From the end of the earth (a redeemed Kiwi's viewpoint):

Acts 1:8  ... "and ye shall be witnesses ...  unto the uttermost part of the earth."

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The uttermost part of the inhabited earth from Jerusalem is New Zealand (as you can see from the map above).  The British missionaries brought with them the word of God (thatz the Bible I mean), and some brought the gospel.  Many of the indigenous folk (Maori) were converted to Christ, and a number became better Christians than their European counterparts (those not being "christianized" for culture's sake).  Some European settlers had a scrap with local Maori imports not many miles from where I live and came off second best.  Both sides were ratbags (taking land by force).  The only hero was a Maori Christian who tried to reason with both sides to try and stop the fighting (Eph. 2:16).

Next came the Maori Land Wars where the British learned a lesson or two from the natives in the art of guerrilla warfare.  After the disputes settled, New Zealand became independent from New South Wales jurisdiction as a "God fearing" country in it's own rights, as part of the Great British Empire; along side it's neighbouring country Australia, who it was no longer answerable to.  For nearly a century both countries coexisted under divine blessing.  Hence, the audacious nicknames ...  "the Lucky Country" for Oz, and "God's Own" or "God's Zone" for NZ!

Apart from Aussie having its fair share of problems over the last 30 years, so too has so-called Godzone.  As well as it losing its way, NZ has lost it's innocence, as racial tensions have been exploited (unsettled and dodgy land disputes brought to the surface) by the "Hidden Agenda Club", social change has been imposed on a simple society (along with Americanization through the media), and Kiwis have lost their heritage as a "Christian" nation (the haka is now more important than acknowledging our Creator).  These events have occurred along with Mother England abandoning Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) in the late sixties ...  her former loyal Dominions.  Opting instead to get into bed with her traditional rivals on the Continent, to form a European Superstate dictated on Brussels's terms (or Rome's or whoever), while England had left her Antipodes adrift in the South Pacific, as a ship without a sail.

Aussies and Kiwis together overseas are brothers in arms.  Good Anzacs!  Together, Downunder, we are the most ardent rivals.  Big Brother could never live it down losing in sport to the Shaky Isles, its little brother across the Tassie.  While Kiwis have a lot to prove, hiding their inferior complex (or island mentality).  That's why we are too eager to be the first in everything.  We use to beat the Aussies at the Olympics.  Nothing could match our mighty All Blacks in rugby.  That was once.  Not so much now.  We are the chosen "test case" guinea pig nation for the NWO.  A simple structured, successfully functioning, little island country (well, that's what we were), where we could be self-sufficient, if we hadn't bought the lie ...  "we cannot survive outside the big global picture"!  Easy to be controlled or influenced once key places could be secured.

The trick (from jack-up to crank-up):

Yes, to be "first" means being leaders in the big wide world (even though other nations may not recognize it).  We may have been once, for our size.  Usually first to come to Great Britain's aid in the major war campaigns anyway (with the most horrific and humiliating casualty rate).  From flight (yip, we bet the Wright Bros), to the women's vote (was this a good thing?), to social welfare (had the fourth best economy in the world), to the Battle of Britain (a Kiwi was in charge).  Or to jungle warfare (ask the former Vietcong leaders and commies in Malaysia?).  We have also been underestimated (ask the French Government?).  Back in the 80's our police tracked down the French undercover agents who were sent here on a terror campaign, blowing up a ship and killing a crew member, on our sovereign soil, all in the interests to preserve its nuclear bomb testing programme not far from our back door.  Where was Mother England, or the UN, or good old Uncle Sam, when this happened?  This was not a so-called rouge state outta kilter and clashing with the West, but a civilized, cultured, sophisticated ...  grand a la carte of Europa.

Now we are leading the way "in the art of" Political Correctness.  Oh boy!!  Our boys were not allowed to play sport at one school they attended because it was considered "competitive".  In education and in sports clubs, we mustn't be out to win.  We can't be seen to do better than anyone else.  Merit certificates must be handed out willy-nilly, equally to all members (with lollies and fizz drink niceties thrown in) irrespective if they were little brats or genuinely worked hard.  We cannot be seen to be "negative" in any way.  Or pat someone on the back for the sake of achievement.  It may foster low self-esteem in other individuals, or even undermine the team spirit.   Consequently, we are bringing up a generation of pampered, ungrateful, disrespectful, losers. Has this been the reason for some of our major failures in international sports arena of late?

