Happy New Year! 2012

Hope yours was a Merry Christmas!

Hope every one's Christmas was special...with family and friends!  We are closing out what was for many a very tumultuous 2011.

The Gates of Glory family prayerfully expresses many many blessings full of joy and peace for this New Year!  Though 2012 is anticipated to be somewhat rugged by the world/media standards, we as believers are looking forward to "new beginnings" and demonstrations of His huge love and grace to our nation and others!  

Love from all of us to you and yours!!

Steve and Abbie Return to Australia

We will miss their youthful zeal and love, but we will continue in prayer support as they venture back into a new living area and seek His direction and ministry.  They have been married a little over a year now.  Both have been called to travel preaching the gospel with signs and wonders, healing the sick, helping the poor and disdvantaged.  Abbie will return to a teaching job as a special education teacher at her school.  Steve will be seeking part-time employment while he spends time in the Word and prayer.  They need a car for transport to work...please join us as we are praying for the finances and just the right car.  If you would like to help them with this, make a note after you click the "Donate" button above and we will assign it to them.

Birthday for Luella!

Yes, she is officially at retirement age...but not retired!  Just a couple of weeks before, she received calls from old high school and college classmates...she was MIA until now.  One college mate (Aussie term), Pam, found her on Facebook and called saying that she had been looking for her for the last five years.  Pam has acquired a spiritual interest in the Lord and wanted to know more...she said, "I knew you were a spiritual Christian back then (40+ years ago) and knew you would not change...I tried to find you."  So Luella spent her birthday with Pam and some of her now Christian friends.  Isn't that something!

Upon her return to Redding, another B-Day party for her was commencing...with friends!  Several Australian families and local friends some of which attend Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry (BSSM) gathered this benchmark moment.  Good to be loved and honored!

Another Aussie Unit Arrives

A young couple, Steve and Abby, arrived in Redding a month ago to attend BSSM.  However, their  visas did not go through so that they could stay the whole 9 month school term.  The Leenman's inquired for them about a short stay in my (Luella) mobile RV for a couple of months...which helped me financially also.  What a blessing they have been.

Happy Birthday, Roberta!

She had to work that day but enjoyed a B-day the weekend before with her parents!

The Aussie Family Returns!

Welcome back, the Leenmans!

August saw the return of the Leenman family from Sidney, Australia. They stayed in my (Luella) house last year as the father, Phil, was a student at Bethel's Supernatural School of Ministry (BSSM). What a blessing they are!! I stay in the cottage in the back. They had come to Redding to be equipped to serve the Lord where ever He sents them.

Phil has a blog also of their family's journey and experiences in America.  You might want to check it out at Leenmans.com/blog on the internet.

Breakthrough In Recovery!

Finally, no crutches, and not much pain.  Yeah, God!  Lots of physical therapy and exercise inside the P.T. center.  Not so bad considering in has rained here in Redding until June!  The healing has been gradual.  Can't do much outside.  Can't do much of anything anywhere...for now!  Spent May-July focused upon therapy and now it is time to strengthen my legs by walking, etc. 

Thank God for Roxy who loves and desires to walk...she pushes me on.  This is her glowing personality picture!

Time For Knee Repair

Well, it looks like I (Luella) will get some knee repair work done that will require some down time for healing.  Seriously, that would be Great!...time to reflect upon the early part of the year and seek His purposes for the rest of the year.  Ahh!!  Thank you Lord!

Two To Moravian Falls, Please!

We are off again...This time to the "Transformation Summit" in Moravian Falls, North Carolina for a week.  Bob and Bonnie Jones, Bobbie Conner, Larry Randolph, Gary Oates and guest, Andrew are hosting a small gathering for ministry and fellowship.  Roberta and I, Luella, have come to enjoy a time of intimacy and encounters with the Lord and His people anticipating another level of transformation.

I received a word from Bobbie Conner that helped me clarify some direction I have been pondering.  Roberta received encouragement also.

Bob Jones delivered a word about the West Coast and coming events.  You can read about them on his website: www.bobjones.org .   We also visited Bob's church just over the border in South Carolina.  It is Rick Joyner's church, Morningstar Fellowship...and, also, houses his Heritage International Ministries (H.I.M.) with its university and ministry.  Paul Keith Davis was teaching that Sunday morning...re-eterating some of the prophetic words about our nation and the West Coast.  You might want to check out both www.morningstarministries.org and www.whitedoveministries.org for more information.

We Have Returned From Our Gates of Glory Over New Zealand Tour!

Click the tab above to read the history of a prophet of God that prompted our New Zealand Tour among the Maori people.  January, 2011,was primarily dedicated to a prayer walk retracing the prophet Ratana's steps and digging up old wells of spiritual encounters and healings in many of the Maraes (Maori communities) in both North and South Islands of New Zealand.  The Maori people as a whole are a very spiritually sensitive culture by nature.  We expect to see many Maori raised up for revival in their land and ultimately sent forth to other nations as well. 

