HCC news: Pray for the oppressed

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Halswell Community Church
August 07, 2026

This week Mato is away in Taupo at the CCCNZ Pastor Link retreat, so Liz Hodge is filling in this spot in the weekly news…

On Sunday, I really appreciated how Matt McFedries helped us to pray for the persecuted church around the world. We were able to spend a short time together in groups learning and thinking and praying about people who we’ve never met and whose names we don’t even know. 

I’ve been pondering this week about why I found that so helpful and thought-provoking; why is it that Christians feel the need to do this? If you’re part of another community group, you’d likely be concerned to care for the people in that community or maybe want to bring them into your circle of friends, but because of our relationship with God as our Father, we truly do know that these oppressed believers are our brothers and sisters, and so we care about what happens to them. 

Matt gave us a list of the 10 countries around the globe where Christians are most at risk of persecution:

  1. North Korea

  2. Somalia

  3. Yemen

  4. Sudan

  5. Eritrea

  6. Syria

  7. Nigeria

  8. Pakistan

  9. Libya

  10. Iran

Believers in these countries face imprisonment and death for their belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God. It’s so awful to think about the suffering of these people, inflicted by authorities and rulers who refuse to acknowledge God or even to follow the dictates of international laws on basic human rights.

A few days ago, as I continued to muse on this theme, I was struck by Psalm 82.

The psalmist Asaph (my current favourite psalmist, if I’m allowed one!) begins by reminding us that God is in charge and that he is a judge.

1 God presides in the great assembly;
    he renders judgment among the “gods”

But then Asaph fires some questions at whoever these “gods” are: the people or powers who are not following God’s laws. My guess is that at this point Asaph has looked at the world around him and has seen something like this suffering that we’re thinking about; there’s oppression of some marginalised people by wicked “gods” who have positions of power or authority in society.

2 “How long will you defend the unjust
    and show partiality to the wicked?
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

5 “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.
    They walk about in darkness;
    all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

So far, so bleak: people are not living as God demands but are exploiting and oppressing one another. Yet this psalm encourages us by reminding us of God’s ultimate power. Humans are not finally in charge of the world; God is. He has the power and authority to judge all nations with perfect justice.

6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”;
    you are all sons of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mere mortals;
    you will fall like every other ruler.”

8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
    for all the nations are your inheritance.

That’s why it’s so good to pray for God’s people suffering all over the world, we know that God cares about oppression and injustice, we know he listens to our prayers, and in his kindness he will answer.

On our “Ians Journey” this week Phil led us through Ephesians 4:1-6, and he asked us the interesting question of where the rubber band of our life comes to rest. God has a plan and purpose for all of our lives, so this will surely influence how we see our work and rest. There’s a profound spiritual way that we can come to rest in God, despite the pressures and stresses of everyday life. 

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4

Phil reminded us there’s a generic calling that we all have: to follow Jesus and to walk as he walked. But there’s also a specific calling that we have as part of the body of Christ, but we’ll need to do this with all humility and gentleness and with great patience, as it says in verse 2. What a challenge!

Phil also noted that this passage is a bit of a pivot point in the book: chapters 1-3 are largely doctrine; we learn that we have amazing spiritual blessings in heavenly places! Then at this opening section of chapter 4, Paul begins on a series of exhortations that come about as a result of the doctrine he’s already explained – this is where the (shoe) rubber hits the road as we walk. That is, we walk in the manner worthy of the calling we have received. 

Have a great week walking worthily by the power of the Spirit!

HCC Kids Update – I Am the Light! 💡✨

What a bright and exciting Sunday we had as we explored Jesus' words: "I am the Light of the World."

Our older kids became mini scientists as they investigated how electricity powers a light bulb. They discovered that a complete circuit is needed for the light to shine, just like we need to stay connected to God through prayer, reading His Word, worship, and spending time with Him so His light can shine through us into the world.

Our 5–6-year-olds had a wonderful time making beautiful beeswax candles while learning that Jesus is the Light of the World and that His light shines in our hearts every day.

Meanwhile, our Little Sprouts explored how light pushes back darkness. Armed with their handmade torches, they ventured into a dark "cave" to hunt for hidden stars, discovering that even a small light makes a big difference!

To top it all off, our children have been enthusiastically practising some fantastic worship songs that we're excited to share with the wider church soon... so watch this space! We can't wait for you to hear them! 🌟 

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