Without God Vaine Paretoa does not know how she would have coped with all of life's curve balls.
What she does know is that she has an extended family who offered her nothing but love and support when her son died two weeks ago.
Tauniva Paretoa was 27 and one of Vaine's three sons born with special needs. He was laid to rest last week after several days of visits at the Harvest Centre on Malfroy Rd.
"He died Saturday morning at 2am and their ministry began then," Vaine said, of pastors Dave and Jill Moore. "We have felt the love of the church. The nurturing and giving of food. We feel fully supported. The morning my son died they came into ministry and they have worked with us. They have a heart for people."
Vaine said she did not attend church prior to 1997, when she joined Charisma Church - the pastor then moved to Harvest and she went with him. But, like many people who are worshippers these days, she felt a pull.