Church news
Final services. July 2015.
Gateway Christian Fellowship completed its ministry in July 2015. The final services honoured those who had served in the fellowship over the years, and remembered some of the wonderful ways that God had blessed its people.
Gateway's gate was finally closed on July 26th 2015.
A video was shown highlighting the people and ministries of the fellowship. Click here to watch this video: Gateway Christian Fellowship.
(It may take a little while to download).
Annual Report 2014
Click here to read the Annual Report for 2014. 2014 Annual Report. It is based around the following Church goals:
1. Pastoring the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
2. Extending God's Kingdom work outside the Church.
3. Developing a devolved Church environment by sharing responsibilities.
Prophecy from Richard Nicoll, December 2013
Thus says the Lord.
"Listen to My words, My people. Today is a new day, this is a new time in the life of Gateway.
Have I not called you to be My light in Kapiti and beyond?
There will be change, and it is by My Spirit, says The Lord.
Do not resist this change, but embrace it, because it's from Me.
In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will make your paths straight.
Trust in Me with all your hearts and lean not on your own understanding. It is not by might, it is not by power, but its by My Spirit, says The Lord..
Get ready, move when I move."
10th birthday.
Gateway was 10 years old on December 1st 2013. We celebrated our 10th birthday by reflecting on the ways God has led us over the years and sharing a lunch together (with a big birthday cake!).
Click here to read the major prophecies received by the Fellowship over these 10 years.
Retirement of Ross Callaghan as an elder
On December 1st 2013 Ross Callaghan retired as an elder of the Fellowship. Ross had served as an elder for the past 5 years, and Kathy was part of the leadership team. Click here to read Ross's reflections on what he learned during this five year period.
The Church made a presentation to Ross and Kathy to help them with equipment for their growing community "singalong" ministry.
Operation Christmas Child. October 2013.
Gateway members made up lots of gift boxes they had prepared as Christmas presents for needy children in Fiji, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Cambodia and Vietnam. The gift boxes contained things for children to play with; love; wear, and use for personal hygiene and at school. We prayed for each gift box and the child that would receive it, then all of the gift boxes were sent off through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse. Over 300,000 gift boxes will be distributed this Christmas from throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Visit of Kapa haka group, July 2013.
In July, 2013 Gateway was again blessed to have a visit from the Whaka oho ake Kapa Haka group. Wonderful singing, poi, dance, testimony, and communion!
Commissioning of Karen Gazley. April 2013.
On the 23rd of April, 2013, Karen Gazley left to serve in Israel with Bridges for Peace.
Gateway has supported Karen as she prepared to leave for Israel financially, practically and in prayer and will continue to support Karen while she is away.
The elders praying for Karen as she prepared to leave for Israel.
Karen returned to New Zealand after serving in Israel for two months.
Karen Gazley to serve in Israel with Bridges for Peace. March 2013
In April 2013, Karen Gazley will be travelling to Israel to serve with Bridges for Peace. Brian and Pat Ashford from Bridges for Peace (NZ) visited in March to support Karen as she prepares for this big moment in her life.
For more information about Bridges for Peace see www.bridgesforpeace.com Those wishing to support Karen in prayer, giving, or in any other way can do so by contacting her at PO Box 1690, Paraparaumu Beach, Paraparaumu 5252, New Zealand.
Sue, Karen, with Pat and Brian Ashford.
New elder - Bernie Townsend - February 2013
Gateway was thrilled to induct Bernie Townsend as an elder of the Fellowship on February 17th 2013. Bernie brings a strong prophetic gift to the church and will be well supported on the leadership team by his wife, Dawn. Wecome Bernie and Dawn. May God bless you in your new servant role!
Neil Evans, Bernie and Dawn Townsend, Ross Callaghan
Neil, Bernie and Ross are the elders of Gateway Christian Fellowship.
New banner - February 2013
Anne Trevethick has made another beautiful banner for Gateway, reflecting a prophecy given by Sue Gould. The prophecy descibed us as being a small green tree with extra strong roots surrounded by big trees, overshadowing or perhaps protecting us.
Vision for 2013
Click here to read the "Vision for 2013". This document was produced as a result of the elders' planning day in January.
