We catch up with Rev’d Craig and Sheila Smith who have been getting to know the Dunstan Parish since March this year, after journeying from the other side of the planet…
Watch the Video Here
We asked them to tell us a bit about their journey and how they happened to end up in this part of the world. The video above catches some of this, which has included a number of Parishes in the UK, most recently Team Rector of Gorton and Abbey Hey in the Diocese of Manchester. Both he and Sheila are New Zealand residents, having served previously in the Dioceses of Waiapu and Christchurch from 2007-2015.
Sheila became a Christian when she was 10 years old and first encountered New Zealand in the late 1983 when working as a midwife in the Christchurch Women's Hospital for a year. She describes “getting hooked" on New Zealand, especially the culture, people and scenery. She and Craig have enjoyed being part of Aotearoa - NZ and its people on previous occasions living here, never realising that there would be another opportunity to live, explore…and minister in Te Wai Ponamu - the South Island.
In the video interview, Craig talks about an "Ethiopian Eunuch" type of encounter while out picking up litter and also about links they are making he is making in the community by intentionally connecting with others at a local cafe. Straight after the interview, Craig and Sheila were off to the Tin Goose in Alexandra. He reported back that it was yet another great networking opportunity, especially as he was introduced by someone at the cafe to a Community Grants Roadshow next door, where funders were meeting with various local organisations.
Craig and Sheila are making the most of being in a new community: being visible, approachable and available to anyone who needs to know that they are very much known and loved by God.
Please continue to pray for them (and the parish) - a long way from home, but enjoying a challenge, meeting old and new friends, and exploring a part of the world that already has captured their hearts.
