The idea for Hepara was sparked at the end of a weekend retreat for Christian business entrepreneurs in 2017. Like the scene in the animated film Madagascar where Marty the Zebra finally discovers a herd, one of the attendees, John, excitedly described all the like-hearted people he’d met. “It’s been the most life-giving weekend I’ve had in years. I’ve finally met people like me.” John and Lorraine had long held a passion for growing business; and a deep faith in Jesus. They were always looking for ways to merge those two passions but struggled to find friends who bridged both worlds.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Hepara: Māori for both zebra, and shepherd
And so that group began to gather regularly – for teaching, for relationship, for prayer. Before long we named it Hepara: Māori for both zebra, and shepherd. We like that the word Hepara communicates both the community and the function; to help visionary young business owners shape every aspect of their life with the Gospel.
