From everyday lives to defining moments in history — discover the hope that endures.
Beyond wishful thinking, the Christian faith is about a confident belief that our lives have great meaning — and the assurance that God’s promises can be trusted, bringing hope and purpose even in our darkest and most challenging times.
These booklets were gifted to homes across New Zealand as part of a collaborative effort among churches nationwide. Called the Hope Project, each booklet sought to inspire fresh hope and faith through stories from history, everyday life, nature, and the Bible.
With faith in God, there is every reason for hope.
This first booklet addresses why Christians believe there is one God.
This second booklet answers why Christians trust the Bible.
This booklet explains what Christians believe about Jesus.
This booklet begins to explain the strength of the Christian heritage and values within us as Kiwis.
This booklet explains the strong connection between our Christian heritage and our cultural views today on charity, and the equality of women and men.
This booklet takes a look at the way our culture cares for its sick — including an incredibly generous view toward the poor and marginalised. These values and discoveries have come specifically from our Christian heritage, which defines much of who we are as a culture.
This booklet takes a look at the specifically Christian origins of our cultural belief in human rights — from which our commitment to the freedoms of information, conscience, speech and religion come. This is unquestionably a foundational part of our story as a nation!
This booklet looks at ‘hope beyond loss’. Having affirmed how precious every person is in God’s eyes it tells stories related to hope found beyond the loss of finances, relationship with family and the unjust loss of lands — to reflect how each of these people were able to find this hope — which is because of their faith!
This ninth booklet relays stories connected to questions about the goodness of God, noting we live in a world with so much suffering. On what basis do we believe God is good?
This booklet tells stories about a surprise within the creation, the surprising grace of God in two people’s lives bringing good where it would not have been expected, and then the surprising love of God.
Learn about the history, the stories, and meaning behind our festivals
Cultural festivals and public holidays are established to remind a people of the stories that are fundamental to who they are — ensuring that their founding ideas are never forgotten. Learn about the history behind some of our cultural festivals below.
This booklet examines the history behind Christmas looking at topics like: When did celebrating Christmas begin? Where did they get December 25th from? What about other Christmas traditions? And more…
In this booklet we examine the history behind Easter, exploring key questions about the Christian faith, including: Is there hope? Who is Jesus? What did he do, and how is this proved? and what if it’s true, and can we really know God?
This booklet explores the history of Halloween and its untold stories. While some ancestors did scary things, others made choices that led to a brighter future. Because of this, we enjoy an extraordinary amount of freedom, prosperity, equality, and charity as a culture.
