Jesus said The poor you will always have with you (Matt 26:11).

Tim Costello (World Vision) has a different take on this verse; he suggests the implication is that as followers of Jesus you will always have the poor with you because that is who you choose to be with. In living out our faith we cannot avoid the poor; if we are the suggestion is perhaps we are not actually living out the teachings of Jesus. I would suggest included in the poor are all those marginalised by our society, regardless of financial position. It is striking that Jesus did not simply have compassion on, do things for the poor, and indeed all humankind, rather he chose to be with. For all those who are followers of Jesus the challenge is to out work our faith by being with and not doing to.

My journey with St Peters House began with my involvement in the Boundaries course. I became familiar with the safe and friendly atmosphere in the House. This allowed me to share and explore relationships in my life, to ask questions that I had and seek out advice from other women. I enjoyed the laughter, the sadness, the openness we all had. Not to mention how lovely it was to have home baking for morning tea and lunch. I soon decided that I would check out the Sunday services at St Peters Church. Discovering Your True Worth was my next stop, this course ran offsite but nevertheless with the same safe and friendly atmosphere, I needed to be reminded of the miracle that took place when God created me! The content of the course physically and spiritually provided me with nourishment. The timing of all this brought home to me the realization that I could serve God at St Peters and be reunited with my Heavenly Father. I formed friendships with the staff and helped out with gift wrapping at Christmas. I have also joined the CAP team-the overseas mission right here at home! It is clear to me how St Peters House has influenced me in finding my new spiritual home. The presence of the Lord is there, His Holy Spirit rests in the House. Brief News Incredible Years Parenting program begins in Welcome Bay this month, we are full! We have two counselling students from BTI beginning with us in March. Triple P Parenting program is now available at SPH; this is a brief intervention for specific parenting issues. Our new website is under construction; check out www.stpetershouse.co.nz to see the count down.

NU 2 U, our opportunity shop began the year with a real surge, customers queuing to get in the door! The volunteers there do a fantastic job and are certainly connecting with the community as well as raising some finance. If you would like to volunteer a couple of hours or more to help out in the shop call us. We have been very grateful for a number of generous individual donations over December and January. We have also received financial support from the ANZ Bank and the Community Response Fund. Thank you to all who support us financially, if you dont please prayerfully consider giving to St Peters House. On the fourth Wednesday of the month we would love to see you at our prayer meeting; next meeting is Feb 22nd 12md in the House. In Christ people do change, the chains are loosed, people can know freedom