For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35).
What does it mean to see Christ on the streets? For Tungane (Tu) Purea, it meant recognising the face of Jesus in an old school friend who had become homeless.
Never would Tu have imagined his classmate, whose family seemed to be doing well, now living rough in Manurewa. Yet this sobering encounter reflects a growing reality in Aotearoa New Zealand, where more than 41,600 people experience severe housing deprivation. Behind each statistic is a story of struggle, resilience and hope.
Tu’s heart was stirred with compassion and a longing to do more. After prayer and through discussions with his pastor, family, Calvary Community Church, local council and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), the vision for a street ministry was born.
Supported through a community transformation partnership, Calvary’s initiative now provides a safe, covered space every fortnight where those who are homeless or vulnerable can share a warm meal and find connection.
Since beginning in February 2025, attendance has grown to around 70 people each gathering. Volunteers are forming friendships, and some community members have even asked to join the church family.
This ministry is only just beginning, but we look forward in faith to the many stories of hope and transformation that will come. For now, its message is simple yet profound: there are still people who care for you, who see you and who will walk alongside you.