A special thanks to C. and R. Brown for hosting us in their home between travels.  We certainly never went hunger with your magnificent meals.  Your service to us was much appreciated...more than you know.  May the Lord awesomely bless you in the days and years to come!!  And, thanks to Hanehau, our Maori host, for allowing us to participate with you in the Maori Prayer Tour...being a gate of entry for us.  Thanks to the Charington's, for the use of your car...a certain God-sent...though on the left side!  Also, thanks, Mary, for the clothes...since the airlines did not ship my baggage for weeks.  We loved the blessing and sharing in your vibrant home church!  David and Marianne, thank you for all your prophetic encouragement and sensitive awareness.  Richard and Ellie, thanks for the pleasure and opportunity to minister with you in your home church the seer supernatural!  And to the Boyles, thank you for sharing your heart for the nations...blessings as you travel! 

Thank you Pastors Janet and Chris from Queenstown!  What a great movie screen to show off New Zealand's best!!  Thanks again for your hospitality during our stay there.  Many blessings upon your ministry among the students and your church!!  Thanks to Pastor Scott Nicholson at Coolstore New Life Church for the opportunity to share in the ministry of the prophetic and healing.  Thank you Trish for your hospitality...providing clothes, also, in my time of need.  We loved ministering with you in your home church...what a great time, hey!  

To the folks at the Healing Center, thank you soooo much for your generous donation that helped us in gas expenses to make the Maori Prayer Tour happen.  We, also, appreciate the opportunity to minister healing and the prophetic with you there.  Thank you Carolyn for your financial gift from your ministry group in Tauranga...blessings as you lead others to freedom in the Kingdom.  We loved both opportunities to minister among your friends bringing a bit of the Kingdom of God.  Thanks to you, Mary in Rotorua, for your gracious hospitality in your new home! 

Thank you, Rebecca B. and Vaughn, for sharing your fellowship groups and families with us.  We can truly say we have experienced "Church" in many ways and many different formats.  Yeah, God...for His diversity yet unity of fellowship!! 

Kaye and Mandy, it was a delight to meet you and fellowship again at Ian's table.  Many more

blessing and remarkable adventures with Him!

Many thanks to you, Ian and Joye Johnson!!  What a pleasure to stay with you on those occasions for rest and fellowship.  Joye...what a cook you are...and your entertaining hospitality!!  Thanks for the clothes you sent with us and the scarfs.  It is winter here now...and I, Luella, use  my scarf daily!!  Ian you an awesome Prophet of the Most High God...Israel loves you because you love her!  She is blessed to have you in her space of the Kingdom.   Happy travels in the spirit and in the natural with Him...seeing, stirring and creating His pleasure!  Glory be to His Name Forever and Forever!!  Yes, and Amen!!!

  

"We're Leav'n On a Jet Plane...."

Thursday morning we arrived at the Auckland Airport.  Ian and Joye were such a help at the airport not to mention good fellowship.  They stayed with us until we had to go through security.  No problems with security, customs or luggage the whole way.  It was just one longgggggggggggggggg trip--fly, land, wait, repeat three times.  Roberta's parents met us at the Redding Airport and took us home.  We both really struggled with "jet lag" for a few days.  All OK now.

What a trip!  We traveled over 7,000 kilometers in January and early February (weekend) in a station wagon with four women and luggage around the whole of New Zealand...south and north islands, praying at over 40 Maraes and churches.  February was just as busy only in different ways!!  It is a miracle! 

Thanks to every one in the USA and New Zealand that made this assignment possible...the call to intercede over a nation and it's indigenous people, the Maori.  We expect to see the manifestation of all the diverse prayers made over this nation by the many "no-name" obedient believers God has assigned over the years. 

We thank our awesome and gracious God for the privilege to participate in His work!!! 

Bus to Auckland before Leaving New Zealand

Charlie, thanks for the ride to the Tauranga bus stop early Tuesday morning.  Once on board with all our luggage stored, what a pleasant ride...that driver could really make that bus move.  We switched buses in Hamilton and proceeded to Bombay, a small town south of Auckland.  Ian picked us up and our luggage was stacked in the "boot" and back seat.  Joye Johnson had prepared a beautiful Greek supper for us that evening.  We chatted some and napped a bit.  Later in the afternoon, I got up and found a coin on the floor.  I had the thought to put it on the trim of the door to the kitchen...it stuck!  Still there when I left!!  A sign and a wonder!!!


Wednesday we joined Ian and Joye on errands in town.  We shopped and found another sports bag to carry our stuff and to even out  the weight in the suitcases.  Got home and found an Israeli coin on my window sill.  Put it on another door trim near the stairwell  to their rooms.  It stuck!!  Showed Ian and he gave me another larger coin from Israel.  It only stuck for about 10 seconds at a time before falling.  We prayed over the door area.  This time it stuck.  I believe these are signs and wonders.  That evening Joye put on another amazing spread for dinner; she loves cooking.  Kaye and Mandy drove down from the northside of Auckland, about an hour's drive, because they wanted to come and honor us before we left.  Wow...how special is that!


