Good, Good Father

As we inch closer to our departure to New Zealand, we are continually amazed at all that God does for us.  It isn’t that we don’t think He is capable of taking care of us nor that we don’t believe that He will surround us with others to assist us, it is just coming to a deeper realization of “…how deep and wide… is the love of Christ.” (Romans 8:39, NKJV)

This past Saturday our support team hosted a Spaghetti Lunch and Learn about us going to New Zealand. It was a great time of fellowship and learning about what we will be doing in New Zealand.   We also opened it up for questions that people had about us, New Zealand and Calvary Chapel Bible Institute (CCBI).  Below are a few of the questions that were asked:

-       Do you need to raise support since you will be on staff at the college?

o   Yes, while we will be listed as staff for CCBI, all staff members are not salaried and raise their own support.

-       Will you be staying on-campus?  If not, how much is housing?

o   Since CCBI rents property from a ranch and the student population is on the rise, there is no on-campus housing available.  We will be renting a house/apartment/flat around the town of Rotorua.  Rent is paid weekly in New Zealand and places go for around $275-350 NZD per week on average depending on if it is furnished or other amenities.

-       What will your “normal” day look like?

o   Usually breakfast is on our own and then devotions start around 8:10am.  The first session of classes starts at around 8:50am, the second session of classes start around 11:00am.  Lunch is around 1:00pm and then the third session of classes starts at around 2:30pm.  Dinner will start after 5:30pm depending on the length of the third class session.  Most of the students will then use the evening for homework and study while the staff is usually available for discipleship or questions.  Tuesday night is a Night for Prayer and Thursday nights consist of worship and teaching at the Koinonia service.

-       Will you need a vehicle?

o   Yes, in-town the public transportation is reputable, but where the school is located, as well as for making runs into town, we will be purchasing a vehicle in New Zealand.  (Side note: they do drive on the left-hand side of the road)

-       When are you leaving?

o   Our passports need to be stamped by April 20 for the current Visa to be valid but we are praying that we will be able to leave before then.  The Lord’s timing is perfect and it is ultimately up to Him.

-       How can we financially support you?

o   We are using Shepherd’s Staff for our support agency and our support page can be found HERE.

Do you have any questions that you would like to ask us – about us, New Zealand, CCBI, or what we will be doing?  Email us or visit us at our table on Wednesday nights this month for Missions Month at Calvary Aurora. 

God Bless,

Andrew and Dawn McBride