Prophecy from Bernie Townsend, January 2013
Dear church people, and God lovers. You are My church of elder/mature Christians. Your faithfulness to Me; your loyalty to My Word and your loving for one another and those who are in most need of My love is a source of joy to My heart. Your application of My love prepares your people for our time together for all eternity and for our time together at the wedding feast, where I meet up with My bride. This desire of Mine is not appreciated in the world of your day.
You have a joint wisdom beyond your years, which the community needs to hear. You are a strong shining light in an otherwise dark world. You represent the existence of life after death and also the advancement of My kingdom within your community.
I am referring to the lonely, the poor, the mentally sick, the lesbian and gay community, all of the unmarried parents, and all of the sick, weak and poor in your Kapiti community. Do you think you could accept them as people, searching, and love them into My kingdom, without majoring on what you have or what they do not have, without keeping a record of their wrongs?
My Holy Spirit dwells within each one of you, and as you love, My Father and I come and make our home in you. Open up your human knowledge and understanding to the reality of My presence within each of you, and take Me with you wherever you go, and to whomsoever you meet.
You have spent time with Me, in My throne room and My war courts. You are the generals; you have the victory; you know the victor and the victims. Do not sit idly in the grandstand, for the battle has already begun, and it is a life and death one.
Bring My plans to fruition for your community, as you are able. The people in your community are desperate for an authentic answer to their lives; to their world, and you hold the answer.
I so deeply love you, My church, abide in My love.
Prophecy from Richard Nicoll, January 2013
Thus says the Lord. I am about to do a new thing. My Spirit will move with great power and supernatural activities will take place. Isaiah 43:18,19; Zechariah 4:6. People will try to dismiss that it is My Spirit, says the Lord, and endeavour to rationalise this new demonstration and say it is not of Me, and will not receive or understand My ways. They are not of Me and don't have My Spirit to discern the days coming. They will oppose Me and not receive the new thing in their midst.
Trust in Me, says the Lord. Do not try to figure things out in your mind but lean on Me and acknowledge My ways as I make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5,6;
How will you know it is the moving by the Spirit? Am I not the word made flesh.John 1: 32-34; Luke 4:1, 14-21.
9th birthday: 2 December 2012
For our 9th birthday Lynne made us a very special birthday cake:
Lynne is surrounded by the kitchen team for the cutting of our 9thy birthday cake.
New member: Marilyn Kilpatrick.
We welcomed Marilyn into the church on the 2nd of December, 2012. Marilyn is from Otaki.
Visit of Rid and Bev Harrison
In October 2012, Gateway was thrilled to have Rid and Bev visit with us.
Rid and Bev were part of the leadership team for Gateway when it was established 9 years ago. They were "spiritual parents" for many in the Fellowship.
Paul on Radio New Zealand National - Becoming a preacher
On the 7th October Paul Curwen was interviewed about becoming a preacher and preaching at Gateway.You can hear the interview by following this link....
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/spiritualoutlook/20121007
Visit of Kapa Haka group
On the 17th June Gateway was blessed to have a visit from the Whaka oho ake Kapa Haka group.We all had a wonderful time as the group shared in song, testimony, poi and dance. Lovey Kajavala from Gateway is a member of the group.
Bernie's roadshow begins
Bernie Townsend has begun a roadshow sharing his research on the work of missionary Octavius Hadfield. The roadshow will include churches and historical societies between Wellington and Taranaki. The first meeting was for the Otaki Historical society and was held in a church started by Hadfield and Maori chief Te Rauparaha. The roadshow is based on Bernie's book "Octavius Hadfield - the life and works of a Kapiti missionary".
Congratulations to Bernie and Dawn Townsend on their 50th wedding anniversary. March 2012
Bernie and Dawn were married on the 17th March 1962. Congratulations!
Awning for Sevenoaks February 2012
Gateway has helped purchase an awning for residents at Sevenoaks hospital. The awning means residents will now be able to sit in the shade and have their lunch outdoors. The awning is very high-tech! It has a gizmo on it that makes it retract if the wind gets too strong.
Gateway has a great relationship with Sevenoaks. Volunteers go in regularly and help in various programmes; visit residents, lead church services and run singalongs.
