Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost the end of Term 1. The old saying that ‘time flies’ certainly seems to be true, as we say goodbye to Daylight Saving for another year and move into the colder weather of Autumn and Winter.

As we prepare for Easter 2023 and remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I thought it appropriate to share with you an article I found on one of the blogs that I regularly read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

“Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:36)

As you read this, you may at this moment be filled with hope and expectation … or you may be filled with dread and anxiety about the future. Either way, Jesus’ simple words to a suffering man speak volumes. Jesus invites us to rest in him, now and always.

But why should we trust Jesus? How can we be certain that he has our best in mind, or that he is working for our good?

He Did Not Spare His Son

It is impossible to overstate or wear out the comfort and security that comes from passages such as Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” This is God’s unrelenting, abundantly sufficient encouragement to Christians who are being persecuted for their faith, who are suffering through long-term illness, who feel lonely and forsaken.

Jesus himself is the ultimate proof of God’s love for us.

God’s grace in giving Jesus Christ to die in my place, and rise again for my justification, is all the proof I ever need in order to trust God in even the most difficult of times. Jesus himself is the ultimate proof of God’s love for us. Never have I been more helpless than I was in my sinful nature; and never has God shown his wisdom, power, love, and commitment to help me than he has in giving his Son for me!

There is no need to fear when Jesus Christ is with us.

No Need to Fear, Because of Jesus

If things seem to be going well for you, and you have joyful anticipation of good things ahead, praise the Lord! But also remember that your confident expectation only comes from Jesus as your Saviour. Whether your plans come to fruition or not, Jesus is the anchor of your hope.

Or perhaps this year already has some foreboding, dark storm clouds hanging over it. You are facing a challenging time, or a painful loss, or an uncertain future. Jesus invites us to rest in him even — or perhaps especially — when there’s nothing else, we can see to rest in.

The One who did not spare his own Son will do all things well.

The fact is many times life simply comes down to the need for faith because our circumstances are inscrutable. They are a puzzle that our mind cannot solve.

Perhaps you can’t get peace of mind that your sins are forgiven, although you’ve been repenting and seeking salvation in Jesus? Do not fear, only believe.

Does your loved one continue to decline in health, although you’re praying constantly for healing? Do not fear, only believe.

Are you still unmarried, although you’ve been looking for a godly spouse? Do not fear, only believe.

Is your job still difficult and unsatisfying, although you’ve tried every option to find another? Do not fear, only believe.

Is your child continuing in rebellion or indifference to spiritual things, though you’ve begged God to intervene in his or her heart and bring them to repentance and faith? Do not fear, only believe.

The One who did not spare his own Son will do all things well. There is no need to fear when Jesus Christ is with us.

As we look forward to Easter this weekend, let us all be reminded of Jesus’ words:

“Do not fear, only believe.”

In this issue

Primary Enviro Team