Phil Strong.
I’m often asked about the progress of our joint-venture housing project planned for the corner of Racecourse and Ōhaupō Roads.
Phil Strong
This social housing project we’ve undertaken with Community Housing Provider Habitat for Humanity is one I’m passionate about and committed to seeing succeed.
This was planned as a mixed tenure community that means there are a range of types of housing, and each are facing strong headwinds.
The housing market has come off historical highs which has undermined the sale price of parts of the development, Progressive Ownership Funding has come to an end as they look toward understanding support for ownership programmes, and, while public rental housing is supported by Government, they are reprioritising budget allocation to regions with higher needs. It’s a balancing act of investment versus return, and I get that.
As financial partners in this project, Habitat and Zion simply wouldn’t be able to balance the numbers without funding from the Ministry of Housing. It’s sad to see a delay, but vision always drives us toward solutions, and so we will keep our head down and ensure we continue to work together.
Zion Church pastor Phil Strong
When life doesn’t go the way we hope, we sometimes direct our frustration at the universe who plays a tough game, or perhaps we criticise a higher power who doesn’t do our bidding. Some might even ask, “did we make bad plans?”
I propose we consider the thought that the same God who spoke all of creation into existence is well-able to administer His best plans for our greater good.
If we consider life as a partnership with God—which is the way He designed humanity—then we might be willing to glance in His direction every time something goes ‘against the flow,’ or worse, ‘against our will.’ A moment of reflection toward God has been my saving grace many times and provides me the relief of realignment to a higher purpose.
I often take encouragement from scripture and this little gem filled me with hope and confidence in God last week as my casual reading revealed this proclamation. Joab was the leader of a mighty army of fighting men who were standing against a greater army. His statement of faith stopped me in my own paradox. He said, “be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight”.
I’m confident the creator of all things can see a better perspective on life than I can, and so I am willing to say, “all things will work out for good” (meaning God’s definition of good).
Yes, I’m a little disappointed we’re not going to see a housing community established on the corner of Racecourse and Ōhaupō roads this year. But I’m certain that God provided that land almost 40 years ago so that it could be used for good outcomes. And toward that ambition we shall continue to sail.
