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Richard and Christine are in Auckland, New Zealand which is 19 hours ahead of Tennessee (cst).

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January 6th, 2005, from New Zealand

We are currently at the Hyatt Regency in Auckland. The hotel at our next stop is Sofitel Maeva Beach Tahiti in Papeete. Then, on to Christine's mother and family in California until at least January 26.
As to our time in New Zealand thus far, I am surprised at the distinctive differences between Australia and here. From people to politics to religion to appearances to tours and nearly every imaginable thing. For some reason, I had them more equated in my concept. As to climate, this month here is summer, equivalent to our July. However, it is one of the coolest on record, with high temperatures not much more than we sometimes have in January in Tennessee. A hot day here is about 65-70 degrees. Those there who are waiting for pictures of "Ricky, the Surfer Dude" (that is, me, according to Melissa Pirtle, in her wildest imagination and speculation) will have to wait, apparently. It has been mostly dreary and raining. That makes good for short walks with umbrellas likely needed and restful in the hotel room. The area we had wished to visit was yesterday flooded with 100 year rains and today are forecast to proceed in Auckland and to the north, both either where we are or planned to visit. It is quite a blessing to navigate each day, laying down our preferences, renewing each day where and who and why we are here all along the way, and just being satisfied and so blessed to rest and be in Him in the middle of all things. Whether there or here, we are all so blessed beyond measure. This is made even more evident in the contrasts that continue to roll in from the disasters in Asia. I find it interesting that December 26 of last year, 30,000 were killed in earthquakes in Iran, and now this disaster of December 25 earthquake and tsunamis on December 26 this year. Banda Aceh in Sri Lanka is the most devasted center, and it is the oldest and most entrenched center of Islam, and Indonesia itself has the largest Muslim population in the world. Currently, the pledges of the entire Arab world to assist their "brothers" in the Asia tragedy amounts to some $20 million dollars, hardly a small fraction of the total pledged by countries not controlled by Muslim religion/politics, in spite of their incoming record-high oil prices receipts. Although I find such circumstances curious, it is equally important that we remember and maintain the view that Christ died for all, and that our love for all men be seen and practiced from His point of view, not from a political or nationalist perspective of any country, whether in the East or in the West. Our hope and our prayer and our practice is, and must be, that we care for all people everywhere without preference, and that we yield ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ to prepare for Himself a people from every nation, who in the union of the one Spirit express the oneness of the triune God through His people in their mystical, yet practical oneness all over the earth.
Here in Auckland, we did have a wonderful day which included getting to both sides of the island, and walking deep into a semi-tropical rain forest. We got into the water (at least I waded in above my ankles) in the ponding below a cascading waterfall, surrounded by he most colorful blend of trees in bloom, and ferns and palms of so many varieties. It was quite breath-taking. There were so many trees with Maori (native tribal) names and difficult to pronounce or remember. One was described to us by our excellent, knowledgeable guide as a tree that produced both death and life. I took photos showing how a tree that had been attacked by predatory organisms fell over (typical of this variety) when overcome by the death, was nearly totally rotted out and bio-degraded, yet it was giving live to other branches at its very end, which in turn had grown into beautiful, healthy trees, appearing the same but strong and had sunk their own new roots into the soil which was maintaining them when their original source would eventually be completed alleviated. Another beautiful palm-looking tree, so beautiful and slender and tall, was attractive to a very small-leafed vine that gradually encompassed the first tree and choked its life-supply out of existence. The vine (typical of this variety, and we saw the beginning and end results of this process in the forest, with photos I took) proceeds to grow, be prominent until it replaces the first tree. It becomes the second tree that is absolutely huge and breathtaking, a diameter of over eight feet, if you can imagine. The first tree is so first-man/second man (Gen 3, trees of knowledge and of life, and I Cor. 15); the next tree reminds me of Daniel 2 positively like the stone that grew into a mountain and filled the earth (Christ and the church), or Daniel 4 negatively like Nebuchadnezzar who grew like a great tree took over all and grew to the heavens and then was cut down, leaving only the stump for the Lord's purpose to use in another way.
Well, enough for now. Thanks, Richard, with Christine

Note from Christine (though she'll probably kill me for posting this :)

Hi Andrea In all the pictures we have sent to you it looks like I have the same shirt on . Believe I do not. When I packed I did not realize I put in the same kind. Also in our bathroom were we are staying there is a thing to see how much you have gained .I will not say its name than It will not hurt so much Richard just went down to the Hot tub. It is raining here today So I guess We will stay in. We had a very good day yesterday I will sign off for now. I love you so very much We are Praying for you all christine

The Nelson's Upcoming Destinations

Papeete, French Polynesia,
Los Angeles, California
Tijuana, Mexico
Nashville, Tennessee


Christine in an Indian Taxi

Recent Photos

Christine at Indian daycare


Serving ones, with orphans, India

Blessy, Jeannie and Jay, India

Jay, Jeannie and Chako with a new refrigerator
and washing machine

Chako with orphan boys and gifts from Sylvesters

Chako passing out the cards to orphans

Ben Bower has recently had emergency surgery and is still in critical care after ten days. Cards, letters and prayers are all appreciated.

• Prison Ministry / Ben Bower
• Info on Visiting Ben
• Ben's Recent Surgery and Urgent Need for Prayer