ANDREW AND RUTH SMITH
Andrew and Ruth have been based at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, Tauranga since January 2000. BTI is a Christian-based private tertiary provider that specialises in teacher and counsellor education at degree and diploma levels.
Andrew is currently Acting Dean, and is also teaches in both the Teacher Education and Counselling programmes. He has responsibility for research, where he has particular interests in masculinity and rites of passage issues.
Ruth teaches onsite and online including Foundations of Christian Faith, and Biblical Mandate for Social Concern. She also oversees the areas of student support, and the care of international and year one counselling students.
They came to Palmerston North from the UK (England and Northern Ireland) in January 1983 because of a clear word from the Lord to do so. There, they were part of CCC and its leadership team for almost 17 years.
They have three adult children – Deborah, Peter (married to Rachel) and Mark – and two gorgeous grandsons, Luke and Joshua.
They have particular interests in marriage and family, leadership, counselling and pastoral care, church as community, hospitality, creating and running a home, and using our home for the Kingdom. They have taken seminars, both separately and together, and have spoken in churches and conferences in New Zealand and beyond.
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CINDY RUAKERE
CINDY RUAKERE is a New Zealand Christian Itinerant Worship Leader, Speaker and Prophet whose passion is to encourage people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Ruakere embodies the pioneering spirit of New Zealand and through her worship and songs encourages us to “Press On” into the things God has for us.
She is based at Link City Church Hamilton, New Zealand under the leadership of Fraser & Dale Hardy.We are privileged to have Cindy, not only as an associated ministry of LinkNZ, but as one of our whanau at Link City Church.
Cindy Ruakere is a spiritual pioneer in worship and warfare in New Zealand and, working within the team dynamic, is gifted at helping to build and establish in an apostolic way. Cindy describes her mission in life as firstly, to passionately follow her Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart and body and spirit. Secondly it is to help motivate people to find their destiny in Christ. Her passion in worship inspires others to connect with God. “Worship allows people to touch God like nothing else can”, she says.
As a worship leader, song writer and speaker, Cindy Ruakere brings a range of gifts to encourage and motivate the Church. Whether she is speaking at a women’s conference, ministering at a worship event, communicating to youth at camps or preaching at a Sunday service, she is passionate about serving the Church world-wide.
Not only does she have a passion for Aotearoa/New Zealand but she also carries the pioneering heart of New Zealand overseas wherever she ministers. Cindy has a strong national and international itinerant ministry. Cindy has toured the world extensively over the last 16 years ministering and performing in Central Asia, Europe, UK, Asia, Pacific, USA, South America, Africa, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Israel and Russia.
To find out more about Cindy and check her itinerary please go to:
Cindy has released a new album ‘Karakia’ and it’s awesome!!!!
Karakia-Haunting sound scape’s-strong vocals Cindy inspires passionate Christianity and patriotism-She’s set the bar in the stratosphere!***** A.J. Brown
To buy a copy go to:
itunes – http://itunes.apple.com/nz/artist/cindy-ruakere
or amplifier.co.nz/cindyruakere or all Christian bookshops.
You can also down load the National anthem for free at: http://karakia.co.nz/2011/01/28/free-song-national-anthem/ or www.cindyruakere.com.
and if you have a dedicated prayer room you will be able to download the whole album for free from:
http://karakia.co.nz/2011/02/24/free-album/
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Introducing Jay and Erin Lucas
LinkNZ would like to introduce Jay & Erin Lucas. They are a young vibrant couple, who have two wonderful children, and are a combination of good Maori (Jay) and USA (Erin) stock.
They have been involved in full time Christian ministry for the last 15 years and have recently resigned from their role as national directors of YWAM NZ. They are currently extensively involved with Edge Kingsland. They assist in the 24/7 prayer movement in NZ, and travel to minister in churches and training institutions.
As seasoned speakers they have a heart for Aotearoa and the church. While Jay leans towards the prophetic in his speaking and ministry, Erin is a great teacher. Their message is one of unfolding the nature and character of God, faith and obedience, and championing people to live missional lives in New Zealand and beyond.
LinkNZ would like to recommend their ministry, and encourage you to extend invitations to have them participate in ministering into your church. You will not be disappointed.
To contact Jay and Erin please call the office at Edge Kingsland on (09) 630 2922
Or email Jay on jay@edgekingsland.co.nz
Huia Come Home
Jay Lucas has just written an amazing, insightful essay on the need for us to understand our Christian story and where the church has come from in NZ. To read this please click on the highlighted title.