My wife Joy (Lixiang), our two daughters and I migrated to New Zealand in 1993. The following year we were baptised at East Auckland Evangelical Formosan Church. Around 2000, after moving house, we transferred to EFCCA in central Auckland. Lixiang and I both served as deacons at different times and attended the EFC General Assembly in the United States. Several years later, to meet our children’s needs, we worshipped at GCC and other churches for a period. In mid-2019, at the invitation of Pastor Dong and several senior elders, we returned to EFCCA in July 2020.
From 2021, Lixiang and I served as zone leaders and disciple-training leaders for the young families in the Pomegranate Zone until 2024. During that period, Pastor Dong twice considered nominating Sister Yang Lixiang as an elder, but she declined.
When we returned in 2020, EFCCA had just established the Evergreen Fellowship for older brothers and sisters. Because of my years of experience leading nature walks and hiking groups, I was asked to help members spend more time outdoors. We organised walks through Auckland Domain, including Lovers’ Walk and the track once nicknamed the “Ho Chi Minh Trail,” and visited Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park at Mission Bay and the scenic Tamaki waterfront walkway.
I became president of the Evergreen Fellowship in 2021 and have now served for more than five years. The following is a brief review of our major activities.
2021: Meaning, Renewal and Healthy Ageing
We adopted the theme “The Meaning and Renewal of Life—Choices and Change.” Each month we arranged seminars for older adults on physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Topics included self-understanding and a renewed image of ageing, lifelong learning and growth, intergenerational communication, emotional and mental health, active retirement and cherishing one’s spouse. Unfortunately, from mid-August, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the programme to pause.
2022: Returning Outdoors
As restrictions eased, we encouraged older members to reconnect with nature and sunlight. We visited Mt Wellington and Wrights Water Gardens in South Auckland. Later in the year we held a seminar covering a range of legal issues.
After three pandemic-related postponements, on Saturday 8 October we held our first coach trip, travelling to the west and north-west coast and the Kaipara region. Along the way we visited former EFCCA members Yu Jing and Jingdong at their home in Dargaville. Although the journey was long, the coach was filled with conversation, singing and laughter. Even after returning, everyone still wished the day could continue.
2023: A Rich Year Indoors and Outdoors
On 12 April we organised a “land, sea and rail” walking adventure. We took two buses to Maraetai Beach, followed the coastal track to Omana Regional Park for lunch, continued to Pine Harbour Marina, took the ferry to Downtown Auckland, and finally returned to church by train.
Mid-year, together with the church Fellowship Ministry, we held an exploration of lesser-known tracks at One Tree Hill. More than sixty brothers and sisters joined and were divided into challenge and leisure groups.
In early December we held our second coach outing, travelling to Tauranga, climbing Mt Maunganui and visiting McLaren Falls Park. We also arranged indoor seminars. Age Concern Auckland spoke on aged care and support and on preventing and managing macular degeneration. Elder Wu Zhongyi demonstrated exercise and shared five principles for fitness and healthy ageing.
2024: Trains, Lakes and New Walking Routes
On 26 March we travelled by train to Meadowbank, walked a new and spacious fitness path and completed the loop around the green waters of Orakei Basin. The fellowship provided Taiwanese lunch boxes.
On 28 May we held a seminar on protecting brain health. On 19 June, thirty-eight members used Bee Cards for the first time to travel on the comfortable Te Huia train to Hamilton. The two-hour journey provided time for lively fellowship, followed by a walk around beautiful Hamilton Lake. On 28 August we took Te Huia again, this time to Huntly for the Hakanoa Lake walk.
On 16 October we crossed the Harbour Bridge by AT bus and explored Chelsea Estate Heritage Park on the North Shore, with its European and Japanese atmosphere. We shared yum cha nearby and then walked the Northcote Kauri Glen sky bridge through the forest canopy.
2025: Art, Islands and Coastal Reserves
On 26 February, during the Lunar New Year season, we took an AT ferry across the harbour to explore the four-kilometre Hobsonville Point Art Trail. The new community, public art and coastal views were impressive.
On 28 May, for the Dragon Boat Festival, we visited Waiheke Island and enjoyed Taiwanese rice dumplings. On 22 September, around the Mid-Autumn Festival, we walked the Pt England Walkway and Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve, exploring the eastern sandspit and bush tracks all the way to the tip.
On Saturday 6 December we held our third coach trip, visiting five highlights in the Whangarei region. The journey was filled with singing, laughter, games, hymns and testimonies of the Lord’s grace.
2026: Singing and Further Adventures
At the beginning of 2026, to support physical, emotional and spiritual health, we planned a monthly “Joyful Singing Class.” As COVID-19 appeared to be increasing again in late March, we postponed the launch to protect older members.
On 23 April we took the ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport and walked up both North Head and Mt Victoria, enjoying wide views over the harbour and city.
On 22 July we held our third Te Huia trip to Hamilton. Forty-two people joined—far more than expected—and we had to decline some late registrations. We enjoyed sushi lunch boxes provided by the fellowship on the comfortable train, then walked along the Waikato River and around Hamilton Lake.
A friend recently donated a large Sony sound system with five speakers to the church. We expect to formally launch the Joyful Singing Class in September 2026. The Evergreen Fellowship will continue arranging activities that support fellowship, physical wellbeing and spiritual growth.
A Ministry Sustained by Love
For nearly every outing, the fellowship orders and provides a variety of lunches. Caring sisters often add tea eggs and other snacks. Participants in the three coach trips each paid at least half of their travel costs. We are especially grateful that the fellowship’s expenses have not required the church’s operating budget. Senior pastors, elders, brothers and sisters have given special offerings in love. To each of you, thank you. Your presence and generosity are a gift.
As time passes, every season reaches a point of transition. The time has also come for the leadership of the Evergreen Fellowship to be handed on. I believe the next president will lead the fellowship ministry into an even richer, more diverse and colourful season. May God bless and keep every member of the EFCCA family.
Wei Fengchen, President
30 July 2026
A Member’s Response
Yesterday’s Hamilton day trip came to a wonderful conclusion, and I remain deeply moved. I especially want to thank Brother Wei and every brother and sister who served quietly behind the scenes.
Organising an outing may look like simply taking people somewhere, but it involves much unseen labour. To keep everyone safe and at ease, Brother Wei inspected the route in advance, planned every part of the day, and carefully arranged front, middle and rear support teams so that older members could participate confidently. Such thoroughness and responsibility are not easy to find.
For many older people, language, transport or health limitations mean there are few opportunities to go out. By organising these activities again and again, you not only help people enjoy New Zealand’s beauty; you also help them step out of their homes and into companionship and joy. This is more than an investment of time and energy. It is love, responsibility and quiet service that puts faith into practice.
We also thank the brothers and sisters who prepare rice rolls, tea eggs and snacks at home, or personally deliver warm meals. These ordinary foods are filled with care and love and allow every older participant to feel the warmth of the church family.
May God remember everyone who has offered themselves quietly, grant you health, peace and strength, and continue to make you a blessing. May this love keep spreading so that more older people can step out of their homes, enjoy life and experience genuine companionship. Our heartfelt thanks to you all.
