Kia Ora!

My name is Darleen and this is my story.  My partner Sonny and I were like every other couple, we would go to work and care for our three wonderful children.  We were involved in the kids sports, school and other activities.  We struggled to pay the bills, trying to make ends meet week to week.

As a family we had been through some amazing times. There were good times, bad times and some really hard times, and it really tested our love for each other. These also left very deep painful scars, hidden away inside our hearts, where no one could see inside. No one could see just how much we were really hurting on the inside.  We went along our everyday lives pretending to everyone, but most of all, pretending to ourselves that we were okay. We would just say, "That's life, get over it", and just carried on.  I started to question things. "Was this what life was all about?" "What is our purpose?" "Why were we feeling this huge emptiness?" Many questions needed answers.

Our eldest son - Logan, began going to youth meetings with his cousins at church, where his aunty attended.  We would go along on special occasions to watch him perform, but little did we know God had another purpose for us.  We were there to hear the Word of God, to build a relationship with him. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"

The people there at the church were so amazing, so welcoming.  People of all cultures, ages, and all different walks of life.  They were all there with a smile, talking to one another, serving God as one big family. We felt drawn to this warmth and love and we started attending more and more.  We felt at Peace there, slowly the pieces were fitting together, the messages were giving meaning to our lives.  Those scars were coming to the surface and being healed.  Through the grace of God, he brought our family back together and filled that emptiness with His love.  Thank You Lord - with all our hearts!  Thank you for taking off the blindfolds and opening our eyes to a New Life!

We gave our hearts to Jesus!

Since then, Sonny & I got married, and we've recently got baptized into Christ and into our new Christian lives.  We attend our weekly Bible Study groups - Connect Groups.  This is a time where we share with others and learn more about God and His son Jesus. We also learn about the promises he has for us.  One of our favourite times at church is Praise & Worship, it's a time where we are praising and worshipping God. With our arms reaching up, singing with all our hearts.  I know all the angels in Heaven can hear us! 

Working with children is also a passion of mine. I love helping with the Children's Ministry - OASIS, it's laying the foundations with our young ones.

Well you know, I never dreamed my family and I would be where we are today, but I am so GRATEFUL to GOD for bringing us to His AMAZING House!

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God, all things are possible with God" Mark 10:27.

Bless you all!

Darleen Martin-Iuliano.