Lessons from the Road: New Zealand with Janine Mason

A fresh perspective from our working sabbatical at the intersection of faith, family, and business

If you’ve been following along with our updates from the road, you’ve been hearing a lot from Andy. This week, I (Janine) get to share my side of the journey—what we’ve been doing, observing, and learning during our time in New Zealand.

It’s been a mix of adventure, family reconnection, ministry moments, and deeply personal reflection. Here’s a glimpse into our working sabbatical from my perspective.

Listen to the podcast conversation here: Heaveninbusiness.com/podcasts/heaven-in-business-podcast/episodes/2149007707

What We’ve Been Doing

1. Leading and Adventuring in Queenstown

We wrapped up our Heaven in Business retreat in Queenstown with a jet boat ride up the Dart River. The beauty was stunning—and the clarity of the water was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. We paused in that place to breathe, reflect, and just enjoy God’s creation with our team.

2. Ministry with Farmers and Friends

In Christchurch, we connected with my brother and his wife and had the opportunity to minister to a group of farming families. We shared prophetic encouragement and stories of God’s faithfulness as they look to navigate business succession.

3. Rural Life, Hot Pools, and Field Days

We made a spontaneous stop at the South Island Field Days—a rural showcase full of tractors, gumboots, and greasy food. Later, we soaked in the newly developed Ōpuke Thermal Pools near Methven. It was a needed pause in a fast-paced season.

4. Home, Family, and Farewells

Back in Hawke’s Bay, I visited my parents—now living in a retirement village. We played card games, laughed (and competed), and had meaningful conversations that I didn’t realize I needed until I had them.

5. Sharing Faith with a New Generation

My mum invited me to speak to her church coffee group—average age 80+. I told stories from Hope Directive (our nonprofit under Heaven in Business) and was amazed by their curiosity. Some even gave to the ministry. It reminded me that hunger for God has no age limit.

What I’ve Been Observing

1. End-of-Life Conversations Are Surprisingly Life-Giving

We had real conversations about funerals, family roles, and legacy. It wasn’t morbid. It was meaningful. Tools like the book Just In Case helped guide the way. These conversations created connection and peace—not fear.

2. Faith Looks Different in Different Generations

Many of my family members have a form of faith, but not the same expression I walk in. That’s okay. I’ve learned to meet them where they are and share in a way that invites—not alienates.

3. Some Things Change, Some Don’t

Returning to my hometown was full of moments where time seemed frozen—same people, same stores—and also moments of shock at how much has changed. It’s a strange space to stand in. The same is true in life and relationships: some stay, some shift.

4. Presence Matters More Than Words

I spoke with someone outside my parents’ church—homeless, likely intoxicated. When I asked to pray for him, he responded with spiritual insight I didn’t expect. But I think what impacted him most wasn’t the prayer. It was being seen.

What I’m Learning

1. Courage Looks Like Small, Honest Steps

This trip gave me courage to step out more boldly in conversations—whether sharing our work, praying for strangers, or talking about family dynamics. I’m learning that I don’t have to be forceful—I just have to be faithful.

2. Gratitude and Grit Go Together

Saying goodbye to aging parents, navigating shifting friendships, and reflecting on 16 years of overseas obedience… it’s emotional. But God’s faithfulness is the through-line. I see it everywhere. Gratitude has become my anchor, especially in the harder moments.

3. Pre-Deciding to Say “Yes” Still Matters

Leaving New Zealand all those years ago wasn’t easy. I thought it was for nine months—it’s been sixteen years. But we had already pre-decided that if God asked, our answer would be yes. That has made all the difference.

4. We All Need Purpose to Keep Moving

The people I see thriving—whether 21 or 81—are the ones who live with a sense of purpose bigger than themselves. That’s what pulls you through adversity. Without it, it’s easy to get stuck.

5. Keep Jesus at the Center—No Matter the Season

Whether you’re in the thick of a breakthrough or in the middle of family tension, vacationing or grieving—Jesus is the only constant. On travel days, it might look like a prayer whispered on a plane. On others, it’s time in the Word. But every day, it’s choosing to stay connected to the Source.

As we continue on to Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, I carry these lessons with me.

Wherever you are—juggling business demands, family changes, or your own walk with God—I want to encourage you: lean into the mess. It’s where some of the most beautiful growth happens.

Kia kaha, kia ngakaunui. Be brave, have courage!