The Aussies are still out to win (although they were finally worn down to the GST thing - you wait, its just the beginning).  They (still) take to the streets when their government tries to put something across them.  But all will not be lost ...  we are being conditioned to merge with Australia.  The catch phrase ...  "closer ties!"  A decade or so ago, Time Magazine came out with a front cover photo of a Kiwi riding in the pouch of a Kangaroo with an article about 'Trans Tasman' union.  We have got rid of our air 'strike force' capability as well as a big slice of our airforce, and our army depends on Aussie transport for our troops on peacekeeping missions (the Kiwi in the Kangaroo pouch scenario eh?).  Gone are the days of being used as specialist soldiers in specialist situations (oh, Afghanistan has popped up since I first wrote this even though we are suppose to be neutral), or the Maori Battalion doing a night-time silent bayonet charge against overwhelming odds.

In regards to our police force:  "Too much policing means more reported crime!" so we have been told by "officialdom".  Therefore, it is expected of our citizens to keep our heads buried in the sand while those in power consider dismantling things that were once put in place for the citizen's protection.  Or dobbing in a neighbour who is not "towing the line".  At the same time, dangerous maniacs are being released from being locked away in institutions, to run around and play havoc on the community, re-offending and committing the most gruesome of crimes against the innocent.   We are being told that it is a money saving exercise.  Yeah right!  When a dangerous criminal walks away from unsupervised detention it costs more in tracking him down in two days than what it costs to keep him locked up in a year.  One thing though ...  all this bluff, political manoeuvring, poll propaganda, and juggling crime statistics, is working!

God defend New Zealand?  Why should He!?

Our dollar is kept weak deliberately and the economy is pulled back time and time again when things begin to show it is really going to recover.  Now there is media talk of a common Australasian Dollar like the Euro.  Kiwis are now prepared to emerge politically with the United States of Australia.  Amazing!  It will make Australia a bit weaker, while NZ a bit stronger.  Economically that is.  Like what happened to the two Germany's after unification when the Berlin Wall came down.  With no passport or visa, and common borders.  Why not?  We speak the same language, near the same lingo, play the same sport (sort of) and say, "She'll be right (mate)!"  We will have to wait and see!

Yes, we like to be first, and we are leading the way; in a lesson in PC and the effect of social engineering.  A beautiful blueprint for "Globalization".  However, looking back, the hand of God has been so evident in our country and I think the populace in general have forgot to thank Him.  We have had so much to be grateful for.  Moreover, we still have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world (despite the "Middle Earth" epic), which we still have access to ...  at present.

What good can come from Downunder?  Answer; the best message one can hear at present ...  the Lord calling His people "without the camp"!  It cranked-up in the 70's, and now the phenomenon is sweeping the world.  Get ready ...  Jesus is coming back!  Very soon!  A voice from Downunder could be bona fide after all!  Read on:

The Lambs and 1967 (my wee bit of history):
It was July 1967.  The year NZ converted to decimal currency and devalued its currency for the first time.  When hokeypokey ice-cream was going up in price, as everything else hiked, along with inflation.  The year of LBJ and Vietnam hotting up, plus a hugh internal slump in the building industry.  The Beatles were now Flower Children and San Francisco was the place to be.  Instead of visiting the Middle East by cruising through the tranquil Mediterranean and exotic Suez, the "Lamb Family" would be deprived of this experience and be heading back to New Zealand via Capetown, the bottom tip of Africa, on our 'around the world' voyage.

I was reaching my 14th birthday, and we had been living in the UK since January the previous year.  I was looking forward to seeing my brother (who was married back in Kiwiland), 'me mates', and my simple and innocent country of birth again.  My family had arrived back in dear old Pomland after a 14 year stint Downunder (where my younger sister and I were born) and were disillusioned by the way the Old Country had become commercialized (NZ would follow suit over the next couple of decades).

We were on our way back across the Southern Ocean this time.  On the first leg of our journey we had crossed the Pacific and gone through the Panama Canal.  Returning, we were going to miss out on the Suez Canal experience.  Access was now blocked by sunken ships. The month before, Israel had just defeated the Arab states (including Egypt) in the Six Day War by a fascinating, decisive victory.  Most of all, for the first time in 2000 years, Jerusalem was now back in Jewish hands and restored as Israel's capital.

Unbeknown to me then ...  prophecy was being fulfilled before our eyes; the Day of the Gentiles was coming to a close.

However, what many do not realize was the way the Lord had made this feat possible (despite the absence of Time and Newsweek).  We will go back to 1917, where two ragtag colonial countries (the Anzacs - Australian New Zealand Army Corps) were responsible for the first stage of the Gentiles being driven out of Jerusalem, preparing the way for a Jewish Homeland ...  the rebirth of the nation of Israel (Is. 66:8).  A nation which would eventually turn (after great tribulation) to "whom they have pierced" (Ps. 22:16, Ze. 12:10, Jn. 19:34; 37, Rev. 1:7), which happened just prior to them being dispersed throughout the nations.

