Five years ago, a small group of Methodist church members left their comfort zone to stand up for what they believed was right. By standing up for Biblical morals and values, they lost all they knew - their traditions, history and church. But in the midst of this difficulty, they knew the Lord was guiding them. This small group of believers soon began meeting in the attic of a home because they no longer had a church building.

Does this sound like a story from a foreign country? Well it is, but it does not take place in the Middle East, it does not take place among murderous persecution nor does it take place in the middle of a jungle. It is a true story, still unfolding today in the beautiful country of New Zealand. This small group of believers - one of many, left the Methodist Church in a stance against homosexual clergy. And through the grace of God, they are being rewarded and blessed because of this choice.

They wanted desperately to join a church, but could not find the right fit. You see, they longed to spread the message of Biblical holiness. So, three years ago, they proudly became ‘The Wesleyan-Methodist Church of New Zealand.’

At the same time, far away in Canada, a young girl was struggling to find God’s direction in her life. So she decided to serve others through a weeklong missions trip to Montreal, Quebec. During this week of feeding the homeless and loving children, her heart continued to search. The Lord had been preparing her for this week through participation in a children’s ministry at her church back home. This ninth grade teenager did not know that Montreal would change her life. But as she stood on the top of Mount Royal, over-looking the city, God spoke directly to her heart, “Will you give your whole life in service for me?” Little did she know, God was preparing her for the upcoming battle.

The fourteen year old teenager arrived home, having answered affirmatively to God’s call only to find that her home church had fallen apart, shredding to pieces everything she knew, creating confusion and disaster. The ministry that she loved was destroyed, and her family was catapulted into a churchless situation. You see, she had decided to stand up for what was right and the result was hurt and pain. The result was loneliness. She had lost all that she knew – her traditions, history and her church.

But God’s call on this young girls’ life continued to grow. Amidst countless obstacles, she managed to pursue excellence in ministry and spiritual growth. A year later, she attended a youth convention and God spoke again, “Will you give your life to be a missionary for me?” She said yes.

Back in New Zealand, the small group of believers was excited in their newfound church and felt like they had come home. Their churches began to grow, and the passion for holiness spread. Now, more cell groups began joining the Wesleyan-Methodist Church of New Zealand. And through these years, past hurt began to heal.

The young girl was now a woman at Bible College. God’s passion for people penetrated her heart and she longed to share the Gospel with those who were hurting. You see, she had not completely healed, but she had experienced the freedom of forgiveness and longed to share it with others.

Four years later, she stepped off a plane and her feet touched New Zealand soil. She was about to experience the joy of healing with those who were hurting. The Wesleyan-Methodist Church of New Zealand opened their arms to her. She shared her pain and listened to theirs. Fellowship turned into friendship and friendships blossomed to love. She was able to preach, grow, love and invest into the lives of other Christians. She felt privileged to lead a young couple into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; she was inspired when taking a mission trip to Indonesia; and the beauty of New Zealand captivated her. As her feet sunk into the thick black sand, the waves came crashing down at her feet. She was overlooking the Indian Ocean and the Lord spoke quietly, “Tanya, will you give up your whole life and follow me?”

“Yes Lord, show me the next step,” she said, as she pondered the Lord’s ways. He had taken her to the ends of the earth. He had taken her there to share in the joy of healing. She had been hurt - they had been hurt. The Lord’s guidance was apparent.

Yes, he’s been faithful, so faithful to me.