Connect is a place of inclusive, non-judgmental belonging.

Both the Old and New Testaments have much to say about God’s people helping the poor. In expanding the Ten Commandments the Lord commanded Moses that the Israelites were to leave some of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner (Lev 19:9-10). God also called them to cancel debts that fellow Israelites owed them, at the end of every seven years. We must be open-handed toward the poor and needy in our land because the poor will always be with us (Deut 15: 1-11). Psalm 35:10 says that God rescues the poor from those too strong for them. Jesus told the rich young man, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me,” (Mt 19:21). Jesus also said that when we host a lunch or dinner, don’t invite friends and family who can pay you back, but invite the poor, and disabled people, who can’t pay you back.

Our church was planted in a land of plenty, but also a land of little. We have both rich and poor in our neighbourhood, but the call for us has always been to welcome everyone, no matter what race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Many people have come to Connect for a time of refuge, belonging and healing. I love the welcoming, inclusive arms of our people.

We look forward to the people we will meet through The Manurewa Central Debt Centre launched here today, and I know that we will journey with clients well, giving them a hand-up as they do the hard mahi of recovering from debt.

We also look forward to the people we will meet through the Free English classes Esther and Jackie are running here on Wednesday evenings and Thursday daytime, starting in May. I’ve met people just lately from India who have not been here long and need a hand-up to improve their English, while navigating a new life and work in NZ. Let’s get alongside this great initiative.

Well done Connect family. This is truly living out the gospel.