By Rev Howard Te Hauoterangi Karaka
NZCMS Māori Evangelist
Hē Moemoea ahau, (I have a dream) that there is going to be a huge revival.
My people in Te Puaha O Waikato & Hauraki have been lost for so many years, many have turned from God and followed bad theology and leaders who were not God-fearing and were led astray. This leadership did not have a true pastoral heart for the people and was more concerned about teaching philosophies and human traditions rather than Christ’s amazing grace, love, forgiveness and salvation.
On Sunday 8th October, I dreamt I was standing on my maunga (mountain) “Te Puke O Tāhinga “, the same maunga my tupuna waata kukutai (great grandfather) would go to and pray, the same maunga he shared with Missioner Robert Maunsall of NZCMS in 1856.
I saw this huge tornado heading towards me. Inside its funnel, I could see people being taken upwards through the funnel as it moved close to me. At first, I thought “How beautiful” but then this fear of concern suddenly came over me. As I looked down towards the bottom of the funnel, I could see debris flying around and destruction left behind it.
I awoke sweating as it felt so real. I woke up my wife Ngahuia and shared my dream. With a chuckle, I asked God, “What was that about?” As the day went on, I would stop and reflect on this dream. I asked God to give me a revelation of what had just happened and if it was not from Him, to remove it.
By late evening I got this message from the Holy Spirit.
- The tornado as mentioned in the Bible represents God’s anger.
- The people in the funnel are those who are going to be taken up and separated from the destruction around them.
- The debris and destruction at the bottom of the funnel was the most dangerous part of the tornado. God is going to save his people from this destruction.
In the Book of Zechariah, it’s a symbol of change and transformation, transitioning and personal growth.
My Reflection
Change is coming. God has blessed me in this ministry, with my people and I have seen change, transformation and growth but I am also very aware that the enemy has been pressing against God’s work.
I am working among people who are seeking God’s face, looking for change and are lost. However, there have been changes that only God can make, the fruits of your support, the support of my sponsors, the support of NZCMS and the support of Te Pihopatanga O Te Manawa O Te Wheke,
are here among my people. Here is a list of just a few of examples:
• Pastoral Care has been much work for one person.
• In November 2023, I began a men’s group ( Kahui Tane), the very first in Te Puaha O Waikato.
• In January 2024 there will be the re-opening of Paeroa Maori Anglican Church (Hoani Tapu)
• 2024 the re-opening of Tama Tera (Holy Trinity).
• Marae ministry from 4 marae to 5 marae, with the possibility of 2 more marae in Hauraki.
• Toko Toru Tapu Parawira was re-opened in February 2022 and still growing.
These are the fruits of your prayers and your financial support.
Prayer Request
Pray for ongoing support. Breakthrough has already begun, and God has been opening not only doors of opportunity to share the Gospel, but the doorway to people’s hearts in Te Puaha O Waikato. This has been a mission area that has failed for many, many years, and I give praise, glory and honour to God for what he is doing.
Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision the people perish.”
Nga Manaakitanga. God’s Blessings
Reverend Howard Te Hauoterangi Karaka
This is so encouraging Howard. This work is very important and strategic. Please be assured of our prayers and support as the battle rages for our lovely country. Be strong and of good courage for the battle is not ours but God’s. We are on the winning side.
Thank you for sharing your dream, Howard. When I first heard about NZCMS wanting to sponsor Maori evangelists in NZ, I knew it was God’s plan. Sadly the work of English Missionaries to NZ was cut short by enemy attack, but now God is raising up Maori evangelists to reach Maori. You and your colleagues are going to face tornado like opposition from the enemy, but God will give you the strength, the perseverance and the courage to face it and overcome it in Jesus’ name.
God bless you and Ngahuia and your fellow warriors of the LORD. I pray for you every day.
Amen and Amen, thank you for your prayers Suzan.
Prayers for your ministry also.
Nga Manaakitanga.