Goals for 2012
1. Be obedient to the Holy Spirit as we fulfil our calling to:
- be a loving fellowship focused on building the Kingdom of God in Kapiti and beyond.
- pray and intercede for people, situations, communities and nations.
- be a help, support and comfort for those who are suffering or in need.
- support ministries within and outside of Gateway financially and in prayer.
- encourage natural growth, development and progression of the Church.
2. Embrace the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and allow God to develop us in whatever ways He chooses.
3. Explore how we can be authentic Christians in an increasingly anti-Christian world.
Click here for full details of our goals for 2012.
New members January 2012
On January 15th we welcomed Rene and Esme Schlotjes, Lovie Kajavala, and Dallas Gates into the Fellowship. Then a week later we welcomed Natalie Smirke.
Trustbank report. January 2012
We have received our first detailed report for the Trustbank we have set up in the Philippines. It is called " Trustbank 5" and currently has 17 members.
In the first round all but one of the members repaid their loans on time. This shows that almost all of the small businesses are developing well.
Click here to read the full report.
Christmas play: a Night at the Inn. December 2011
Paul Curwen, Kathy Callaghan and Ian Burtt starred in our Christmas play: A night at the Inn.
The drama told the Christmas story from the perspective of the Innkeeper.
You can read the play by clicking here.
Congratulations to Bernie Townsend on gaining his Masters in Theology
Bernie's thesis was on the demonstration of public theology by missionary Octavius Hadfield.
Congratulations to Ross and Olwyn Davison on their 60th wedding anniversary
Ross and Olwyn were married on the 1st December 1951. Their last argument was about a ball of string on the day before they got married!
Ross and Olwyn's life together is a testimony to the grace of God, and is a wonderful example to us all. Congratulations Ross and Olwyn.
Prophecy from Bernie Townsend November 2011
God will surely come with a His manifestation and power, and will fill us to overflowing. Get used to walking with our spirit's full of His presence. Live in this and Kapiti will be a portal of life in NZ. We are at war and have a right to know what is going on. But we are like World War 1 soldiers (which were good for their time). God now needs us to re-equip and learn new ways and new weapons relevant for these times.
Studies in Galatians.
During 2011 we studied the book of Galatians, with a focus on the theme of "freedom in Christ". The studies were led by Ross Callaghan.
Click here for a complete set of notes for the series on Galatians. Galatians
The silent years
Click here to read The silent years, by Anne Trevethick.
In this document you will learn a lot about life in Israel in the days when Jesus grew up, and about the years of His life that we don't know anything about from the Bible. Thanks to Anne for putting this useful resource together.
Gift to Sevenoaks
In July 2011 Gateway made a donation of $6000 to Sevenoaks Retirement Trust, to purchase a mobile awning
The awning will provide a substantial shade coverage for a large part of the patio adjacent to the dining/recreation room, alongside the hospital unit.
This will significantly benefit the quality of life for residents.
Staff of Sevenoaks were really appreciative for this gift and for the work of the volunteers that are part of Gateway's ongoing connection there.
Keren Lusty and Wendy Huston receiving the cheque for the awning from Neil Evans and Don Trevethick.
Special 'Last supper'
This was followed by Anne Trevethick's lovely poem 'Before the dawn', about when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
New wall hanging
Anne Trevethick has created a number of beautiful wall hangings, reflecting various prophecies that have been given to the Church.
The latest wall hanging is of a lighthouse and was created to reflect a prophecy that Gateway should be a light into the community. (The prophecy was given on July 12th 2009, and is recorded below).
Thanks Anne!.
Goals for 2011
This year our goals are to:
1. Be obedient to the Holy Spirit as we fulfill our calling to:
- be a loving fellowship focused on building the Kingdom of God in Kapiti and beyond.
- pray and intercede for people, situations, communities and nations.
- be a help, support and comfort for those who are suffering or in need.
- encourage natural growth, development and progression of the Church.
2. Break down barriers of legalism or culture and encourage each other to further embrace the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.
Click here to read more details for how we hope to achieve these goals.
Gift to Hearing in Kapiti Trust. 9th January 2011
The Hearing in Kapiti Trust has been set up by a small group that includes Beryl Tuppen from Gateway. The Trust is raising funds to supply hearing technology for classrooms in Kapiti schools. This will enable children to hear more clearly and so learn better.
