deacons Letter 17th July 2026

Rev Cassandra Mesa

Kia ora, All Saints,

As I have been reflecting on this Sunday's reading from Genesis 12, I have been amazed by the courage of Abram's response to God. God says to him, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you."  God did not give him a map or a detailed and well-laid-out plan; there was no guarantee of comfort. This was simply an invitation to trust and follow. Abram's response is equally simple – He just went.

The story of Abram reminds me that faith is often more about taking the next step than seeing the whole journey ahead. We hesitate sometimes because we want certainty. We want to plan and control the course of what lies ahead. We want to know where we are going, how things will unfold, and whether we have what it takes. Yet God calls Abram into a relationship of trust before He reveals the details.

As I look around our parish community, I see many examples of people who have taken such steps of faith. Whether it is moving countries or cities to come here to New Zealand or Wellington, or being part of this church and community and serving in ministry, welcoming newcomers, praying for others, investing in children and young people, or simply showing up faithfully week after week, these acts of obedience help build God's kingdom among us. Often, we only see the significance of these steps in hindsight.

One of the most significant things in Genesis 12 is God's promise to Abram that he would be blessed in order to be a blessing. God's call was never solely for Abram's benefit. Through him, God intended to bless all nations. The same is true for us today. We are recipients of God's grace, love, and mercy so that we might share those gifts generously with others.

As we continue to discern God's calling for All Saints, I believe we are being invited to ask not only, "What is God doing in my life?" but also, "How is God calling me to participate in His mission?" Faith is not simply about believing; it is about responding.

This week, I invite each of us to prayerfully identify one step of faith that God may be asking us to take.

It might be:

• Inviting a friend, neighbour, or family member to church and Alpha course
• Joining a house church or small group.
• Offering to serve in a ministry where help is needed.
• Reaching out to someone who is lonely or struggling.
• Setting aside time each day to pray and listen for God's guidance
  

Like Abram, we may not know exactly where that step will lead. But we can trust the God who calls us. The life of faith is not built on having all the answers; it is built on walking with the One who does.

May we be a people who respond with courage, generosity, and trust, saying together: "Lord, where you lead, we will follow."

Grace and peace,
Cassandra Mesa