For over 30 years Albert Wu and his wife Betty have been involved in

the performance of sacred music in Auckland. In all of those years

since 1989, I was fortunate to be involved – from the beginning with
music in St Andrews Church Howick and Pakuranga churches. I
remember the various women’s choirs and performances in
Pakuranga and Howick and then later in St David’s and at the Baptist
Tabernacle in town. The development of the multi-cultural musical
festival has been a highlight of those 30 years. The sheer variety of
performers and musical items was amazing. The energy of the Pacific
Islands groups was always a delight. Other standouts were the
speakers, such as Rev. Dr. Caleb Tong who spoke at the Conference
of the World Association for Chinese Church Music in Auckland in
2012. The Oratorio Choir and the combined choir singing Handel’s
Messiah In 2007 has always been something to look forward to.
The key behind the NZCCMA have been Albert and Betty Wu and on
many occasions their son Nelson Wu, now living in Australia. To them
go the thanks for keeping up the momentum and the quality of the
music that we have enjoyed. The music has always focused on the
praise of God and it is no surprise that this year the theme is “Eternal
praise”. There has always been an evangelistic edge to the
performances and a reaching out to all as we share our faith. Also as
we share our faith we draw together in faith and the variety of
Church backgrounds from which our musicians have come inspires us
to work together for the gospel even more.
The Chinese and multicultural festivals have been good fun. I was MC
on a number of occasions. I remember the fun of musical quizzes and
awarding prizes between items. Christians can sing, praise God, get
to know each other and have together. The ongoing success of the
NZCCMA is a sign of blessing and joy. May the next 30 be as happy
and fulfilling.

Rev Dr Stuart Vogel