taken from our newsletter……………..
FROM THE MANAGERS
It seems very strange to say goodbye to all our Kiwi friends. Three and a half years have passed very quickly. We have learn’t so much while being at Manna. We have been challenged and blessed — all at the same time. But new seasons come and new beginnings are a part of life. We leave Manna with a much greater understanding of the depth and mystery of servanthood and our Servant King.
John 13:8:
Peter said to him, “ You shall never wash my feet. ” Jesus answered
him, “ If I do not wash you, you have no part with me. ”
The secret of serving others is to first allow Christ to serve us. It is only then that we truly see His heart. Our arrogance and self reliance is destroyed by encountering His love . The person we were created to be, our true identity and purpose, is discovered as we embrace and surrender to our Servant King. It is out of that freedom that we are able to serve. Not because we think we have to, or to feel good about ourselves. But because of the joy of knowing who God is and that we are made in His image. And that joy, the joy of the Lord, is our strength.
Our prayer is that all who come to Manna encounter this Servant King. That the striving would cease, that His light would shine in the darkness, and that His love, mercy and grace would open prison doors and set the captives free.
Many thanks to all the Trust members, staff, guests and their families. We appreciate all you have done to make our stay in NZ unforgettable.
Lots of love and blessings
Di and Reg
“The Orstrayleans ”
DOVETAILS (a dove’s view of Manna)
Manna continues to provide entertainment for all. Never a dull moment. We just think we have a handle on things and the humans surprise us again. The lady who was always on her knees, bottom in the air, pulling the green plants out of the flower beds has disappeared. She always had a big smile on her face and never seemed tired of having dirt on her hands. Heard something about her working at a chicken hospital called Tegels. Not sure about the level of care available but the chickens all seem to end up frozen, packed in boxes, and driven away in trucks!
The Manna guests seem to stay longer these days, feathering their nests with all sorts of interesting objects. We even have miniature humans come and spend time with their Mum. The biggest one is quiet and spends lots of time touching a window on a little box with moving pictures. The smallest miniature person just runs about at full throttle while making racing car noises. I like it when they are here. They make me smile!!
Talking about change, lots of things are changing in my world. It is hard to believe but my babies are growing up and leaving the nest. Our eldest is now married with a family of his own. Dove Boy and I are absolutely besotted with our grandchicks — I notice that the same applies to some of the humans at Manna! – and are very proud of our growing family. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life is all about change and while it can make us a little bit sad or even frightened, where would we be without the adventure that change brings? It‘s like the first time I left the nest and flew. I was sad because I was leaving my nest behind and I felt scared because I had never flown before, but as I jumped I felt the wind under my wings and I lifted up into the sky and I soared. Now that was a real adventure!
I see change all the time at Manna. Nests are full then empty. Cars drive in and out. Men in hats arrive, cut down trees, plant plants, trim hedges, then disappear. I guess the only thing that doesn’t change for the humans is the God person, and how much He loves them. He always seems to be in the middle of everything. He somehow flows like a river, always moving, always bringing change, but never changing Himself. Just not sure how He does that. Makes my head spin!
Bye for now
Lovey Dovey
PS Goodbye to the “Orstrayleans”. We will miss
your strange accents and the even stranger game
of Aussie Rules Football. Go the Crows!