Return to flip book view
Message OverflowIssue: August 25 ISSN 2815- 9322Photo: New Zealand Missionary Team Visits Port Moresby, Papua New GuineaHearing the Call: Reflectionsfrom Samuel’s StoryNew Zealand Missionary Teamvisits Port Morsby25 Years of God'sFaithfulness and StillMoving ForwardConneXion 2025Introducing the KeynoteSpeakers. Refresh 2026
Tēnā koe, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, , Fakaalofa lahi atu,Kia orana, , Noa‘ia, Kumusta, Hello! Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawnThe people of God are not called to retreat into comfort or hide in thesafety of familiar circles. From the prophets to the teaching of Jesus, thecommand is clear: arise, shine. Wesleyans have always understoodholiness as more than personal piety—it is love in action, spilling out intothe world.In this issue, we celebrate moments that remind us of God’s unchangingfaithfulness. You’ll read about a mission trip to Papua New Guinea that lefta lasting impact and a heartfelt reflection on 25 years of the WesleyanMethodist Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand. In all of it, the call is thesame — in a world longing for hope, let us shine with the light of Christ.Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hillcannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under abowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in thehouse. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that theymay see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven..In prayer,Rev. Denise BarringtonFrom the editor
During Ministry Month, we reflect on the mystery and beauty of God’scall to ministry. It’s not always dramatic or immediate—sometimes,like Samuel, it begins quietly, in faithful service. “The boy Samuelministered before the Lord under Eli…” (1 Sam 3:1). Samuel wasalready serving when God called him. Many who are called, firstexperience a deep, persistent desire to serve. Fruitfulness oftenprecedes formal recognition. So don’t wait for a lightning bolt—stepout, serve, and explore your spiritual gifts and place of calling.God actually called Samuel three times before he responded. “TheLord called Samuel a third time…” (v.8). This wasn’t repetition, it waspreparation. Samuel needed to learn to hear God’s voice and speakuncomfortable truths. His first prophetic word was a difficult one,judgment for Eli. God calls in many ways - Paul’s dramatic DamascusRoad experience, Jeremiah’s call from birth (Jer. 1:5), the progressivecall that unfolds over time, the church’s affirmation like we see withBarnabas, and the call where fruitfulness confirms the path.Eli, Samuel’s mentor, was the first to recognise that it was God whowas calling Samuel. “Then Eli realised…” (v.8). Spiritual mentors arevital in helping us discern God’s call. Leadership development isdiscipleship in action, and research shows mentoring may be thesingle most important influence in a person’s call. Yet Eli didn’t callSamuel—God did. Our role is to help others hear and respond.Sometimes, like Eli did with Samuel, our role is not to declare the callbut to redirect people back into a listening posture.Samuel’s response in 1 Sam 3:10 is at the heart hearing a call toministry: “Speak, for your servant is listening.”Hearing the Call: Reflections from Samuel’s StoryBy Rev. Brett Jones, National Superintendent
This is surrender: giving God permission to speak, to direct your life,and to provide for you. It may not be the path your family envisioned,but it is the path God has prepared. Whether it is to ordained ministry,missions work, church planting or workplace mission, God is callingand equipping.As we journey through Ministry Month, may we each come to a placeof readiness and surrender. May we each listen for God’s voice, andwhen it comes, may we each respond with the words of Samuel:“Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Registrations Now OpenPalmerston NorthConneXion 20256 - 8 November 2025Register HereQuestions? connexion@wesleyan.nz
New ZealandMissionaryteam visits Port Morsby In June and July 2025, I had the incredible privilege of travelling with ateam of ten from New Zealand to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, fora two-week mission. Our group was made up mostly of Wesleyanbelievers, along with two Pentecostal members. We were a mix of sixyoung adults and three mothers, including Pastor Litiani Tuipulotu, whosupported our team leader, Rev. Atu Lagi. Each of us are activelyinvolved in ministry and are current ministry students. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the warmth andhospitality of the Papua New Guinean people. We partnered closelywith the Wesleyan Church of Papua New Guinea and Cornerstone(Assemblies of God) to hold rallies, share the gospel through streetoutreach, and minister in both a disability centre and a hospital. Thepresence of God was undeniable—there were moments of deepspiritual breakthrough, healing, and heartfelt connection.Although Papua New Guinea is a Christian nation, we encountered aprofound hunger for a deeper relationship with Christ. Many of thepeople we met live with limited access to basic necessities. It’s notuncommon for families to walk hours each day just to collect cleanwater, attend school, reach their workplace, or gather for fellowship. Yet in the midst of these daily challenges, their faith remains vibrant. By: Angellia Moungatonga
This mission changed me. I came away inspired, challenged, and morecommitted to the call of God in my life. What I learned is that Godmoves through willing hearts. Whether near or far, we carry His lightwherever we go—and sometimes, your life may be the only glimpse ofthe Gospel someone will ever see.
