A new Seventh-day Adventist church plant has opened in Halswell, Christchurch (NZ), with 110 people attending its first gathering on March 14.
The opening service brought together members, visitors and people from the local community for worship and fellowship, with a message presented by South New Zealand Conference president Pastor Ben Martin.
The initiative began within the Ilam church community and has developed into a new congregation serving the Halswell area.
“Members felt a growing sense of purpose to become not just a place of worship, but a centre for mission and outreach,” said Ilam church pastor Younis Masih.
According to him, the team prayed about the idea and with a shared conviction, started looking for possible venues. “What started as a simple search soon gained momentum, with doors opening and practical arrangements falling into place in ways that many involved describe as miraculous.”
During the opening, a passerby accepted an invitation to attend and stayed for lunch. “For the team, it was a meaningful reminder of the church’s purpose—to be open and welcoming to all,” Pastor Masih said.
The congregation has begun holding regular “prayer walks” in the local area, with members walking through neighbourhood streets to pray for the community and its future.
Halswell church plant is led by a small leadership team and continues to be supported by the Ilam church community.