Ian had another guest and we all sat around the table sharing testimonies and other stories.  I noticed Ian's coin fell down...so I got up to put it on the wall trim again.  It stayed until after we left.  The other two coins continue to stay up.  Now that's not something to think about.

Saying Goodbyes in Te Puke

Monday, Roberta and Lue took Hinehau and Kimberly out to our last lunch together in New Zealand.  We did a little last minute shopping together...looking for New Zealand maps for all of us.  Hinehau and Kimberly had to leave to go minister to a lady with a tumor who lived out of town...they would be spending the night there.


Kimberly was not going to return with us as she had decided to extend her stay another three weeks....


Early Monday evening saw us returning Mary's car, visiting with Irene and praying for her and her son, meeting up with Merecia and saying our good-byes to the wonderful people that we had meet.  Packing filled the balance of the evening.

Another Great "Home Church" Meeting

Sunday morning we met with Richard and Jan to chat about the angelic.  It turned out to be their group meeting and I was speaking...wow!  Well, we shared our experiences, had lunch around 2 p.m. and ministry needs where casually made known over lunch.  So we ministered (healing and prophetic deliverance) and prophetic activation all afternoon...until everyone got what they came for.  God is so gracious...they encouraged and prayed for us, too.  Jan did not plan for dinner...I looked at the table we ate lunch from and I could not believe there was still plenty of chicken and other food left.  It crossed my mind that the same food multiplied for our dinner feed.  Another sign and wonder was the manifestation of coins sticking to the door jam.  We had a great time...needless to say!  We confirmed and encouraged Richard and Jan that their home church focused upon the exploration of the supernatural.  That's his ministry.  Didn't get home until about 9:30 p.m. Sunday night! 

The Te Puke Well

Saturday afternoon we joined Mary, David B., and Marianne with Hinehau in downtown Te Puke to pray over a well they found.  Our prayer was to "Let living waters spring up again in Te Puke...."  Across the street was a Marae looking archway which was dedicated to 8 nations coming together in the town.  Hinehau joined with me to pray for the Kingdom of God to manifest in this town actualizing His unity among the believers.  Hinehau left after that.  And, the rest of us drove to Makatu (sp.) and prayed over the area where a waka landed (large canoe-like boat) related, I believe, to some of Hinehau's family.  We had "cuppa" near a beach in a small cafe.  Had a good encouraging talk with them...precious people!  I see their home church as a healing, encouraging and a prophetic launching group.  I saw their apostolic functioning Friday night as: encouraging, healing and equipping people, launching them by helping them get where they are suppose to be...praying and prophetic intercession.  I saw their purpose as a launching group releasing and blessing people to be free to walk into their destiny however that looks for them:  starting a new group, joining another group, traveling, assignment(s), or whatever form their journey takes.  
   

Saturday evening we went for dinner at Dale and Donna's home.  Had a delightful meal and chat until 12 a.m.  We encouraged them to pursue their desire for prophetic intercession and travel to areas as lead by the Holy Spirit to perform prophetic acts preparing the way for others.  They already had been to Germany last year, I believe.  

Rebecca's Birthday Celebration!

Friday night, we enjoyed Rebecca's marvelous and exciting birthday dinner at "Hot on the Rocks" in Tauranga.  The food and fun were "way over the top."  We went with Rebecca's favorite, Scotch fillet...pronounced fill-it in Kiwi.   It was memorably delicious...cooking your own steak on your own sizzling hot ceramic rock!  After dinner, we did a little site seeing...Charlie's business had just set up humongous bleachers (raised seats) stretching along the beach in Tauranga for a special citywide event.  Quite impressive!!!  That's just one thing our Charlie does!  Thanks, again, Charlie and Rebecca!


Afterward, we slipped over to the Friday night gathering at David and Mary's.  We had a great time at David and Mary's along with David B., Marianne, Lois, and many others.  God arranged a gathering of people many of whom we had met and ministered to in other non-associated groups/churches.  What a surprise.  Well, that lasted until 2 a.m....wonderful worship, ministry, destiny words, and activation.

Maria's Home

Thursday morning we drove into Tauranga so Roberta could get a tooth filled at the dentist.  Upon returning to the car, we met a youth pastor we had met at one of the previous group meetings.  Another divine encounter.  We prayed for him and encouraged him in his work.  Afterward, we shopped a little before heading back to Te Puke to Maria's home to pray for her husband, Phil, who was fighting a serious cancer.  There was a group meeting in their home already.  They were worshiping and praying.  It was a group that Kimberly and her friend, Vaughn had been meeting with.  Roberta and Lue also visited this home church group earlier in the month.  This precious group focuses upon the Christian's idenity..."Christ in you..."


Lue's driving was getting pretty good!  And, Roberta's navigation was gettng even better!

