It’s not often that churches connect with the community through the police, but that is exactly what happens through one ministry in Te Awamutu, Waikato.
Te Hāhi is a church ministry that provides support and care to people in the community impacted by family harm and/or hardship. A collection of churches in the town partner with police and other services to provide this support. Te Awamutu Bible Chapel is one of those churches.
Te Hāhi started in 2025 and is based around the theme from Micah 6:8, “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly,” the team helps those in need through prayer, visitation, practical help, and food.
Recently they helped a 91-year-old lady fix her ranch slider, provided food parcels to people in need, and supported police during a local shooting. Shane Wildermoth from TABC says that “Each one of these situations provided the opportunity to share with the people why we do this and ultimately about Christ.”
They have slowly been building connections between the church and those more marginalised in society. It also has the advantage of building the connection and relationship between the church and local police, building trust and offering support.
Shane comments that “it has been a privilege to work with them and get to know the other side of the police and some of the struggles they face on a day-to-day basis.”
