A DAY OF FREEWILL GIVING

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 27, Issue 7, 1 July 1937, Page 7

A DAY OF FREEWILL GIVING

On a recent visit to Wairoa, it was found that the local Maori congregation was somewhat behind m their assessment for their pastorate fund, and means for making up the deficit were discussed. It was suggested that we should try the good old Christian way of freewill giving; and it was decided to have a special Day of Giving a fortnight later. On Sunday, June 20th, the whole population of the settlement, numbering about one hundred, assembled at the church. It was inspiring to hear that this was the first occasion on which members of the Ratana Movement had joined with the rest m a Christian service, since the sad division took place. The little church was packed, and when the offertory was taken the sum of £41 was placed on the altar. It is hoped that this will mark the small beginning of a new method of raising funds, which will m time solve the financial problems of the Maori pastorates, as it can solve the problems of any parish, when undertaken m faith. The small Maori community at Wairoa is not by any means a wealthy one; and the response on this occasion shows what can be accomplished, if the heart is m the right place. After a. picnic lunch m the open air, the whole assembly moved into the Maori Meeting House, where an interesting, discussion took place on matters of church interest and Maori welfare generally. When the company dispersed at 4 p.m., there were many who said it had been one of the most inspiring gatherings they had had for a long time.

W: G. WILLIAMS, Assistant to the Bishop of Aotearoa