What comes to mind when you think about New Zealand? Lord of the Rings? The stunning landscape and beautiful snow-capped mountains? Do you know the population of Christianity in New Zealand has been declining drastically? The culture is heavily secular with abortion, divorce, and depression sweeping across the nation. The suicide rate of teens (age of 10-19) is highest among other developed countries. Activists for same sex marriage and transgender are dominating society. The universities in NZ are known for their infamous reputation as “universities of the godless” with party, drinking, drugs, and sex.
After much prayer and deliberation, the Sun’s were led to pursue the call to go to New Zealand. Immigration lawyers told them it would be a miracle for their family to receive visas due to their youngest’s condition of trisomy 21 (many families having kids with disabilities are regularly declined). But God! Our Father regularly proves himself as sovereign and mighty to go above and beyond by opening the door no one believes is possible. Not only was baby Nuria’s visa granted; it was even received before the appointed time. The Suns give all the honor, praise, and glory to our Father that His divine work will always be done in His incredible way and in His perfect timing. This is the result of five years of a redemptive journey God has been working in them since COVID.
The Suns join Christchurch Community Church to lead and shepherd the congregation. It is a call from the Lord to join the brothers and sisters in Christchurch to spread the Gospel and train disciples who make disciples.
Prayer requests:
- Pray for the Spirit of God to strengthen our family and to increase our faith in this pivotal transition.
- Pray for the provision of God to prepare a physical Home school community, particularly in the Classical Conversation.
- Pray for Ric’s PhD study with the focus on serving and strengthening the pastors under persecution.
- Pray for the Suns to be a blessing to the new church family as they lead and shepherd the congregation.
You may journey with the Suns by signing up their newsletter.
If you would like to support Ric & Jocelyn’s ministry with ARM Ministries please click here.