such sacred times of commitment, Charles is the right person to hold it. He understands the weight of those special moments and their significance and will surely be praying!’
Ashton describes Cathy as ‘a force for God’, who was already doing the role of CSM, it just needed to be formalised! ‘Cathy just gets in there and serves, doing whatever is needed. We are so grateful to have her on our team. She has been a soldier of the corps for many years—right back when the corps was first planted by Majors Kylie and Stu Tong (lieutenants at the time).
Niko and Ashton are so grateful to be part of what God is doing in the Wairarapa!
