250 from Emergency housing enjoyed Christmas brunch
The message of Jesus was shared with 250 people from Emergency Accommodation in Christchurch
Te Mapua partnered with 8 wonderful churches in the week before Christmas, to bring joy and the message of Jesus to over 250 people in Emergency Accommodation here in Christchurch. We worked with over 100 fantastic volunteers who helped us host families who were facing extreme hardship and bring them a Brunch experience like no other!
Our welcome teams and host teams greeted each family and settled them in for pancakes, fruit salad and barista coffee, and played table games with the children, getting to know each one, sharing the love of God over kai.
Then our children's team ran a Kids programme - sharing the message and scripture around "God's love never fails!". We told the Christmas story too of God's love in the form of His son, given for us. Our kids loved it and left chanting ' Jingle bells, God's love never fails"!!
While the children were in their programme, our gift shop team took parents through to choose free gifts for their children for Christmas! There were many tears of gratitude as our people lovingly helped them choose and wrap gifts for each of their children. We organised family photos too and heard from the majority that it was the first family photo they had had taken! Many people were prayed with, and God's message of hope shared. We heard stories of real struggle, poverty and brokenness, with many families saying they had thought they wouldn't have been able to have a Christmas this year, until they came to our brunches and left with some hope and excitement.
Working in unity with the family of God was a huge highlight - and seeing so many people working in their strengths and anointing to reach the lost was truly inspiring. Absolutely the best Christmas experience. Glory to our wonderful God.
Amy Marsden
Te Mapua Child/Youth Trust Director
Caring for the precious Children of Christchurch