In taking some time to reflect on turning 40, the word ENRICH comes to mind. Enrich means to 'enhance the quality or value of something' or to 'make someone wealthy or wealthier'. This word comes to mind because I feel like I have been enriched with all of the good things life has had to offer. From being planted and positioned in places to flourish and around really awesome people who care about enriching the lives of others - I have been incredibly blessed.

As I feel enriched, there is nothing I actually need. I know some people show love through gift giving and might be keen to buy something. If this is something you are considering (or if these community run programs just seem like something you’d like to support) there are two awesome initiatives that would benefit from your enrichment. One is GC local - Matua Care and the other is global - for Pastors Suraj and Anju and their work in Siliguri, India. More details or the two initiatives are below.

Matua Care - Sau Ta Eva - Koke Pita

Last year, our friend Koke began Matua Care with the aim to unite pacific elders through creativity, talanoa (discussion/talking) and fun. The Gold Coast run weekly workshops, Sau Ta Eva, began in October last year and have bought unity and joy to the individuals and families who participate. As it is a community led, not for profit, initiative, the group runs off the generosity of community. Your donations to this initiative hope to contribute to uniforms for the elders at a fiafia (celebration) night envisioned for later this year. If you have any questions or want to be involved in a way past donating, please contact Koke Pita on 0422 572 648.

Team Siliguri - Pastors Suraj and Anju

Siliguri is located in the northern part of West Bengal in India. It is 10km from the Bangladesh border and close to Myanmyar. It lies in the foothills of the Himalayas, at the base of the Darjeeling Hills. Amidst the 1.1m population, there is a great need for basic needs such as food and shelter to be met. Pastors Suraj and Anju lead Equippers Siliguri and have a heart to enrich their community and do the best with all they have in their hands. They have been working to meet the basics needs of those connected to their church/community. The need is great in their area and whilst they often use their own funds to pour back into the life around them, a little would go a long way for them. $20 can feed a family in their community for a month. $20 can pay to put a lady through a 16-week beautician school allowing her to earn an ongoing income. $20 can purchase a giant tarpaulin for when the monsoon rains hit in June - August. For Suraj and Anju, they are grateful to be thought of and to know that God continues to see them and the people of their community through the thoughts and actions of others. If you'd like to reach out to them, please connect with my Mum Sue Christie on 0413510321.

A ticketing system is used for ease of collection. A ticket will be generated, however, you don’t need a ticket if you’re coming along to the gathering on the GC.

All proceeds will go directly to the initiatives you’ve selected to enrich. Thanks so much for the love you’ve shown to me, my family and the community we live in. Blessed to be a blessing.

Alofa tele atu,

Jess