Sunday 10 May 2026
Kia ora koutou, and warm greetings and Talofa lava!
It is wonderful to be back here at St Peters after being away for the past month. Felicity and I return home thankful to God for safe travels, rich experiences, and the opportunity to witness something of the beauty and diversity of His creation. As we travelled, we were often reminded of just how gracious and creative our Lord is — and how good it is to return to beautiful New Zealand once again. Thank you sincerely for your prayers while we have been away. We certainly felt the comfort of those prayers surrounding and protecting us. Over the coming weeks, I hope to share a few of our experiences including the many “St Peter” churches we visited.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, we pause to give thanks to God for the gift of mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, and all women who nurture, guide, encourage, and love others with grace and faithfulness. Motherhood reflects something of the compassionate heart of God; patient, sacrificial, caring, and present.
Mother’s Day can also bring mixed emotions. Alongside celebration and gratitude, there may also be grief, absence, or longing. Some mourn mothers who are no longer with us. Some carry the ache of strained relationships, infertility, loss, or unmet hopes. But scripture reminds us:
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13
What a powerful image of God’s love, comforting, sustaining, and drawing near. These words reveal the tenderness of God toward His people: a God who comforts, strengthens, and walks beside us through every season of life.
So personally, I want to thank and acknowledge the women within our church family who so faithfully care, serve, encourage, and pray for others. Your love and commitment are a blessing to many, and your ministry through everyday acts of kindness reflects the grace of Christ in powerful ways.
I look forward to catching up with many of you over the special Mother’s Day morning tea being hosted by the ladies from the Events Team after church this Sunday.
Grace and peace to you all.
about author
Ordained in 2022 after 20+ years in the education sector as a Teacher, Principal and Education consultant. Reverend Enosa heard God’s call to enter the ministry. Now Senior Minister of St Peter’s Church in Tauranga, he leads a vibrant Church in the heart of the City reaching out to the local community.
