![\"\"](\"https:\/\/soulsforchrist.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20260201_142537-scaled-e1770788190739.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn this time I was able to help Jackson prepare for His new school with uniform and stationary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was great to spend time with him as we had not seen each other in the 9 months since we left Auckland. Jackson is also starting his first ever part-job in a local mechanics shop, so Mum and Dad are thrilled for him as he matures through more responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank You Jesus for guiding, protecting and providing for Jackson and his mum. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brother Pio stayed with sister Aileen, while brother Logen informed us that he will be leaving the Souls For Christ outreach tour, deciding to stay with his Dad, who lives in Christchurch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We were sad to say good bye to our beloved brother in Christ Logen, but I sensed this was part of God’s plan for him. We know he will go on to do greast things in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We prepared the bus for transfer back to Auckland. Brother Gav and wife offered to drive it back to Auckland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So much has happened in our time in Christchurch, but I believe our Father in Heaven is working all things for our good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You are faithful and kind Father, always present. All we do is trust in You, for we know nothing is impossible for You.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all our good-byes to beloved family, we departed for Greymouth, via Arthur’s Pass again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once again we stayed at a Doc Camp (Department of Conservation) mid-way to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you for joining us here, you are welcome to leave a comment if you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bless you and your families with love from your brother in Christ, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can navigate to our SFC YouTube channel by clicking here: www.youtube.com\/@ServantsinChrist<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ____________________________________________<\/p>\n\n\n\n About Christchurch<\/strong>….<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Christchurch<\/strong> (\/\u02c8kra\u026as.t\u0283\u025c\u02d0rt\u0283\/<\/a> <\/a>\u24d8<\/a><\/sup>; M\u0101ori<\/a>: \u014ctautahi<\/em>) is the largest city in the South Island<\/a> and the second-largest city<\/a> by urban area population in New Zealand<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Christchurch has an urban population of 412,000, and a metropolitan population of over half a million. It is located in the Canterbury Region<\/a>, near the centre of the east coast of the South Island, east of the Canterbury Plains<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is located near the southern end of Pegasus Bay<\/a>, and is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by the ancient volcanic complex of the Banks Peninsula<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Avon River \/ \u014ct\u0101karo<\/a> winds through the centre of the city, with a large urban park<\/a> along its banks. With the exception of the Port Hills<\/a>, it is a relatively flat city, on an average around 20 m (66 ft) above sea level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Christchurch has a reputation for being an English<\/a> city, with its architectural identity and nickname the ‘Garden City’ due to similarities with garden cities in England, but also has a historic M\u0101ori<\/a> heritage. Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate<\/a> with regular moderate rainfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The area of modern-day greater Christchurch was first inhabited by the historic M\u0101ori iwi<\/a> Waitaha<\/a> in the mid-thirteenth century. Waitaha, who occupied the swamplands<\/a> with patchworks of marshland<\/a>, were invaded by K\u0101ti M\u0101moe<\/a> in the sixteenth century, and then were absorbed by K\u0101i Tahu<\/a> a century later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u014ctautahi was inhabited seasonally, and a major trading centre was established at Kaiapoi P\u0101<\/a>. British<\/a> colonial settlement began in the mid-nineteenth century. The First Four Ships<\/a> were chartered by the Canterbury Association<\/a> and brought the Canterbury Pilgrims from Britain to Lyttelton Harbour<\/a> in 1850. It became a city by letters patent<\/a> on 31 July 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Christchurch was heavily industrialised in the early 20th century, with the opening of the Main South Line<\/a> railway and the development of state housing<\/a> saw rapid growth in the city’s economy and population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christchurch has strong cultural connections with its European elements and architectural identity. Christchurch is also home to a number of performing arts centres and academic institutions (including the University of Canterbury<\/a>). Christchurch has hosted numerous international sporting events, notably the 1974 British Commonwealth Games<\/a> at the purpose-built Queen Elizabeth II Park<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The city has been recognised as an Antarctic gateway since 1901, and is nowadays one of the five Antarctic gateway cities<\/a> hosting Antarctic support bases for several nations. Christchurch is served by the Christchurch Airport<\/a> in Harewood<\/a>, the country’s second-busiest airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city suffered a series of earthquakes from September 2010<\/a>, with the most destructive occurring on 22 February 2011<\/a>, in which 185 people were killed and thousands of buildings across the city suffered severe damage, with many central city buildings collapsing, leading to ongoing recovery and rebuilding projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/soulsforchrist.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Christchurch_New_Zealand_panoramic_attributed_Michal_Klajban_white_final_v5.png\")
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