October 15-21

This week has been all about getting ready to party! St. Luke's celebrated their 125th anniversary (note: one of the oldest Lutheran churches in New Zealand) and the kick off for the big event began Friday evening with a wine and cheese mingling event. It was great to mix and meet other Lutherans from around New Zealand and hear more about the history of this church. Dr. Steen Olsen, late president of the LCNZ, wrote a short book on St. Luke's and gave all who registered for the weekend a signed copy. Ken was excited to see his name in one of the final sentences of the last chapter, which states "Ken Chitwood, a graduate from Concordia University in Irvine Califonia, was appointed for an 18 month term, and he began work in August 2007. This will fulfill his intern requirements and qualify him as a 'Director of Christian Education'." Although, it is humbling to realize that as much vision and excitement Ken and I have for our mission at St. Luke's, we also see that we are but a "blip on the screen" - this church is a strong one that has been around far longer than we have been living, and will continue to exist for many more years, God willing.

Saturday morning was filled with Dr. Steen Olsen speaking on "Past Reflections" and Harry Wendt (world renown creator of Crossways International Bible Study materials and who has worked in over 32 countries as well as pastor here from 1958-1963) who spoke on 'Future Directions." It was great to eat lunch with them and get to know more about these wise leaders who not only have led St. Luke's in the past, but also lead the wider christian church around the world through their mission and research. Ken and I both look forward to learning more from Harry Wendt at the church workers conference coming up this next week in Auckland. Saturday evening closed with a nice dinner at the Palmerston North Convention center with keynote speaker John Henderson reigniting the vision of our ministry to our community and world.

Sunday morning worship held close to 300 people celebrating the anniversary, as well as to say farewell to Dr. Steen Olsen as he was formally released from his position as LCNZ president. Afternoon tea followed with lots of eating and greeting - Ken and I were excited to see other leaders from the youth camp a few weeks ago and to catch up with them.

Over the weekend, Ken enjoyed getting to talk to some of these "big" leaders of the Lutheran church, especially Harry Wendt of whom Ken's classes at Concordia used many of his books. I also enjoyed getting to know some of the other music "leaders" of the LCNZ and am trying to coordinate a possible NZ music conference next fall 2008 (your spring) with some of them leading sessions. Although, both Ken and I tried to keep work out of the weekend and just enjoy the celebrations!

The preceding days to the event were busy for everyone in the church office as it was filled with last minute to-dos and extra people milling around the space. Thank you for your prayers for some ministry issues we've run into - things aren't necessarily "perfect" but they are working themselves out and with time.

We're off to Auckland early this week - leaving late Sunday afternoon, taking a few days for holiday before the conference starts Wednesday. We thank you for all your thoughts and prayers - we really do feel them all the way down here! A great answered prayer from this last week: as homesick as we get sometimes, Lawrence and Judi stepped into our lives and although they had no clue what we were thinking or feeling, just randomly expressed to us how we feel like children to them, giving us hugs! It is awesome how God hears everything we pray for, and the support the Satherleys unknowingly gave to us really boosted our emotions. Especially since Lawrence really reminds Ken of his dad, and Judi is bubbly and outgoing like my mom! So yes, thank you for your thoughts and prayers - this is just one example of how they do get answered every day down here in our lives!

p.s. photos will be posted later next week