Bad weekend. Firstly my favorite team the Warriors lost in the Grand Final but worse than that; on Friday, ten days out from One Conference we got word that our guest speaker Chris Hodges from the States was not able to come because of a health issue. We searched around through our contacts, but Chris directed us to a friend Rob Ketterling from River Valley Church Minnesota. Rob and his wife Becca pioneered the church in 1995 and have built a thriving church with over 3,800 in attendance across four locations. Rob will be an awesome replacement for Chris at conference. Thanks Chris, trust you are back to full health quickly.

A great part of the weekend was travelling to speak at our campus in Whangarei. Marilyn and Rob Redfearn travelled with me, with Rob singing an awesome song. What an amazing voice.

On Wednesday and Thursday we are blessed to have Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, worship leader at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church with us. Wednesday is only for worship team members but Thursday night is an open night of worship. Make sure you do not miss this great night.

I have just been down to the Junior college site to catch progress. All the concrete pads have been poured for the administration and one of the main classroom blocks, and framing is underway. Amazing progress for the middle of winter; with yesterday being the coldest day on record in Auckland at 8.2◦c and snow falling in some parts of the city. South Islanders say we Aucklanders need to harden up.

Marilyn and I have been in the City and then last week in the North for the Sunday morning. City was tough with my having to share that we were reducing our staff levels. This is never easy to do but the congregation and staff have been great, with understanding of the reasons and maturity in their response. It was great to have lunch with Hugh and Noelene Stringleman in the North, who were key members of our team in the East before they moved. We are looking forward to being back in the East this Sunday.

Tomorrow it is an early morning start with a Father’s Breakfast hosted by Parents Inc and opened and addressed by our Mayor Len Brown. Then on Saturday I have the unusual task of blessing the Meadowlands Multisport Centre. I have never prayed a blessing on a sports centre before, but the Scriptures tell us that we can pray that we may enjoy good health. Exercise will certainly support this prayer. Unfortunately my biggest effort in exercise this week has been sitting in the Xerox Corporate Box watching the Warriors win on Saturday night!