Gateway has made a gift of a complete "Oticon Front Row Active Learning system" to the Trust and was the first organisation to give a complete system. Click here to learn more about the Hearing in Kapiti Trust.
The Oticon Front Row system Beryl Tuppen receiving the gift from Gateway elder, Ross Callaghan
Christmas pageant "A ray of hope". December 2010
The Church put on a pageant to help us prepare for Christmas. It was called "A ray of hope" and was written by Paul Curwen.
Kathy Callaghan was Mary; Paul Curwen was Joseph; Ross Davison was the angel Gabriel; Lynne Curwen was Mary's mother; Anne Trevethick was Elizabeth; Ian Burtt was the Rabbi, and Ross Callaghan the narrator.
Click here to read the script of "A ray of hope".
Click here to watch a powerful rendition of "Mary did you know" that was part of the pageant.
Christmas message for "Blessed by the Lord Church" in the Philippines. December 2010
Click here to watch the 2010 Christmas message sent from Gateway to our friends at "Blessed by the Lord Church", Philippines.
Gift box for Blessed by the Lord Church, Philippines
In October 2010 the church sent a large gift box to Blessed by the Lord Church, in the Philippines. The box was filled to the brim and contained all sorts of lovely presents for our friends to enjoy at Christmas.
Among the gifts were lots of toys that were knitted by Cath Evans. Before sending the toys we prayed over each one and asked God to bless the children who will receive them.
Cath Evans and the toys she made The children loved the toys we sent them
New members
Richard Nicoll Bernie and Dawn Townsend
Richard Nicoll and Bernie and Dawn Townsend were recently welcomed into Gateway Christian Fellowship. We are very grateful for all that they bring to the Church and pray that God would continue to bless them richly.
Gateway's Trustbank in the Philippines
On the 13th of April 2010 Gateway Christian Fellowship sent off its first payment of $3500 towards a new Trustbank in the Philippines. Further payments will be made over the next year so that $10,000 will be made available through Tear Fund in the Philippines. The money in the Trustbank is used to provide low interest loans so poor people can establish businesses which will help them build a new life for themselves and their families. The Trustbank will start up about 25 new businesses and will be self sustaining as the loans are repaid. There will be training, support and careful oversight to help all of the businesses in their development.
This is an exciting new development for Gateway and is part of the implementation of two of the Church's goals for 2010: to help, support and comfort those who are suffering or in need; and to support ministries outside of Gateway financially and in prayer.
Poem by Anne Trevethick
Anne wrote a poem to support her sermon on Koinonia, shared in April 2010. You can read the poem by clicking here: Koinonia
Easter Services 2010
The week before Easter the "Gateway Singers" led a singalong at Sevenoaks. A mixture of old Easter hymns and fun songs was enjoyed by the residents.
On Good Friday Garry Gould led a service to remember the events that took place when Jesus died on the Cross. The service was held at the Raumati South Bowling Club and was organised in about 1 hour, after we found that our normal venue was unavailable. Great teamwork!
On Easter Sunday Ross and Kathy Callaghan led an interactive multi-media celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. We watched Mimi do a paper cutout of the cross; shared in communion led by Anne Trevethick; and re-lived what the disciples experienced when they met Jesus at the empty tomb, on the Road to Emmaus, in the breaking of bread, and having a fish breakfast.
He is not here. He is risen from the dead.
Prophecies for Gateway Christian Fellowship
From Jeni Tucker 28th March 2010
You have come to your 7th year. I have walked every step of the way with you and have built a diamond in your hearts.
It is now time for a new thing, so step out boldly and you will see God moving to bring about His salvation.
You are situated at the gateway to the nation's capital and have been given a mandate to pray for the nation and its government. Now is the time to be this gateway.
Little churches can do great things for God so step out with courage. Make God known and see what He will do through you.
From Ross Davison March 2010. (without a sense of imminence).
