JUL-OCT 2026

We didn't make it to the annual Sasscer Family Reunion, but we still got the shirts. Thanks, Mom!

Dear Friends,

• Bible Study. Our weekly gathering continues to be a place of learning, belonging, and encouragement. We are still marching through the Gospel of Luke. We recently read the story of Judas betraying Jesus, another disciple using violence (cutting off an ear) in the name of Jesus, and Peter denying Jesus. The good news… Jesus knows and loves His disciples, even when they are at their worst. He calls His disciples to be transformed, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to walk in step with the Spirit. Please pray with us, “Holy Spirit, we invite you here.” We have also recently started a Baptism Class for those interested in taking the step of obedience in being baptized as a sign of their faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus. We are also midway through an Alpha course for women, and we love it so much that we might do it again, maybe targeting youth next. Please continue to pray for all of that! And for our Randwick Park Bible Study leadership team (Dalton, Dominique, Krystal, and Michael and I) as we lead the people and space that God has put before us now, and as we plan for the future.

Some of Acacia's family are in the Baptism Class. Acacia and Nova hear enjoying an iced chocolate after church one Sunday.

RJ (playing the guitar in the back) has been one of several young people coming faithfully to Bible Study. Please pray for him and others to grow in their love for God and commitment to Him.

Stopping to enjoy the rainbow at one of our Bible Study smashburger barbecues.

People love to take notes in Bible Study! This is one of many surprising and delightful things about our Bible study. People are eager to learn and grow and be together. We have a huge variety of ages, attention spans, and reading levels, in a room that is quite noisy and echo-y. We meet weekly on Tuesday nights. Please pray that God uses each time we meet exactly how He sees fit and that He smooths away any barriers people face as they come and participate.

• Randwick Park Whānau Football. Our season with the Kea (10-12 year old girls) and Tuatara (8-9 year old girls) soccer teams finished strong! We had an amazing season with both of these groups. We are already planning for next year, and considering how we might create pathways for people (specifically young people/teenagers) from our neighbourhood to develop as coaches and referees. This is exciting! But it also feels a bit daunting. Please pray for wisdom for me and others as we make plans and dream dreams, but ultimately trust God with the results of our efforts.

"Kea on three! Three-Two-One, KEA!" We cheered in our huddles. But huddling up for the Kea team also meant checking in with each other, prayer, and devotionals with Coach Rebecca and Coach Kumi. Huddling up with these girls was a highlight of my year. Every practice. Every game. So grateful for this group of girls, and all the families they represent.

The Tuatara team (Jubilee right there in the middle!) got some cool gear (everyone loves a good hoodie!) thanks to big support from Mahalia, who works at North Regional Football, whose support has been integral to growing the community football space in our neighbourhood.

The dream team. Mahalia (left) and Kumi (right) have been such amazing co-consipirators and friends as we seek to grow the community football space, specifically for girls who have never been part of a team sport before.

teammates and buddies 

For our end of season prizegiving, Coach Kumi and I worked hard to celebrate every player and the contributions each made to the team, both on and off the field.

End of season roller skating party!

• Reading Groups. I have a student, Koa*, who just got the “bug” - a big desire to be a reader! I often feel inadequate as a reading tutor, to meet students’ needs who vary greatly in their levels of reading. What a great step forward for this child to want to be a reader! Please pray that I have the skills as a teacher and he has the drive and diligence it takes for him to continue to grow as a reader. This child also sometimes attends Bible Study. Pray that his hunger for reading would expand to hunger for God’s Word and for a relationship with the Lord.

Chalk makes writing fun.

The school hosted a beautiful farewell for Karen McMurray, foundational principal of Randwick Park School. 30 years of dedicated work! Please pray for us as a school board as we continue the process to appoint the next principal.

Ames (far left) performed as part of the Kapa Haka group as we as a school farewelled Mrs. McMurray.

• Family Updates. Jubilee and I traveled to the states for the memorial service for my Grandad Sasscer. It was such a blessing to be able to make this trip. I had an amazing time with my parents who graciously hosted us and drove us everywhere, and it was just an amazing time to celebrate and remember the rich life that my Grandad lived. All six of us plan to come back to the states over the Christmas holidays! I will send out a separate email, but please SAVE THE DATE for all of you Memphis-based people: Friday, December 18, we will have a gathering to share about our lives and ministry here in Aotearoa New Zealand. It will be a great night to catch up, share some photos and videos, and hear an update from us.

We went on a beautiful winter hike to the Waihohonu Hut in view of stunning mountain Ruapehu

Stargazing while at the Waihohonu Hut was incredible

Isaiah recently performed with his band of mates from high school. Isaiah has been working on bass and saxophone this year.

Ames did it again! Third year in a row going to Auckland Finals for the speech competition. He is quite the orator!

Our family room often gets transformed into a Lego dominion.

For Nova's 11th birthday, we turned into ninjas thanks to a quick stop at a thrift store, and then played at Ninja Valley.

We also make time for dart gun battles in our house.

Jubilee and her besties performed with their class in front of the school. Each class takes a turn to lead a school assembly, and their theme was "Space."

Ames (#2) and his team playing football at the AIMS Games.

look at that!

Ames got a big one too! 

Michael and the boys have had a few more opportunites to fish now that soccer season is over. :)

school holiday day trip to Muriwai at low tide

Michael published another book! 

our beautiful Jubilee and Nova

Nova and Jubilee ambitiously baked éclairs one day during school holidays. YUM.

Love,

Rebecca, for all of us 💚💚💚💚💚💚

* a pseudonym