Cool Store Church Pastor's Conference with Ian Johnson

Tuesday, February 22, we all attended the pastor's conference with Ian Johnson located in Tauranga's Cool Store Church.  Ian has pastored for many years and is now itenerating.  He is a seasoned Kiwi prophet who also has a heart for Israel and is taking a tour group there this very month, March.  He had a great word about different fears (fear of man, fear of failure, fear of being deceived, etc.) we have that impede the church from growing in God...  He ministered to everyone and stayed as long as they stayed.

Later, we joined Ian and Joye for a "cuppa" at McDonald's until our ride arrived. While drinking our coffee and visiting, pictures on his laptop began to slowly trickle in over the internet about the damage in Christchurch from the  earthquake.  For the balance of the evening, we were glued to the news reports on what was happening and praying for the safety of people in that area.

Days of Driving in Te Puke

Monday, February 21st...First things first...let's go shopping!  We, that would be Roberta and Lue, did indeed!!  With our four eyes...we did not skip a beat...it was think left out loud!!  And, always look right and indicate...in round about intersections.  We had a good driving teacher, Rebecca!  Thanks Rebecca!!

Mary Loaned Us a Car...Hurrah!

(This news is 2 weeks old, sorry.)  We traveled to Rotorua for the weekend of Feb. 19-20th  for a ride on "TheLuge."  We stayed with Mary, a school teacher, and precious woman of God.  She is a bilingual teacher speaking Moari and English.  We visited her classroom and prayed for her students as pictured on the walls.  What great hospitality! 

Saturday three of us rode the gondola and the Luge while Roberta basked in the mineral springs spa.  It was a weekend of R&R.   On Sunday afternoon, Roberta and Lue were invited to a "tea" (lunch) with some friends in a quaint park type cabin around the rim of the lake crater in Rotorua.  We had a wonderful time of fellowship.

We all arrived back in Te Puke that night.  Then to our surprise, we got a call on Monday from Mary of Te Puke who offered to loan us her car for the rest of our stay in the area.  Yeah!!  By the way, gas is not cheap here...over $2.00/liter...approximately $8/gal.  Now the adventure really took a twist...learning to drive on the left side of the road!  Roberta agreed to navigate and Lue drove...because navigation was not her strength.  What a blessing!!!   Well, you're probably wondering what happened to Kimberly...she is in the good hands of a young Kiwi male she met...need we say more.  We lost our blog scribe.  And, Hinehau has been back at her job driving a school bus.  Her vacation ended early February.

The Meeting in Tauranga

On Wednesday, February 23, we held a another home group meeting in Carorline's home.  We had a meeting there about two weeks before.  At which time, Lue shared, Kimberly gave a spot on prophectic word, and then Lue activated a healing gift with a woman assistant youth minister who immediately prayed for others' healing.  A lady's neck injury was healed! 

The more recent meeting at Caroline's home comprised a different group of people.  The needs were very diverse and the planned 2-3 hour meeting extended into a 6 hour meeting marked with many destiny activations, teachings on the Kingdom supernatural realm, and healings along with prophetic deliverance...much accomplished for everyone present.  Glory be to God!

Oh yes, Roberta's Baptism was a must see!  We met on the beach at 5 PM, after Caroline's meeting with over a dozen friends from the area witnessing the water baptism of Roberta in New Zealand's Pacific Ocean.  David C. led the worship on the surf and while we were praying together just before we were going to enter the water a training group of "life guards"down the way from us ran toward us, divided around us and ran for the water in front of us.  What an honor and prophetic sign.  Richard, Charlie, Vaughn and myself entered the ocean with Roberta.  I slipped in a trough and sunk completely under the water.  (We have to be careful what we say.  I just said out loud how I would'nt mind being baptized again.  Whew...there it was!)  Vaughn helped me out and we continued with Roberta's baptism.  With Richard and Charlie on either side of Roberta...she went "downunder" in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and came up rejoicing. Watch for it next.

Pray for Christchurch

Our team is in the North Island and we are fine.  Lue just returned from Christchurch four days before the 6.3 earthquake.  She flew down to meet her cousin Carlene from northern California.  Her cousin's friend was not able to join Carlene in the trip to NZ.  So Lue just encouraged her cousin in driving and connecting her with friends in Queenstown. 

Please pray for the community of Christchurch and surrounding areas that have been hit by a 6.3 earthquake.  The pictures on the news reveal much damage to life and property...buildings collapsing, roads buckled, fires, search and rescue teams digging people out of the rubble of the buildings. We are praying for the safety of recue teams as they free people from the debre.  We pray that God's purposes will be manifested out of the rubble.  One recent bit of promising news has been the volunteer movement among students on facebook.  A 10,000 student vounteer army has organized and is now being dispatched to help clean up and repair less critical areas around the perimeter of the epicenter of the earthquake area.  They have dispatched small groups of students to neighborhoods and homes that need help to put things back in order and clean up.  Wow! What a mobilization effort from the youth!!  Praise God!  A good example for the church.

