About Grace Church
OUR HISTORY
He led them out by the right way until they reached a suitable city to live in.
Psalm 107:7.
Grace Church was established in 2004 as a house church for new Asian migrants in New Zealand who were eager to share their faith. Originally named Grace Assembly of Auckland (GAA), it was planted by Grace Assembly Malaysia under Rev. Dr. Henry Pillai, a humanitarian known for his extensive work in helping the marginalized and for planting over 1,500 churches worldwide.
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On its first Sunday, which coincided with Mother’s Day, a group of 25 gathered in Epsom to worship. Pastor Gabriel Pang presented the mission and vision inspired by Rev. Pillai, emphasizing their goal to be a prophetic, apostolic church dedicated to the Great Commission—reaching out to the lost, especially migrants, to make and nurture disciples of Christ.
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The church was guided by the verse Jeremiah 29:7, encouraging them to seek the peace of the city they were in, as their well-being was linked to it. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the migrants have worked diligently to fulfill their mission, with each saved soul and transformed life reflecting God’s grace and mercy. They continually express gratitude for God's kindness and miracles, as highlighted in Psalm 107:8.
Living In Tents
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob exemplified faith as migrants in the promised land, living in tents and focusing on the unseen city designed by God, as stated in Hebrews 11:8-10.
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Similarly, Grace Church operates as a migratory community, moving between rented venues. Although they purchased land in Yangon, Myanmar, and built a multifunction facility there, they have not built a permanent church in Auckland, which seems to align with God’s plan for them.
As GAA outgrew a family home, they began renting a motel conference room. This led to various moves—from Greenlane to Birkenhead and back to Greenlane—where they welcomed members from Victory Christian Church, further illustrating God’s guidance.
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The church faced a tragedy when Pastor Soo Yong Foo passed away suddenly, while Pastor Marian Than was hospitalized with life-threatening meningitis. These events marked a significant turning point.
After relocating from Richmond Yacht Club to Ponsonby Cruising Club, they shifted to online services during COVID-19. Post-pandemic, they found a new home at the Auckland Irish Club in Mt Albert, where they continue to meet.
Grace Church perseveres as a Spirit-filled family of faith, with access to divine resources to fulfill God’s will on Earth. Their prayer for all is inspired by 1 Peter 2:2: “May God give you more and more grace and [shalom] peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.”
We believe in
Authority of the Bible
God's Word, our lamp in darkest night.
Inspired truth, our guiding light.
Infallible, its teachings stand,
God's voice to guide, His will command.
In Scripture's pages, faith takes flight,
God's Word, our lamp in darkest night.
Salvation by Grace through Faith
In Christ alone, our sins erased.
By grace through faith, we're saved and raised.
Not by our works, but mercy's plan,
Through Jesus Christ, the Son of Man.
Salvation's gift, our souls embraced,
In Christ alone, our sins erased.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptized in Spirit's cleansing fire,
Empowered for God's will, inspired.
With tongues of praise, His name confess,
Spirit's gifts, our lives profess.
In power and love, our hearts aspire,
Baptized in Spirit's cleansing fire.
Holiness and Sanctification
Called to live in purity,
Set apart for God's glory.
In Spirit's strength, we walk the way,
Growing closer day by day. Holiness, our destiny,
Called to live in purity.