Serving the Lord

In the late 1960’s, God planted a desire in the hearts of 2 families living in the new town of Turangi for a Gospel preaching, Bible teaching, Church. God answered their prayers by directing a missionary couple from United States, Ted and Kay Cripe, to Turangi. Rooms were hired in Hirangi School and the Turangi Evangelical Church met for its first service on Sunday, 11 February 1968.

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The Ministry of Works in the design of the Turangi had allocated a site for church on the corner of Te Rangitautahanga and Hirangi Roads. This land had remained unoccupied and was able to be obtained and a church building was erected and dedicated on 15 November 1970.

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Bible preaching and teaching has been a distinctive of the Church in its Sunday services, mid-week Bible Studies, and in the various boys and girls clubs such as Juniour Jets, AWANA Clubs, and teen activities. In the early 1980’s Family Camps and retreats began to be held annually in association with a growing number of like-minded Christians and Churches. Bible college courses were initiated to train and equip men for leadership. The church flourished through to the mid-1980’s.

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At this point, Turangi went though many changes as the Tongariro Power Project came to an end, families relocated for work and by 1987 the NZ Forest Service and DSIR were also suffering closures. Out of those moving from Turangi Evangelical Church other churches and ministries benefitted. Some became pastors, some serving in mission service organisations and others became the basis of other Bible teaching churches.

In April 1992, the missionary-Pastoral support ceased. John Campbell, who had benefitted from the fellowship and training since April 1980, took over the Pastoral and teaching ministry. John was joined by Bev after their marriage in November 1992 and has continued to Pastor the church.

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The testimony of the Turangi Evangelical Church is that God is faithful, Jesus Christ is still Lord and Saviour, and through the Holy Spirit, continues to bless lives here in Turangi and beyond through this local part of His Church and His Kingdom.

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