Laidlaw College

It's been a hectic time since Mum left. Of course it has been a major shock to the system having to do my own washing up and laundry. Ian has also had a few social outings including his leaving drinks at IBM. On Saturday night we both had a night out to an event at the Trusts Stadium to launch the renamed and revamped Bible College of New Zealand now known as Laidlaw College. The Principal is an amazing man called Mark Strom whom we have got to known through his family's attendance at our church. The College is pursuing a vision to train and equip leaders from all walks of life to know the gospel, translate it well into everyday life and to lead lives that fully integrate their walk with GOd and their walk with people. All their teaching will include papers on theology but they also offer courses in counselling, education (for trainee teachers) and the humanities - in addition to their more well-known degrees and doctorates in theology and ministry and mission. The College is now called Laidlaw College after R.A.Laidlaw who wrote a famous gospel tract called "The Reason Why", founded NZ' department store - Farmers - and was involved with the Bible College.

The evening itself had a strong Maori element including the traditional welcome ceremony where all the guests were lead into the Stadium to their seats with a call and answering song from two Maori women. We then had traditional Maori singing and dancing I particularly enjoyed the Mount Roskill Primary School choir who were all dressed in their individual national costumes (all New Zealanders being immigrants somewhere down the line) and sang the National Anthem in Maori then English.

It was wonderful to have a night out (even though Ian was full of the cold and ready for his bed by 9) and great to be a part of a very special evening.