Time Has Flown By: Cape Reinga and The Waitangi Treaty Celebration

Time has really flown by quickly and accessing the internet has been somewhat challenging.  Sorry that we have neglected to update the blog before this.  We will give you a overview of what all has been happening in the past couple of weeks.

Lue and Roberta had an opportunity to spend a few extra days with Ian and Joye Johnson of Amazing Love Ministries.  What a wonderful and refreshing few days. Kimberly went to TePuke to man the home front and help Hinehau, who needed to go back to work. Preparations were being made for our weekend trip to the northern part of the North Island.  A van was rented as two more of Hinehau's friends were added to our group for the weekend, Kaye and Mandy.  Unfortunately, the van didn't have a functioning air conditioner.  Did I mention that we're here during their summer months?  With only windows and a sun roof for cooling off, we made the trip work!

We left Auckland on Friday, February 4th, after collecting everyone for the northern part of the island.  We laughed, drove, ate and prayed.  We visited an old Marae that the Prophet Ratana had visited, but was no longer in use and prayed for a resurgence in the area.  Then we proceeded to visit the Kauri trees, some of the oldest, largest, most majestic trees in New Zealand.  The one we stopped and took pictures of is over 2,000 years old.  Dates back to the time of Christ.  Think about all that the tree has survived and experienced!

Our plan was to be at the very tip, top of the North Island before sunset.  We made it only because the sun sets at 8:30 pm.  It's where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet.  That night the Tasman Sea was the stronger body of water.  Usually you can see a churning line where the two seas intermingle.  The sunset was beautiful, we watched the as the sun faded into the Tasman Sea --taking communion together and making declarations over New Zealand.  What a beautiful night.  The stars came out in brilliant form.  Not many lights to hide the vastness of the universe and Milky Way. WOW!

Saturday began early as we traveled back to Cape Reinga to watch the sun rise.  New Zealand is the first country to see the sun rise in the morning.  Unfortunately, the fog was in and we just watched the gray light get brighter.  We were still happy.  We returned to the rooms we rented for the night, packed the van and headed south toward Paihia with a few stops along the way.  In a Bayside cafe, we had a lovely home cooked breakfast, a stop for lunch and then we arrived in Paihia where we had made reservations at a back packers accommodations.  Did I mention it was HOT!  I mean really HOT!  We were in the Bay of Islands area --Lue and I were without bathing suits...not a brilliant plan, nor were we wearing shorts.  When we left Te Puke, it had been cool and jeans and sweatshirts worked fine there but not in the heat in the Bay.  We spent the afternoon out of the hot van, some played on the beach, napped, kicked back with feet up, and relaxed.

We congregated again at 5 pm and set off for another marae.  We found lots of activity going on as tomorrow, Sunday, was the Celebration of the Waitangi Treaty -- 171st anniversary where they would have a booth set up - just like any other arts/crafts/food  fair.  The folks on the marae were preparing for their food booth.  Hinehau approached a woman on the marae and we were welcomed on informally.  We had such a wonderful welcome, it was not the marae that Ratana had visited, that was down the street.  Instead, we meet Rose, who took us around her marae and then drove down to the one where Ratana had come.  She shared numerous insights into the area, her Christian walk and faith, and her vision for the future of the area.  We felt so blessed by Rose, we invited her to pray for the marae after we explained what the Lord had  placed on our hearts to do.  We so enjoyed Rose, she sang to us and we sang and danced with her.  What a precious woman of God!

We returned to Paihia for a late dinner and then it was off to bed.  Morning came really early as the Celebration of the Treaty of Waitangi started at 5 am with a prayer meeting.  this was not just any prayer meeting.  It was a prayer meeting in "The Marae" on Waitangi property with Prime Minister John Key and numerous of parliamentarians and dignitaries in attendance--oh yeah, then the rest of the crowd and us.  It was a powerful service.  Followed by the playing of the bagpipes in the area where they signed the Treaty, an agreement between the Maori people and the British government, overlooking the Bay of Islands.  Later we had coffee on the lawn followed by wandering about the booths.

Auckland is Refreshing

We continued our Ratana journey in Auckland.  We caught up with Hinehau's friend, Kaye, on Saturday and together we went to several sights around Auckland declaring freedom to the land and people.  We visited one Marae on the top of a hill overlooking the city and it was a powerful experience.  Kaye initiated a couple of prophetic acts demonstrating the forgiveness and reconciliation  between Maori and Pakeha (Europeans) at a loinhead fountain, and prayed. 

The day culminated with listening to the prophetic words for the New Zealand churches sponsored by Extreme Prophetic NZ and Horizon Church.  Ian Johnson concluded the evening conference meeting with a word about what God is doing in 2011...bringing the church into alignment with the Kingdom of God.  All speakers spoke of New Zealand's incredible destiny and how God will use NZ in the coming years with a global impact.  God's glory is going to be pouring out upon this land. 