I saw before me two green hills which came together to form a shallow valley between them. From this valley came a road which came right down past where I was standing. From behind these hills, against a clear sky, a figure which I knew to be Jesus - but much bigger than life-size - appeared, and began to walk down the road towards where I was standing. As He came nearer He became much more normal size, and as He walked everything on the sides of the road - trees, power poles, light standards - all bowed down as He passed. He walked on with His arms outstretched and a few paces past where I was standing, He stopped, and still with His arms raised and outstretched, said in a very loud voice, This is my last call.
Christmas message for God's Light Ministries
The Church recorded a Christmas message for our friends at God's Light Ministries in the Philippines. Click here to watch the message:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yufm_uXYFe0
Carol singing
December 12th 2009. 13 from Gateway Church sang Christmas carols at Kenakena, Summerset, and Sevenoaks Rest Homes. The residents obviously appreciated the carols and the singers enjoyed interacting with them to bring some Christmas cheer.
Goals for 2010
In November 2009 the elders (Neil and Ross) held a planning session to prepare goals for 2010. Key points that emerged were:
Our prophetic mandate
God has called Gateway to:
- be a place of restoration and refuge. Isaiah 58:12.
- be a fluid, elastic, loose, open, responsive, evolving shape that is led by the Holy Spirit and is not constrained by structure.
- be a light that will dispel darkness over a wide area, locally and internationally.
- have a point of difference from other Churches, particularly in how it supports the elderly and suffering
- support ministries through prayer and giving.
- be fruitful and produce something beautiful for the Lord.
- Further develop our prayer and intercession ministry.
- Operate more in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- Be a help, support and comfort for those who are suffering or in need.
- Support ministries within and outside of Gateway financially and in prayer.
- Encourage natural growth, development and progression of the Church.
Sevenoaks
On the 29th November 2009 the Church prayed for the Sevenoaks team. Glenda, from Sevenoaks was there and said we are making a real difference by bringing comfort, interest and joy to the residents from 'outside' of the hospital. Each member of the team explained what they were doing. This included taking people for walks, helping with crafts, chatting and praying with residents, leading Church services, running sing-songs, and seeking to help in whatever ways we can. It was obvious that members of the team were blessed themselves as they shared with the elderly residents.
The Sevenoaks team: Sue, Beryl, Kathy, Lynne, Glenda, Paul, Ian, Brian, Chris, Anne, Karen, Ross, and Mary (front). Absent was Betty.
Levi's dedication
Levi Agraba was dedicated to the Lord by his parents Lowell and Jenny, on the 15th November, 2009. Proud Grandad Neil led the service.
In true Filipino style there were lots of God-parents who promised to support Levi as he grows and develops into all that God has for him.
Change in eldership
Garry Gould stepped down from eldership on the 8th November 2009. Garry was an elder from the the very beginning of Gateway Christian Fellowship and has made an enormous contribution to the life and development of the Church. We are all so grateful to Garry and to Sue, his wife, for the many years of service they have provided to the people of Gateway. It's great that Garry and Sue will continue to be part of the Church in future. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Colin Lock's funeral
The Church farewelled Colin Lock on the 3rd of November, 2009. Colin will be remembered as a "gentle giant" and one who was very much loved and appreciated as part of Gateway. Colin suffered greatly during the final part of his life, but was always positive and non-complaining. As such he was a great example to us all. Colin will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and members of Gateway, but is now with his Lord, and Fay, his wife of many years.
Special offering (October 2009)
The Church held a special offering in response to the recent flooding in Manila. Over $1000 was raised and sent to God's Light Ministries.
Here are some photos of their "Re-life operation" showing food parcels that were distributed and people who were helped.
Poem by Paul Curwen
This poem was written in response to the prophecy received by the Church (see below). September 2009.
This Little Light
Amongst all the darkness, a glimmer in the night
My soul shines for Jesus it shines a little light
A minuscule flame, that spreads a minute glow
My heart is cold and broken as the tears begin to flow
My sins they have trapped me, they push and weigh me down
I'm chained to the ground, no flight, nor smiles only frown
Condemnation enfolds me, my ears full of guilt
Oh how had I become so worthless, from this life I had built?
What I did not know. What I could not see, was alone in the darkness were others than me
And with no little glimmer, nor any tiny light. Mine became a beacon that shone in the night.
Drawn by inquisitiveness, afraid of the dark, questing young souls drew near to the flame
And found Jesus welcoming them, releasing their blame.
