ROBINSON and ESTHER
Sixteen years ago, Robinson and Esther came to New Zealand from India in faith. They had one-way tickets and $500 in their hands.
The Indian ethnic group is one of the fastest growing communities to settle in New Zealand. With this growth Hinduism and Sikhism have also become prominent. Many Indian families have made Tauranga their home and they believe they have been brought here by the grace of God, to connect as many to Christ Jesus as possible.
Many who have settled in New Zealand come from long religious traditions passed down through generations. These beliefs are deeply rooted in family, culture and identity, which can make people reluctant to explore a different faith. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Robinson and Esther as they faithfully share the hope of Jesus Christ with love and grace.
Both Hinduism and Sikhism differ significantly from Christianity in their understanding of God. Sikhs believe in one God (but not Christ Jesus), while Hindus generally worship many gods or manifestations of the divine. Both religions respect Jesus and regard Him as a great teacher, prophet or Holy man. However, they do not believe Jesus is the son of God, the Creator of the world, or the only way to salvation. This brings both challenges and opportunities to share the truth of who Jesus is – the Alpha and Omega, who was, who is, and who is to come. The Almighty.
Revelation 1:8 “I am he Alpha and Omega” says the Lord “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Both Robison and Esther were raised in Christian homes in India and once married, dedicated their lives to serving Christ Jesus and sharing His unfailing love. They were actively involved in the ministry and Robinson working as assistant Pastor in his home church where he also led a gospel band. God started leading them, and they heard a call from Him to go to New Zealand.
As faithful and obedient servants and without any financial support, they took a step of faith and packed 2 bags of clothes, scraped together enough rupees, booked a one way ticket and arrived in New Zealand with $500 in their pocket. This was the first time they had travelled out of India and had no idea what New Zealand culture, food or community would bring. God was faithful, led them and provided every necessity for their lives.
Although excited to serve God, they had no financial assistance and lived for five years without any transportation. They walked everywhere, talked to everyone and shared the love of Christ.
After six months Esther found part time work in a local supermarket and God blessed them with 2 children.
Around 2014 God miraculously opened a door for Robinson and Esther to broadcast a Hindi Christian program on a secular radio station across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region. For two years they faithfully shared the love of Christ Jesus even though they had to fund the one-hour slots themselves. Once again, God was faithful. Although life was hard, and finances were often stretched, He always provided what was needed to keep the broadcasts on air. He continued to make a way. Many people were blessed and touched by words of encouragement, songs, testimonies and prayers.
After receiving much positive feedback Robinson and Esther started praying and asking God about their own radio station where the gospel could be shared 24/7. When God’s plans and our passions and desire become one, provision begins to unfold.
As Robinson and Esther prayed and waited for a miracle, they met a couple who owned all the equipment needed for a radio station. When Esther shared their God given vision of establishing a Gospel radio station to bless people and reach the unsaved, the couple were excited and generously offered to donate all their radio equipment. They also arranged for a friend who was an experienced radio technician to help with the setup.
Through God’s faithful provision and the kindness of others, Robinson and Esther established LifeTalk Multi-Ethnic Gospel Radio Station. On 30 September 2017 Life Talk Multi-Ethnic Gospel radio station began broadcasting. A gospel radio station in Hindi, Punjabi and English. Today as founders of Life Talk Trust NZ thy continue to share the hope of the Gospel with people from many cultures
John3:16 Amplified “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He gave up His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life”.
Life Talk NZ began by broadcasting to Tauranga, Te Puke and Kaimais but has recently expanded its reach to Whakatane, Rotorua, Katikati, Hamilton and Pukekohe. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, it shares the Gospel through programs in many languages, bringing the hope of Christ Jesus to diverse communities.
Their motto ’Bringing Life into Your World’ reflects their heart to see lives restored, healed and set free through the saving power of Jesus Christ. Through the llifetalk.nz website, people can tune in from anywhere in the world, allowing the message of the Gospel to reach listeners not only across New Zealand but also overseas, including their homeland of India.
Robinson and Esther also serve as senior pastors of a church ‘The Fathers House in Tauranga. As New Zealand’s Indian community continues to grow, bringing with it a diversity of faiths and cultures, they recognise both the opportunities and the challenges of sharing the Gospel. Despite the sacrifices, cultural adjustments, language barriers and spiritual opposition, they remain steadfast in their calling, to faithfully proclaim the name of Jesus and see lives transformed by His love.
Romans 10:14-15 “How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”