The Lord has blessed us mightily with our stay with Joye and Ian Johnson near Auckland.  Their ministry website addresss is http://www.hisamazinggloryministries.org/ and is worth a look see.  What a precious couple and blessing to the body of Christ.  We are looking forward to a few days of resting before leaving on Thursday, February 17th, for the Cape and the Waitangi Celebration where we'll be visiting more Marae's and seeing the tip top of the North Island.

Check back later for new photos and updates.

On the Road Again! Destination Auckland

The celebration of Ratana's birthday went smoothly.  We enjoyed the procession and the service.  Then we were off to Rotorua, where we stayed with a friend, Mary.  It was a lovely evening of sharing and fellowship, including much laughter.  Mary treated us to facials the following morning.  Then we returned to Rebecca and Charles' house in Te Puke, our home base, for a day of rest and laundry.  We had a wonderful night of fellowship with friends last night and good food. 

Today, Friday, we are leaving for Auckland and continuing our Ratana Trail. We have several Maraes to visit and pray at.  We have plans to spend the weekend with friends in Auckland and attending an Extreme Prophetic meeting, plus visiting several churches.

Ratana Celebration

Yesterday we arrived at Ratana Paa, to be a part of the Ratana Celebration among the Maori people.  We had the opportunity to be a part of a Powhiri, an official welcome to the Marae, along with the New Zealand's Prime Minister and other Ministers of Parliament (MPs).  We witnessed a baptism of two children in the Ratana Temple by their Apostle (minister) and were encouraged to participate by singing hymns along with them. We sang in English, they sang in Maori.  On the grounds of the Marae, the host families feed the crowd, they anticipate that at least 8,000 people are here, the numbers are down due to the rain, they can feed up to 300 people at a time and people rotate through nearly all day long.  At night, large rooms are set aside for sleeping, mattresses line the walls and the center of the room, where families sleep together. We slept, a bit, among all the people.

The opportunities to meet and talk with the people has been wonderful.  The Maori King is here and staying at the house where Ratana had his encounter with the Holy Spirit.  We tried to go through the house, but due to the King staying in the house we were not allowed, but invited back by one of Ratana's descendants when King was not there.

Today, we are celebrating Ratana's birthday with a band leading a procession down the street to  Ratana's Temple where a service will take place for about an hour or so.  Once the service is over, we're back on the road and heading toward Rotorua.

Back to Christchurch and Beyond...

This morning, January 21st, we are leaving Queenstown to go back up towards the North Island continuing our prayer journey throughout the country.

Can't forget Janet's great dinners.

And, fabulous view of Queenstown

One long 9 hour drive yesterday from Queenstown to Christchurch...but beautiful!  Today, January 22nd, we located another Marae where Ratana ministered.  After praying, we headed north to Blenheim...covering many hours of driving.  We are hurrying to catch the  ticketed ferry on the morning of the 23rd, that would be tomorrow, from Picton on the South Island back to Wellington on the North Island.

Queenstown - Where Half the Real Estate is Owned by Tourists!

Three days ago we arrived in Queenstown for a time of rest & fellowship.  We have all had an amazing time with our hosts, Janet and Chris.  They have a large home and rent rooms to English learning students who attend the school there in Queenstown.  These students are from various parts of the world and come to live with them.  Janet is also the pastor of a unique downtown storefront church.  She took us on a grand tour of the church with its unique and diverse ministry rooms:  a video teaching room, a prayer/intercession room, a massage ministry room, and so forth.  We spent some time worshiping down there.  Then she gave us a tour of the town and surrounding areas.  Chris has been employed with a media engineering company and has set up a large screen theater with surround sound in their home.  Awesome!!

All students and guest, us, gather at their large table for dinner.  What an interesting time...as student practice their English.  Janet's son is a pilot for a charter airline in town. 

On a few occasions, we have found ourselves doing things and going places that we would have not done so on our own...now, we can all say we've gone to the "edge" of adventure.  There is a notorious road known as, Skipper Rd., that is a one lane dirt road carved out along the edge of 3000 ft mountains.  Janet's son, William, drove their van for us on this adventure.  Wow!!  Here are some of the photos.

We were warned!  This is Skipper Rd.

On the way to Queenstown through gold country.

On the way to Skipper's Rd. with a view of Queenstown.

Looking for a little gold...

Maori Chief Leader, Kukupa, for the South Island Maori of New Zealand

On The Move Again...at Little River Train Station!

Yesterday, we continued on the Ratana Trail visiting two Maraes as well as Little River Train Station where Ratana caught the train for his travels in this area.  Our prayer time at each of the Maraes were very powerful yet very different.  In particular at the Onuku Marae, in Akaroa, the Lord lead Hinehau to do some very different prophetic acts to release the Lord's word over this region/area.  At each place we have continued to sow the bread and the wine (communion) into the land declaring healing, restoration and revival to the land and Maori people.

Ratana arrived here at Little River.

On the road again....

On the way to Akaroa...