Sadly, at this stage, Israel had not recognized His first entry into the Capital, on a donkey.  The way is now being paved for Messiah Jesus' second entry ...  to reign as King of Jerusalem in the New Millennium.  By the way ...  beware of the impostor king who comes first (and falsely received as Messiah), pre-empting the final millennium and hoodwinking Israel by a "peace" treaty!

Like "the sword of Gideon":

Mentioning 'being first' ...  New Zealand was the first allied nation to achieve success in The Great War when its troops seized Samoa from Germany (again, no Time or Newsweek coverage).  This was in contrast to the high casualties it would sustain later at Gallipoli and the Western Front.

Was it madness, or was it inspired courage, brought about by the memory of Gallipoli?  Reminiscent of the Texans cry "remember the Alamo!!"  Or the Israeli Soldier's chant in memory of Masada, "never again!!"  Whatever it was, circumstances were in place for God to act and show His power and sovereignty and shuffle situations around for His purpose and glory.

Yes, here we go, 1917 ...  and the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division were in a 'win or die' advance in the Sinai:

--------The Kiwi troops had fought their way bravely and desperately up the slopes and secured the high ground at Tel el Saba (however, there is little record - or photo - of this event). Their objective was of the utmost importance.  Now the way was cleared and ready for the greatest 'mount back' charge of the Twentieth Century (even history) ...
-------Enter the Aussie "Light Horsemen" (get the movie out on video).  The taking of biblical town of Beersheba was the key to the liberation of Jerusalem.

Remember Judges 7:14:  "This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon"! ...  "for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host."

The Anzac event was more than three millennia on, where the same God was in action, using shepherds to defeat giants.

Following is one story from Downunder, a very significant story, an extract from Australia and Oceania web site (my emphasis added).  This story does not justify saints going to war, as Jesus cancelled war at the cross.  However, it does show how God will use the base things of the world to glorify His name.  God Almighty still uses nation against nation to move events into place for the finale hour and will quite often do it in the most insignificant or unpredictable way.  This way He gets the credit at the end of the day:

Australian Light Horsemen:

God used one of the smallest and youngest nations in the world (in 1917 Australia was only 15 years old) to open the gateway to Jerusalem.  Next day the British Commanding General remarked as he walked over the ground where the charge had taken place, "Words fail me, I cannot see how these horsemen were able to achieve what they did. Every rule of war says they should have been annihilated!"

God spoke to Israel saying, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you"  Genesis 12:3

This is their story..... ====  ===
What eleven Crusades throughout history had been unable to achieve, the military genius of Napoleon and the might of the British Army had been unable to do, was accomplished by 800 fresh-faced Australian Light Horsemen at Beersheba.  On October 31st, 1917 the war hung in the balance.  50,000 British Infantry had fought to a standstill but were driven back.  As the sun began to set and defeat the likely result, the Australians attacked Beersheba with 800 men on horseback.

It was Brigadier William Grant of the Australian 4th Light Horse who volunteered these words to Sir General Harry Chauvel, "I believe we can take this town!"  What a statement of faith and what a victory!

The Australian Light Horsemen were mounted infantry, not cavalry as some would believe.  These men and boys were all volunteers from country outback Australia, their only qualifications, they could ride a horse, shoot a gun, be at least eighteen years of age (many were much younger) and prepared to fight a fight for freedom and democracy.
===========     These men from the youngest free nation in the world, were distinguished by their emu feathers worn in their Australian slouch hat.  They were known to be proud, independent, and self motivated men, with a mateship that would sustain them through battle and last them a lifetime.  Their sturdy, gallant horses had been transported from the rugged landscape of Australia and were affectionately called ‘'Walers'’.

The ANZACS (Australian, New Zealand Army Corps) fought in the Holy Land with the English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Indians, Gurkha, and Jewish soldiers.  The ANZACS had previously suffered great losses from the Turkish army at the Gallipoli Peninsular on the Dardanelles Straits, followed by Gaza in the Holy Land.

Israel could only be freed from a 400 year Ottoman Turk rule by the liberation of Jerusalem.  With the introduction of the British General, Sir George Allenby and his confidence in his Australian Officer in Charge, Lt. General Harry Chauvel, a change in history was to occur.  Unknown to the Light Horsemen, through their efforts, God was to use them as a major part of his promise - the return of the Land of Israel to His people.

