Why the South Pacific?
"Exalt the name of the LORD, ...in the islands of the sea." ~ Isaiah 24:15 (NIV)
Australasia is sometimes used as a term for New Zealand and Australia together, in the absence of another word limited to those two countries. The neighbouring island nations in the Pacific Ocean are also included in the term. Sometimes Papua New Guinea is encompassed by the term as well.
SPCF is specifically targeting Australia and New Zealand, with consideration given to the island nations whenever possible.
Why the South Pacific?
Why the South Pacific? Why not Africa, or china, or the middle east? Well, we’ve asked ourselves those questions.
The fact is, the state of Christianity in New Zealand is nearing a historical low-point. Australia and New Zealand are in what some are calling the “Post-Christian” age. In other words, the era of Christianity is now rapidly declining.
There is no longer a predominately Christian ethos among these nations. Our most current information estimates that only 5-10% of New Zealanders attend church. Much like western European nations, the people have abandoned their relationships with Jesus Christ for secular lifestyles. As a result, the nations are plagued with broken families, substance abuse, legalized prostitution and New Zealand has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.
This trend has continued now for a couple of generations so there is a shortage of well-trained, biblically sound leaders and a shortage of well-balanced, biblically sound churches.
A 21st Century Narnia
When the movie Prince Caspian had its debut in New Zealand, Dr. Adam Claasen, gave a powerful message on the biblical meanings behind the movie. In this message, Dr. Claasen, compared New Zealand and the people to Narnia. He gave some alarming statistics about the correlation between the declining amount of Christians and the increasing amount of crime and violence. I encourage you to listen to the Prince Caspian Sermon. If you haven't seen the movie, you may want to watch it first, but if not, you will still understand the sermon. As you are doing so, listen for what is being said about the state of New Zealand.
A view of Wellington from the Waterfront
Cathedral Square in Christchurch