I never saw their progress. I did not see what had been done
But my little light had drawn them to come
To come unto Jesus, who loved one an all
So don't be disheartened - stand up from the fall
A light may shed little, around at its base
But from afar, at a distance. It stands out in place
Judge not what you see from your own tiny light
From a distance away, the glow looks so bright.
Church Focus 2009
In response to the prophecy below Gateway Christian Fellowship is focusing on 3 areas of ministry:
- Giving and prayer support for existing ministries (both within and outside of the Church). This will include special support for a Tear Fund micro-enterprise.
- Support for the elderly at Sevenoaks
- Support for God's Light Ministries in the Philippines.
Prophecy
The following prophecy was given to the Church by Richard Nicoll on Sunday July 12th, 2009.
Picture: scene of darkness – dark sea – in this darkness – a beacon of light shines – like a lighthouse guiding the right path for ships. The area of darkness was large yet this small shaft of light, lit up the darkness.
Sensed that this is a word of encouragement for you as a Church. You may be small in number, and yet your light, God's light, will cover an have significance over a wide area.
Don’t be concerned about growth in numbers, look to me says the Lord, for more light. It is my light that will dispel the darkness. I am the light of the world, and I have overcome the darkness.
You are mine, and I will continue to nurture and protect you, says the Lord.
Support for God's Light Ministries
Recently we gave a gift to our partner Church in the Philippines: God's Light Ministries. The gift has been such a blessing and has been used to bring lots of families into the Church. Here is an email and pictures from God's Light Ministries telling us what is going on:
Capping
Anne Trevethick received her Bachelor of Biblical Studies and was capped during the service on 26th April 2009.
Congratulations, Anne!
Goals for 2009
This year the Church is focusing on the following goals:
1. To encourage fellowship in small groups outside of Sundays.
2. To develop our prayer life and ministry.
3. To help everyone in the Church find their ministries, and to exercise them with a giving, sharing attitude.
4. To encourage natural growth, development and progression of the Church.
Serving the Church
Recently the following people were appointed to serve the Church:
Elder: Ross Callaghan
Leadership team: Ian Burtt, Kerry Arnold, and Don and Anne Trevethick
Kitchen: Marie Sang and Beryl Tuppen
Prayer team: Ross and Olwyn Davison, Ingrid Evans, Karen Gazley, Kathy Callaghan, Dorothy Brough, Sue Gould.
Christmas poetry
Click here to read two of Anne Trevethick's Christmas poems. Great poetry!
What does Christmas Mean today?
Testimony
In December 2008 Colin Lock shared his testimony with us. You can read Colin's testimony here:
Studies in Colossians
Gateway Christian Fellowship has been studying the Letter to Colossians. During the series, members of the Church identified what they think is important in life. What they said can be downloaded here: What is important
You can download notes from the series here. They cover the whole Book of Colossians.
Gift to the Church
Recently the Church was given this banner. It was made by Joyce McLean who is aged 97.
The fine work in the banner is just amazing!
Thank you so much!!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Barbara Mills. 80 years old!!
Email from the Philippines
Here is an email from our friends at God's Light Ministries:
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 4:23 PM
Subject: greetings! good afternoon bros.and sisters!how are you these past few days?were sorry wer not able to send you an email right away.but we received all your emails and also the pictures you've sent us.i am trying to print the pictures to let the members see it but i have no time last week but i'll try again to print it before sunday.it is really touching to see pictures of the elders ther esp.sis jeni bro.lowell and kids and also auntie lita.tumaba kana bro.lowell ah!!hehehope everybody is doing fine.here??ok naman po kami.we have prayed also gateway church last sunday and we had a meeting regarding our communication etc.we are reall blessed for having bros. and sisters like you mga kapatid na kahit malayo,distance is not the hindrance.amen ba?mag kapatid?we are still hoping that someday, we can meet the elders there in gateway church.more power to all of you ther.pls.give our warmest regards.till then mga kapatid.god bless! love, glm-caloocan
The Church recently raised $1130 as a gift for God's Light Ministries. Well done everyone!
New members 2008
Welcome to new members:
Kathy and Ross Lynne and Paul Colin and Hazel
