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Dear Friends and Family,
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we give thanks for all that God has done through CCI New Zealand this Christmas season. This month has been filled with meaningful outreach, discipleship growth, cross-cultural engagement, and powerful opportunities to share the hope of Christ with people from many nations now calling New Zealand home.
Christmas Outreach and Community Engagement
Christmas created a powerful opportunity to reach people from diverse cultural backgrounds. CCI New Zealand groups and leaders across the country organized and participated in multicultural Christmas gatherings where international families attended Christmas meals hosted by our trainees and partnering churches. Scripture readings and carols were shared in multiple languages, beautifully reflecting CCI New Zealand's heart to bring the nations together under Christ. For many newcomers, this was the very first time they heard the story of Jesus' birth.
Home-based celebrations also played a meaningful role. Small groups gathered in homes for fellowship, shared meals, and gospel-centered conversations. Trainees applied their CCI lessons in real-life ministry by leading devotionals and sharing personal testimonies of faith.
Our outreach to migrants and refugees continued with CCI New Zealand teams preparing care packages that included food, children's gifts, and Scripture resources. Several families expressed deep appreciation for the love shown during what can be a difficult season for newcomers living far from home.
Leadership Training Progress
Even during the holiday period, our commitment to developing Christlike leaders remained strong. Training groups completed modules focused on discipleship, evangelism, and biblical leadership. Several trainees shared how this training is equipping them to minister with greater confidence in multicultural settings. New leaders are also preparing to launch additional study groups in 2026, expanding our reach into new communities and churches.
Testimonies from the Christmas Season
One student shared, "This Christmas, I used what I learned in CCI training to lead a devotional with my extended family. It opened the door for conversations about Jesus that we've never had before."
A migrant family shared, "We felt welcomed and seen. Thank you for sharing your traditions and your faith with us."
One trainer added, "I am encouraged by how our students stepped out boldly to share the gospel through kindness, hospitality, and the Word."
Compassion and Practical Support
Throughout the season, CCI New Zealand volunteers and students demonstrated Christ's love through food distribution to families in need, gift packs for children from refugee and migrant households, visits to isolated individuals and elderly immigrants, and prayer support for those struggling with loneliness, job loss, or cultural adjustment. These acts of service created natural bridges for gospel-centered conversations.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With gratitude for what God has done, we look forward to establishing new training groups in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and emerging regions. We are prayerfully preparing to equip more cross-cultural leaders from diverse backgrounds, strengthen partnerships with churches passionate about reaching the nations in New Zealand, and provide translation support for learners who are more comfortable in their heart languages. Our prayer is that the message of Emmanuel, God with us, will continue to reach people from every nation now living in New Zealand.
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