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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, MAY 22, 1981
PAGE 5
South Pacific Islands administered by the New Zealand office.
I
will
include Peter's written overview and a pie chart showing budgeted expend
iture for 1981.
As you will see, Mr. Armstrong was very pleased with
everything he saw of God's Work in New Zealand.
Then it was off to the airport for the flight to Honolulu. This time
Customs and Immigration were helpful. We were able to drive right up to the
G-II. Two customs men were already on board to stamp our passports. As
soon as that was completed, we said goodbye to those who accompanied us to
the airport and took off for Hawaii via Pango Pango in American Samoa.
En route in his "office in the sky," Mr. Armstrong completed the first
draft of a semi-annual letter to Plain Truth subscribers. That G-II is a
real asset to God's Work.
With the exception of not being able to speak to the New Zealand
brethren, Mr. Armstrong was very pleased as he looked back on the trip. It
certainly was a full one. Even with the two-night stop in Honolulu (where I
am writing this), the bathing suit I brought with me never got wet. It did
get to jog once in Melbourne!
But Mr. Armstrong was inspired and encouraged by the zeal and dedi
cation he found in God's people "down under." The members were enthusi
astic, the offices well managed, working efficiently and financially sound.
Bob and Peter asked and were given permission to pay all hotel accommoda
tions while we were in the area. Reports from local ministers say the
brethren were also inspired and encouraged because the Pastor General, in
his 89th year, came halfway around the world to visit and serve them.
Accomplishment, mutual inspiration and encouragement is the fruit of God's
way of GIVE!
* * * * *
GOD'S WORK IN NEW ZEALAND AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
General Overview
Dear Mr. Armstrong:
The geographic area served by the New Zealand office comprises New Zealand
itself as well as the South Pacific Island areas of Polynesia and Mela
nesia. Although this includes a vast area, the population served is only
just over four million people, of which over three million are in New
Zealand. Fifty percent of New Zealand's population lives in the northern
half of the North Island, and church membership follows this pattern.
The peoples in the Pacific Islands are diverse racially and linguistically.
Languages abound, with each little island grouping having its own. Some
300,000 people use French as their principle language. We are able to reach
the people using both English and French. Close cooperation exists between
the New Zealand office and Mr. Apartian of the French Department. Our
minister in Tonga conducts services there in the Tongan language.
This era of God's Work began here with the establishment of the office in
Australia. By 1967 a church was started in Auckland, with an office being
opened the following year.