Despite the uncertainties of 2020, 65 of us from various parts of New Zealand had the opportunity to gather as the larger body of ISMNZ on 6-8 November 2020. This retreat was an interesting one, with a mixed audience, with student leaders joining Staff Workers and Volunteers at Silver Stream Retreat, Wellington.

The theme was "Navigating the New Normal". We were reminded that God is close to us in the wilderness, and challenged to make the most in our care for the smaller number of international students in our midst.

We were also honoured to have guest speakers, James and Julia Coleman who shared about inner healing, and Chris Beard ISANA NZ Executive Officer who  gave us an update on the outlook for the International Student sector within New Zealand

The Government has set up a hardship fund for International Students due to the global impact of COVID-19, where any students encountering hardship can apply through their education provider, if the provider has accessed the funds on their behalf.

Hardship Grant Fund:
https://enz.govt.nz/news-and-research/international-student-hardship-grant-fund/

FAQ:
https://enz.govt.nz/assets/International-Student-Hardship-Fund-frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

Hope this will be of help to you and/or those in your ministry.

Please download and read the doc below for information on how to keep safe during this 4 week lockdown period and  what the New Zealand Government and Education providers are doing to respond to your needs.

You are also encouraged to keep an eye on the below links for the most update information in this quickly evolving situation.

Ministry of Health Updates
Ministry of Education Updates

One of our faithful volunteers, Dianne Ross has completed a biography of Wangano, which is an account of the arrival of the gospel among the Yuna people in Papua New Guinea. The story shows the amazing grace of  God in the life of a man called Wangano.

The book is now ready to go to print with Christian Books Melanesia Inc, and they are giving people outside PNG the opportunity to order copies in advance.

If you would like to buy a copy please email info@ism.org.nz as soon as possible in order to finalise the quantity required with the printer.

The cost of the book will be $25.00 NZD plus postage.
Delivery expected late May.

Profits will go towards subsidising the book sales in PNG and to the Yuna people especially.

Back Cover:

Wangano,

This is the story of how the good news came to the Yuna People in the Hela province, Papua New Guinea.

Wangano was a young man who grew up in the animistic culture of his people. As one of the first local policemen he was known and feared by his people and respected by the Australian patrol officers.

The day came when Wangano realised that Satan had tricked his ancestors and he with his family trusted the Lord Jesus. The church was planted in Kelabo. Lives were changed. Wangano became a man loved and respected by his people. They saw in him integrity and the lovely character of a man who loved Jesus.

This story will be enjoyed by students of mission and all who want to know what God is doing among unreached people. It will be appreciated by the Yuna people because it is their story.

Dianne, the author, worked among the Yuna people as a nurse. She saw Wangano as one of God's special men. She has written a very readable account and a wonderful true story, enhanced by pictures of the period.

Description:

This book was written with International students in mind, and will be of particular interest to the Yuna and Hela people, and to all those who had older family members working as missionaries in Papua New Guinea. The story starts before the time the Australian administration arrived in the Tumbudu Valley and captures the principal events which resulted in the planting of churches among the Yuna people. Most of the missionary people who were part of the story have been mentioned.

We are excited to announce that one of our previous long-time Board members, Palatasa Havea has been appointed as Dean Pacific in the new Office of Pasifika Student Success at Massey.

Over the weekend, we had the "You're Hired!!" Workshop in Auckland, which was led by Terry McGrath, and Allen Tie, Shireen Chua and David Pang as panelists. Participants learnt how to present themselves as international students/graduates, what employers look for, as well as the importance of social networks for success in the job market.

Done in collaboration with our friends from the Arise Vietnamese Church who prepared a delicious Vietnamese lunch for everyone!
Thank you everyone who made it possible!

To have our very first South Island ISM Regional Camp was a big milestone for us.  We have had local camps in the past, but to combine together at Living Springs near Christchurch marked the beginning of a new thing for us in the Southern Region. I believe God is at work as we have been praying for Christchurch, and Dunedin. We are looking forward to seeing great things occurring across the South Island as we pray and ask God to send workers into His harvest field. 

On Sunday afternoon of our camp we invited other volunteer leaders who are involved with ministry to International Students in and around Christchurch. We all shared what God is doing in our area, and we prayed for each other, and for the future of this work in Christchurch. Do pray with us for Christchurch ISMNZ.