After many hard fought battles, it was realised the Turkish line at Beersheba was the gateway to Jerusalem.  Water was the life blood of the desert and Beersheba was where the Turks had sole possession of 17 wells.  Beersheba must fall at all costs in one day, before the desert claimed the lives of the Allies, with the wells of Abraham ‘'the well of oath" in Beersheba, the main objective. If this failed many lives would be lost and the outcome of the State of Israel would have been in jeopardy.  On 31st October 1917, 50,000 brave British troops, supported by tank and artillery, attacked the Turkish defences at Beersheba, but with little success.  Only the New Zealand troops were able to take the heavily fortified position of Tel el Saba, several kilometres north of Beersheba on high ground.

With sunset fast approaching, the situation was grim.  The horses had been ridden across the searing desert in 50 degree heat without water for 48, and in some cases 70 hours.  The men only had the little water they carried in their small canteens.  Failure appeared imminent, with the likelihood the desert would soon defeat men and horses. The officers were desperate for a solution.  It was then that Brigadier Grant of the Australian 4th Light Horse approached General Harry Chauvel proposing a frontal charge by mounted infantry, his only request, he be given a free hand.  This was considered to be a suicide charge, with over 3 miles of open flat land fortified by artillery, machine guns and trenched battle hardened Turkish troops.  Were these Aussie's destined to die like the thousands gone before them, or was this to be part of God's plan to free Israel?  The situation was desperate.  The command was given, and the 4th and 12th Regiments of the Australian Light Horse, 800 men and their horses, formed for the charge.  Headlong in three rows, bayonets drawn, they charged into the Beersheba strong hold and the Turkish defences.

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Through exploding shells the Light Horsemen galloped with determination and valour.  Closer and closer they came till the Turkish artillery couldn't lower their guns further.  These brave men continued on, riding under the Turks’ guns, making them ineffective.  As they approached the Turkish trenches, the machine guns came against them.  Amazingly, the Turkish troops in their trenches had set their sights at 1600 metres.  As the Light Horse charged closer, in desperation and confusion the majority of the Turks did not adjust their sights, shooting over the heads of the advancing horsemen.  When the Light Horse reached the first trenches, many riders on their horses jumped it, while others stopped and fought with bayonets.  The bold courage of these men sent shock waves through the Turkish lines as hundreds of Turks surrendered.  Although there seemed to be a victory at hand, the battle wasn't over.  All would be lost if the life giving wells were destroyed.  It was the responsibility of the Germans to blow these wells, which they proceeded with as the battle appeared lost.  The German Officer in charge of this important task incredulously was away on leave, and in the confusion, his subordinate only succeeded in demolishing 2 and damaging 2 of the 17 wells.

Victory was complete!

Australia, the youngest Nation in the world was the key to freeing one of the oldest nations, The Holy Land, Israel.  With Beersheba taken and the wells intact, the reputation of the Australian Light Horse quickly spread through Turkish occupied Israel.  When Jerusalem was taken, there was hardly any resistance as the Turks retreated en masse.  The Australian Light Horse were the first to ride into Jerusalem, being the honour guard to the British General Allenby at the Tower of David.  This was the first foreign army in the history of Israel to take Jerusalem, giving freedom to the Jewish people, and not taking it for themselves.  On 31st October 1917, the day of the Beersheba charge, the British Government drafted the Balfour Declaration, which was the foundation for the recognition of the State of Israel.

Was this God's plan?  Did he have his hand on the Australian Light Horsemen at Beersheba?  The answer appears clear when you look at the unlikely possibilities for success –

• 50,000 British, with tanks and artillery, had previously fought for 12 hours that day, and couldn't break the defensive of Beersheba.

• Beersheba was protected by 4,800 Turks and German Officers.

• There were only 800 Australian Light Horsemen.

• They charged against Turkish artillery, machine guns and armed trenches.

• The Light Horseman's main weapons were only his bayonet and horse.

• They charged a full distance of 3 miles (5 km) against heavy Turkish artillery.

• Incredibly, the Turks did not lower their gun sites.

• Of the 800 Light Horsemen, only 32 men died and 36 were wounded.

• The wells were prepared with explosives, but the German Officer responsible was on leave.

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A little one shall become a thousand (an allegoric lesson for today's remnant):

Judges 7:2.  "And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me."

Nothings changed!  Here's more:

Judges 7:7.  "And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand".

Here's the moral of the whole story ...  One can still be the majority in God!  The Lord still uses the base and foolish things of the world!  Haughtiness is always deemed detrimental against man while humility towards God is profitable!  The reason ...  Little shepherds can still bring down giants when God is in the picture, as a little one shall become a thousand.

"Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things."

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Other sites of interest:
Kiwi Words and Phrases
The charge of the Lighthorse
Send in "the Cavalry"
The Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade