It was my privilege to be one of the hosts welcoming the 50 to 60 guests who attend a weekly lunch for the homeless at our church. Before we begin the meal, it is our practice to give a short affirming message and thank God by way of a karakia or prayer.

      It’s not always an easy audience to address and just as I was about to speak there was an explosion of angry words as two of our guests reignited old hostilities towards each other. Not an easy situation from which to recover but I remembered Ranginui’s words and God in His grace gave me a word in season.

      I had already planned to talk about the greetings we use to affirm others. One of the loveliest of these is the Māori greeting Kia Ora. Kia Ora is a genuine expression of love and affection meaning ‘have life’ or ‘be healthy’. I always feel that it’s so much more substantial than the Aussie “G’day mate’ or a formal English “How do you do?”

       But then I remembered another greeting common among Africans, so I said, “I see you … Ranginui!’ Ranginui’s response was immediate, and my audience was engaged. Such a powerful greeting. “I see you. You are not invisible to me. You have dignity and worth in my eyes. You are my friend.” Now I could share the most important truth of all. Not only do I see you Ranginui but God sees you and cherishes you beyond all comprehension.

        What is the most important thing in all the world? He tangata he tangata he tangata! It is people, it is people, it is people!

―Keith Hooker, SIM NZ Board