Ratana preach at this small church (capacity of 25) primarily to the Maori people .  Over 500 came on one occasion around 1923 to here the Gospel.

East of Christchurch at Akaroa

Today, we are heading south towards Queenstown, as we wrap up the south island part of the Ratana Trail.  Please continue to pray for us as we travel on the road.  Weather conditions in the lower mainland area called for much rain and winds from the perimeter of cyclonic activity.

Thank You Lord for the Repaired Car!

Tracking our journey day by day is quite a challenge...lack of time and lack of internet are huge obstacles.  So we are just going to title events as we travel along.

While waiting in town, Hanmer Springs, to get all the details of retrieving the car, Kimberly reported a visual revelation of a clamp that came off the hose connected to the transmission.  She, evidently, did not hear Henry' take on the problem.  According to the mechanic that fixed the problem, the clamp came off a hose which made it a minor repair.  So in short order, we were back on the road to Christchurch.

While waiting for the car's return, we discovered some of the history of Hanmer Springs.  It's thermal springs have such healing properties. Hospitals have been built around the hot springs, and soldiers from WWI were brought here for the healing of mental disorders. The team prayed over the land for restoration of healing wells to be released.  God has so blessed us with His favor and grace.

A Divine Detour...Off The Itinery! Oh, well...!

Yesterday on our way to Christchurch our car broke down about 30 km outside of Hamner Springs.  We left a trail of oil and were smoking from under the hood.  The hood was up and a kind couple, Henry and Rose, stopped to help.  Henry commented that it was transmission fluid and that a hose became deconnected or that the hose below the radiator was damaged.  We were all able to hitch a ride from this Maori couple, who were so precious to stop and a true God sent.  Rose, a believer, shared that they were going to meet their adult daughter and family for dinner.  They delayed that dinner meeting to help us.  They stayed with us until Hinehau had conformation about the rental companies ability to help us.  What a blessing they were.

Lue found a backpacker lodge to stay in that night.  It was gettng late an a pasta restaurant allowed us to order even though is was near their closing.  What favor...thank you Lord!  As we left the restaurant and headed toward the lodge down the street, the unique cloud formation caught our eye.  Hopefully, we can share a few pictures on the blog.

Thank you all for your prayers. We love you so much!

The next morning we thought we would be getting a new car delivered to us, and then head for Christchurch.  However, they were able to fix the car problem and returned it to us.  Yeah, God!  The new car would have been smaller.

Day 7: Basket Weaving & Other Precious Gems

Today, we are continuing on our Ratana Trail from Motueka to Takaka where will meet up with a woman, Marilyn, who is a weaver and will be teaching us how to weave using native flax leaves.  Hinehau contact this alumni of Faith Bible College to show us the ancient art of Maori weaving.  We made small baskets that afternoon.  We are all excited and looking forward to this adventure. 

Afterwards, we'll be taking a few days for holiday & sight seeing.  Then we will continue on our "Prayer Journey" back on the "Ratana Trail" on Sunday the 16th. 

Thanks to all those who are supporting us in prayer as we follow the Lord's leading to learn and love the Maori people.  At each place along the way, as the Lord has directed us, we have been breaking bread, pouring out the wine and praying over the Maori land and people. 

We have had so much favor with many Maori people and have heard so many stories of their family, their struggles and accomplishments, and legacies.  Eack story is like a "gem" that we take with us.  As a team we listen with our hearts and treasure the "gems" of these precious people and in return sow our love and respect.  We have seen the lives of individuals as well as whole families moved by the love of God as He touches them with His presences.  It has been such a joy to partner with the Holy Spirit and only time and heaven will know the efforts or results of our "prayer journey" on the "Ratana Trail."  To God be ALL the glory!

Capturing the Moment Along the Way

Day 4: Continuing Our Prayer Journey of the Ratana Trail

We (the team) are all about to sit down with our host family and guests to have breakfast together.  Then we will hit the road again to continue our prayer journey on the the Ratana Trail, moving from Opotiki to Torero, Te Kaha and then finally onto Araroa.  We will be visiting the different Maraes and Maori people in each place and blessing them and their land as the Lord leads us.


Yesterday was really an amazing prayer time at each place and we were all so honored in how the Lord manifested His presence and anointing.  We are all sensing the hand of the Lord on us and our journey in ways beyond anything we had imagined.  We ended our journey in Opotiki where we meet our host Tricia and all her guests who were waiting to welcome us with food and fellowship.  Actually, this group was part of a home church that she pastored.  Afterward, the Lord took us into a ministry time.  Lue shared about God's heart and mandate about home churches.  Next Kimberly offered an exercise in prophesying.  That turned out not only to be an anointed time but fun as well.  Then Lue and others ministered to a Maori man with destiny words and healing.  Everyone was touched and moved by the presence of God.

Day 3 - The Journey Begins on the Road

We are so grateful to Rebecca and Charlie our host home here in Te Puke, New Zealand!  What a fun time we have had in fellowship, food and rest!