As I reflect on the 25-year journey of the Wesleyan Methodist Church ofAotearoa-New Zealand, I’m filled with gratitude – and a deep sense ofanticipation. Its been a life-changing journey. From calling the meeting that led to theplanting of Redoubt North Wesleyan Church (RNW) in 2000, to finally“giving in” to God’s call to the ordained ministry a few years later, to servingas Minister to RNW whilst also serving as National Secretary / Director ofOperations, it’s a journey that has given me the privilege of seeing ourmovement from a unique vantage point. I’ve witnessed the dedication ofpastors & lay leaders, the birth of new congregations, the resilience of ourpeople through challenges, and the quiet, steady ways God’s gracechanges lives. I’ve also seen the systems, structures, & support that helpour churches thrive – and had the joy of helping shape those behind-the-scenes foundations.At RNW, I’ve experienced this mission up close. I believe our church is aliving example of what happens when we embrace grace, discipleintentionally, and serve our community with open hands. The local and national stories together paint a picture of a movement stillvery much on the move.Twenty-five years in, our calling remains urgent. Our nation still needs thehope of Christ. We still have communities waiting to be reached, leaders tobe developed, churches to be planted, and lives to be transformed.I believe God’s best for WMCANZ – and for RNW – lies ahead. We will keepstepping forward together, grounded in our enduring foundations,committed to grace-filled living, and confident in the God who called usthen and calls us still.The journey continues – and the future is bright. How can it not be when weserve the light of the world.25 Years of God's FaithfulnessBy Rev. Peter Benzieand Still Moving Forward
We are excited to announce Refresh - Minister and SpouseRetreat 2026 is being held at Clearways accommodation inTamahere, Hamilton. Clearways is an aviation inspiredaccommodation venue set amongst 4.9 hectares of fields andnative bush. It gets even better! The entire Refresh programme is being heldon site at Clearways so you can truly rest, reconnect and reset.Put these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. Questions? Please contact Atu Lagi (atu.lagi@wesleyan.nz)
SUBSCRIBE TO OVERFLOWMAGAZINEWe invite you to make donations to the Wesleyan MethodistChurch of Aotearoa-New Zealand. Join us to make a differenceand reach the lost with the grace and holiness of Jesus Christ.Using the WMCANZ bank account number below, please includeyour first initial and surname in the particulars field and 'donation' inthe reference field.03-0206-0380248-000 Particulars: e.g. 'J Smith' Reference: e.g. 'Donation'Please email accounts@wesleyan.nz with your details to receive a donation receipt.Thank you!Event CalendarDonationsLooking for your localWesleyan Methodist Church?Click here to find your nearestWesleyan Methodist church.Services are held in English,Fijian, Rotuman and Tonganwith several churches usingmultiple languages in theirworship.Scan the QR Code tosubscribe to OverflowTongan Language Week | 17-23 AugustFather's Day | 7 September ConneXion | 6 - 8 November
National Resource CentreTuesday | 9am-2pm219 Burswood DriveBotany, Auckland 2013Ph: (09) 271 6460National Support AssistantSian SidwellEmail: office@wesleyan.nzOverflow EditorDenise BarringtonEmail: overflow@wesleyan.nzNational Church ContactsNational Superintendent Rev. Brett Jones - natsuper@wesleyan.nzAss't National SuperintendentRev. Atu Lagi - pastoralcare@wesleyan.nzDirector of OperationsRev. Peter Benzie - dirops@wesleyan.nzNational TreasurerKerrin Thomson - treasurer@wesleyan.nzDirector of Church HealthRev. Jo Verkerk - training@wesleyan.nzDirector of Global MissionsMichelle Yates - missions@wesleyan.nzDirector of Ministerial FormationRev. Melissa Powell - nbmf@wesleyan.nzDirector of MultiplicationRev. Mike Yates - churchdevt@wesleyan.nzDirector of Next GenerationsRev. Stephenie Couch - nextgen@wesleyan.nzwww.wesleyan.nzOur Values | Enduring Foundations | Embracing Grace | Embodying OnenessFlourishing Churches | Celebrating BelongingInterested in news from GlobalMissions, Wesleyan MethodistChurch of New Zealand? Get in touchwww.wesleyan.nzmissions@wesleyan.nz