BACKGROUND
In 1970 PIPC (Pacific Island Presbyterian Church) was confirmed with the merger of Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa (NZ). It was at this time that the English Speaking Group was established with the appointment of Youth elders/English speaking elders – some Samoan and Cook Island elders were seconded to this group. 53 years on and the English Speaking Group continues to grow with a new generation of elders who have grown up at PIPC and called to serve in the capacity of ESG elders.
21ST CENTURY ESG
” … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another ..” Hebrews 10:23-25
The English Speaking Group became ESGConnect with it’s focus based on Hebrews 10:23-25 – to equip; to encourage; to fellowship and to serve. It is a kingdom focus – looking beyond our own church walls. We are a small and dynamic group of elders and members each with a desire to love God and to share His love with others. We believe in our PIPC Newton church vision and it is our desire to work alongside our brothers and sisters in our church to see this vision come to fruition.
ESGCONNECT MINISTRIES & PARTNERSHIPS
ESG Connect supports the following ministries and partnerships as part of the call to reach beyond our walls into communities and market places.
PENNIES FROM HEAVEN
“ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17 PFH was founded by Naomi Unasa. It is a ministry which has served communities throughout Auckland for over 15 years. Provision of food packs and monetary gifts all make up these most treasured packs. Naomi Unasa and her team Matalena Samuelu and Lynette Tuia work tirelessly to ensure that PFH parcels are created and distributed to need families every month.
FEEDING THE HOMELESS
ESGConnect partners with Seed2Harvest and their Beloved Ministry https://www.seed2harvest.co.nz/beloved. ESGConnect helps S2H with cooking food and serving. S2H states: “As the S2H Beloved Street Ministry team, the least is reference to everyone, we are not better off or better than, at some point in our lives we have all transitioned through trying and testing times. This really speaks to our approach as a Seed 2 Harvest ministry team, we are aware that we are entering their space and are respectful of the role we each play in this ministry.” In partnership we enable His word and His love to go beyond the four walls.
ALOFAWHOLENESS YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Isaiah 61:3 ” A crown of beauty for ashes, oil of joy mourning and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness”
In 2017 Roz Tuitama, one of our elders was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. It was during one of her chemo treatments that Roz felt led by the Lord to create carepacks for loved ones going through cancer. These carepacks contained items that helped Roz cope with treatments. Roz with the help of her husband John and children created these carepacks from their kitchen table. In 2019 and 2020 Roz cancer returned on her lungs but she battled on believing in the power of His word and is now healed! ESGConnect are partnering with Alofawholeness in the ministry of reaching loved ones going through this battle. You can check out Alofawholeness on their Facebook pages Alofawholeness Move health awareness.
