An international charitable organisation has welcomed two new officers into the local community.
Neil and Tiana Henderson migrated from South Africa to New Zealand 13 years ago and moved to Howick at the start of the year to continue their journey in aiding communities, individuals and families.
With Neil’s background in construction and Tiana’s in counselling and coaching, the Hendersons are experienced pastors at the Salvation Army East City on Wellington Street.
“What people don’t realise is that the Salvation Army is a church,” Neil says.
“We have church services on Sunday and prayer meetings on Tuesday.”
Along with their pastoral duties, the Hendersons oversee and support the activities that occur out of the Army’s Howick centre.
“We support the food banks and help with the pick-up of donations,” Tiana says.
“Additionally, we have a few people sleeping in their cars that come shower and we help them with their washing.”
The food banks are open from 10am-1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
“We (the Army) try and build a relationship with the community,” Tiana says.
“And see if they have any needs more than just food and if there’s any other way we can support them.”
Neil says his and Tiana’s passion is to serve the community.
“People associated with this church have been doing some amazing work,” he says.
“Us coming here is to come join them rather than re-invent the wheel. We want to continue that work.
“One of the big things we are after is relationship. After our church services have concluded, people hang around and have a cup of tea. That’s also a great opportunity for us to identify needs and focus our ministry.”
The church is open to everyone.
Along with the food banks and other activities, the Salvation Army Positive Lifestyle Programme is offered to anyone who may require it at the Howick centre.
The programme consists of eight sessions and is designed to enhance a participant’s self-awareness and to give them a better understanding of personal life skills.