The rental car is packed and we are heading for Te Teko, Waimana, Ruatoki, Whakatane, and then Opotiki.  This is the beginning of the Ratana Trail.  See the section on our blogsite for information about Prophet Wm. Ratana.  It will explain the purpose of visiting the many Maraes that he preached in...that God would raise up many leaders from those areas who will preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and perform many miracles confirming His Word.

Day 2 - The Worldwide Christian Gathering of Indigenous People

What a great restful night in Rebecca and Charlie's host home!

We joined the The Worldwide Christian Gathering of Indigenous Peoples of the World in the afternoon.  This event is a once in every two years Maori welcoming meeting they call, a "Powhiri."  The longest reigning queen's son, King Te Arikinui Tuheitioa Paki, was present and we were greeted in the Maori tradition of "honge," the touching of  the forehead and nose.  Each nation represented spoke a greeting and in Maori tradition the Maori elders responded in song.

What a wonderful introduction to the Maori culture and people!!

Day 1 in New Zealand - Our New Zealand Beginnings!

We landed safely into New Zealand, drove three hours to our final destination, Te Puke, took a shower, ate dinner and had our first ministry meeting/fellowship.  God's presence showed up in a powerful and glorious way.  As He ministered to us and through us we couldn't help but marvel in awe of His goodness and how He was moving.  So much happened last night and we wish we could share everything, but one young lady the Lord was ministering to in particular recieved several 'keys of breakthrough' from the Lord for her own family as well as for the Maori women as a whole.  Lue ministered to her on how to use these keys and filled her with such joy and laughter of the Spirit to the point of overflowing.  Our time together was way beyond any of our expectations.  Thank you Lord for your manifested presence!  We are all so thankful to be apart of what He is doing.  

Kimberly had a wonderful opportuinty this morning to share her testimony and breakthrough, of  how God healed her of some deseases, with another young lady who is now suffering from the same conditions.  Kimberly and Roberta both prayed with her and is believing to see the full restoration of her healing before departing back to the US.  God touched this young lady with His resurrection power of life and we believe the power of sickness has been broken off of her life.  We are all encouraged to see God's healing process over the next two months and would appreciate your prayers as well for this young lady.

This afternoon we are all headed to a Maori meeting/celebration.  We are all filled with such great excitement, joy and anticipation to learn more about the Maori people, their culture and to see God bless them in a might way.  We can't wait to see what God will do this afternoon.  And until next time we ask that you please continue to keep us in prayer.

We landed in LA @ 8:53 AM.  Off tocheck out the place.

First stop was El Porto Beach, the sky was awesome.

 Then we found this great sign.  Portent of the trip?

Next off to those stinky La Brea Tar Pits.

The day ended in a Pedicure and Manicure before boarding the plane.

Flight left at 9:30 PM for a 12 hour flight.

Day 1 in the USA - The Journey Begins

We took off 7AM, January 6th, from Redding, California for our 10 hour layover in Los Angeles.  After renting a car in LA, we visited the beach and then the La Brea Tar Pits.  Then after a manicure and pedicure and chinese food, we headed back to the airport full and "beautiful" and ready to face the longest leg of the flight...10.5 hours!!

Countdown: Day 2 - Final Preparations...ah, yes, more prayer!

Pray and Pack.

Countdown: Day 3 - More Work on the Blog

Two more days before departure.  The "Map-Us" is awesome.  Take a look!  Zoom in right down onto the beach near Tauranga, New Zealand!  You can see the waves!!

Thanks Ian for your hard work!  And thanks Marsha for your editing expertise and ideas!  Many blessings to you both!!

Countdown: Day 4 - Where did the day go!

It is 1:00 AM!  Well, this afternoon we met with Hinihau in New Zealand on skype.  Saturday we conference skyped, works well, and there were urgent medical needs for her mother.  Praise God, her mother's foot infection is about 85% better today! 

Our kiwi freinds, Rebecca and Charles, who are also our hosts in New Zealand, reported the car deal fell through.  But, these sweet beleivers have gifted us with a pre-paid rental car for our travels.  That is huge!  Father, bless them mightly!!

To have a part in this intercessory prayer campaign among the Maori tribes throughout New Zealand, just click "Donate" and Paypal will designate your gift to our ministry account.  As I understand it, fuel is about $6.00/gallon in USD.  We also just want to bless the people not only with prayer, encouragement, healing, or teaching, but we want to help some of the needy as much as we can financially. 

Countdown: Day 5 - Happy New Year! January 1, 2011

We hope your first day of the new year 2011 was full of joy and rest!  All of us on the team have experienced obstacles of one kind or another especially this past week.  But we push on through as the Holy Spirit leads.  Our Father always has a better idea! And, a better way!  We are so greatful for the freinds and family around us that have been sooooo supportive!  Thank You, again and again for you all your prayers!

Thank you Ian, who has updated pages to our blogsite!  He has made it possible to donate on line and follow along on the trip through the google map page.  We are working on making the comment section a bit more user freindly.