This October marked 18 years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church. The Lord has certainly had to break me down in order to build me up. I still have far to go, but I am humbled by His persistent blessings. May I pause to thank those who have stood with us through thick and thin? It feels as though we are beginning to see long-prayed-for fruit, yet I take nothing for granted, having walked through a few painful setbacks along the way. God is faithful, and so are His people. Thank you for your faithful giving and praying. Some churches have supported us for years without even having met us. This amazes me! Lord willing, it is something I hope to change soon. We are overdue for a trip back to the States. (Our last was in 2017; our 2020 trip was cancelled, as many were, because it was 2020.) Since then, the work has been full and fruitful. God is so good. Thank you again. Without your partnership, this ministry would not be possible.

Building Update

Here is the big news. The owner of the building we currently lease has lowered the sale price by NZ$80,000, bringing it within reach. I am reviewing the budget and our ability to take on a mortgage. Last year, I wrote (in my optimism) when I thought a lower price was possible, but at the time, the owner would not move. It is still a stretch, but with our recent growth, we believe we could sustain a modest loan. We now have verbal confirmation that our offer will be accepted, and the lawyer is preparing the contract. We are potentially only days away from signing. If anyone feels led to help with a one-time offering above their regular support, it would be a tremendous blessing. We do not desire to sidestep our own church’s responsibility to sacrifice. Our people want to invest as well, but anything toward the deposit strengthens our position with the lender. Please pray and give, if the Lord allows.

Other Matters

One of our dear church families welcomed their baby girl Grace extremely early at 24 weeks. It has been a heavy trial, but the church has rallied in prayer and support. Baby Grace is now safely home and growing, and so far, she is doing wonderfully—a miracle! Please keep praying for her continued health and weight gain.

The South Island Teen Camp was a great blessing. On the long trip home (nine-hour drive plus a four-hour ferry), one of our young men trusted Christ as Saviour. What a joy it is to serve such precious young people.

Beth and I also celebrated our 20th anniversary with a long-saved-for trip to Thailand. The sacrificial giving of our church was really what made such a trip possible. We rejoiced to reconnect with missionary friends in Hua Hin and enjoyed spending quality time together. Gail has an appointment to check on her scoliosis this week. Her condition has gotten noticeably worse now, and surgery is a possibility. Please pray!

We love you all and hope to see you sooner rather than later.

Nick, Beth, Gail, and Zack Watt