Hastings Team's Mission

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1950

Hastings Team's Mission - 1950

The coming of the team mission was not an event which burst upon the life of our church like a storm. "Not as a comet's rush, But as the opening of a rose."

The blessing came along to an expectant church and people. For many weeks minister and deacons, Bible Classes and teachers had been fervently praying for this event. Never had a people given themselves more to prayer. Not only at our Sunday services and week-night meetings, but in wonderful weekly home prayer bands, the desire for blessing went up to the only source of blessing.

No stone was left unturned in the way of publicity and organisation and personal endeavour. Yet we also realised that blessing is not worked up, but prayed down. We are co-workers together with God. From the inaugural deacons' tea prepared by the deacons themselves, we sensed the spirit of unity and togetherness as the visiting team unfolded to us their plan far campaign. We realised that Rev. P. W. Norrish and his team-mate, Mr. J. S. Winder, had come in happy, joyous mood to proclaim the old, old story with a new note calculated to appeal to the hearts and minds of our waiting people.

Every night and all day each Sunday the congregations gathered in growing numbers and expanding interest. Our own choir stood loyally every night by the missioners to give lilt and volume to the singing of hymns and choruses led so enthusiastically by Mr. Winder. The soloist of the team, Mrs. Ruby Woodward, of Hamilton, was a tower of strength to the meetings. Her messages in song reached the hearts of all. Rev. P. W. Norrish in every address revealed a deep desire and an intense passion for the souls of men and women. There was a freedom from the old spectacular methods often so prevalent in revival work, yet one could feel in the hush and quietness that the Spirit was working in mind and heart and soul of those who listened.

The Wednesday Youth meeting was one of the highlights of the mission. The zenith hour a capacity congregation crowded in. The Girls' Life Brigade was in evidence, and a goodly number arrived with Rev. E. Simpson from the Napier church to share in our feast of good things. It was heartening to hear of decisions, and of folk, young and old, being led into the Light of the Kingdom. So each night interest and numbers were maintained.

Sunday, the final feast came as a grand climax to a week of blessing. The Sunday services went with a swing, with a full church, bright singing, and telling messages. The thanksgiving service and tea in the afternoon drew together an enthusiastic band of our young men and women of the Bible Classes. The mission proceeded to a glorious climax at the Sunday evening service. A crowded church listened to a wonderful message in song and sermon, and many obeyed the call of the Saviour.

The united thanks of minister, officers and congregation go out to God for the spiritual uplift and the helpful messages and glorious, harvest of the team's mission. R. E. B. (September)