Ā mātou kōrero
Sharing our Stories
When God does wonderful things for us it is good to share our experiences. These stories may encourage you to seek and expect God to move in your life too.
Lyn R - Hamilton
Sharing a Dove Journey - The Ladies, & The Rose
The Ladies:
I had been invited to join Dove many times before, but never really thought much of it. I have been involved in the charismatic renewal for many years back in my country and enjoyed it. I thought Dove was something I would go for in my later years and maybe in my late 60’s as I always had the impression it was more for older women. In 2015, on the 7th of November (a day before my birthday), in one of the lowest points in my life, a dear friend of mine took me to Dove. My dear husband returned to the Lord on the 24th of August suddenly that year. I cried so much at my first meeting, and everyone just knew and gave me my space. I found myself going back again and again and every time I went, there was healing and a lot of crying. Not long after that the President of Hamilton Dove approached me to join in the team to which I declined. I just enjoyed coming and receiving the healing and grace. One weekend I was invited to go for a day retreat in Rotorua where a new President for Dove National Team was being elected. During the song ‘Please make me a sanctuary’ I found myself surrendering to the Lord as well. I was prayed over me by the new President who would continue to pray for me.
A few days later I get an e-mail from the National President: – Zephaniah 3: 17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” At that moment, I just thought how could this be, I was still very sad and did not take much notice of it. I found the words kept coming back over and over to me. I even seen it at random places and knew this was, definitely, a God incidence. So, I began to claim it more and more .
The Rose.
For the second time Hamilton Dove President approached me and asked me to join the team. I was going to be discerned and honestly at that time I thought “Lord, you give me a sign.” In my discernment during the praying, one of the ladies mentioned to me that she sees a white Rose. She also saw the white rose the night before when she was praying. Immediately I knew that this was the sign.
The rose has been a very significant flower in my relationship with my late husband. On every significant occasion this beautiful white rose blooms. I joined the Dove Team. After having received all the Graces and Healing it was time for me to be able to share the graces and talents God has given to me. At the recent 40th celebration, I was once again given a bouquet of White Roses, very unexpectedly by the team – definitely another God incidence. Thank you, great women of God for all you do.
Once a Dove lady always a Dove lady at heart.
Rose - Cambridge
I have been doing a lot of walking throughout the month of March. It started as a challenge to walk as a fundraiser organised through the Himalayan Trust to raise money for the Nepalese children in the remote Himalayas. However, as is often the case, the benefits of this enforced walking, and time to think, reflect and pray has been beneficial in other ways.
I wanted to share a photo of the beautiful fountain by our lake te Koutu that reminds me of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and of how it is passed from one to the other.
That is how I have experienced His love through being a member of Dove.
Gloria - Wellington
I recently travelled by road to two Dove events in different parts of the country, on two consecutive weekends, clocking up over 2200kms. Usually I enjoy driving long distances, but for some unknown reason, I was suffering considerable pain in my back and legs during these two journeys.
At the second meeting when prayer ministry was available, I had decided to ask my Dove sisters to pray into this situation. When I went up for prayer, they were so busy anointing me and praying beautiful blessings over me, that I no longer felt the need to ask them. I just stood there soaking up the Lord’s presence and relaxing into His love.
God already knew my every need. It wasn’t an instant cure. The first part of the journey home that afternoon was still uncomfortable, but when I arrived home I realized I had travelled the last seven hours without being aware of any pain. Praise God for His loving kindness in everyday miracles.
Tania – Cambridge, Waikato.
“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART …..”
The last few years have been difficult and very stressful for me. I lost my beloved mother on the 30 April 2020 in South Africa. And because of Covid, I was unable to be with her at that time which was heart breaking. Since then my husband and I had to make 2 big moves in the following 2 years which has taken its toll.
‘God showers infinite blessings on the women of New Zealand through the Ministry of Dove
Catholic Fellowship for Women.’ (Proclamation for Future Generations prayer) How true this
is.
Thank you for your Spirit-Filled ministry. And for all your prayers, support and love. You and your team (Hamilton Dove) are a great blessing to so many women. So compassionate, caring and loving. And being able to be part of your spiritually uplifting Dove meetings since the beginning of the year has been a great joy and blessing for me. As well as deeply healing.
This is the wonderful message I received from our Precious Lord Jesus Christ through The
Speaker at the Hamilton Dove meeting on 6-2-2023. Bless her! I’ll always be grateful and thankful.
“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL YOUR WAYS AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Hallelujah! Our Lord’s message to me was profound. It was very special and was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ll treasure His message in my heart always. Praise, glory and thanks be to Almighty God!
My husband and I have to move again at the end of July. And thanks be to God, I feel more able to cope with this move. Our prayers have been answered, and we were thrilled and very relieved to find our new home recently in Leamington, on the other side of Cambridge. Not too far from where we’re living now.
Praise, glory and thanks be to our Precious Lord Jesus Christ! And my thanks too, to St Joseph for his wonderful intercession, help and guidance.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
We are so blessed that our Heavenly Father never gives up on us. He is always with us and lovingly helps us cope with whatever life has in store for us. God is good. He is a God of perfect Love and Mercy.
“May the Lord bless you and guard you;
may the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
may the Lord look kindly on you and give you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24-26)
Margaret Hunt - Hawkes Bay
It has been my privilege and pleasure to host small group meetings for Dove Catholic Fellowship for women here in Napier.
In that time, we have seen growth in the giftings of the Holy Spirit in the ladies.
One of our ladies said she enjoys the relaxed friendly atmosphere and more quiet time than at a public meeting.
Joan – Hawkes Bay
Our Dove Home Group Meetings are like a Prayer Group Meeting. We remain faithful to the fundamental Vision and prayers of Dove Catholic Fellowship for Catholic Women.
At our Meetings, I have seen the power of the Holy Spirit ministering to all present, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, in our worship, words of prophesy, scripture readings and group/personal prayer.
Over this time, the women attending have formed a trusting, caring bond with each other. Our ladies who wouldn’t normally share at our large gathering are now sharing from their hearts.
We have been truly blessed and I would sincerely like to thank Margaret, who has so faithfully opened her home to us each month. We give thanks and praise to our amazing Father in Heaven. Amen.
Heather – Hawkes Bay
The Dove small home group has enabled me to connect to my spirituality on a more personal level with the support of the other group participants. It has helped me feel more open about talking / discussing the impact that the Lord has on my life in a non-threatening way. I always leave the gatherings with a sense of peace and closeness to God.