On Friday night, forty-five leaders gathered at the heritage Brethren Christian Camping Hui, held at Silverstream Retreat in Lower Hutt, Wellington. Twenty-one out of the 23 campsites across our movement had at least one trustee in attendance.
One goal of the Hui was to discuss how can we work together better as campsites, together with the churches in our regions, to point people to Jesus through the gospel from the Scriptures.
Thank you to our wonderful hosts, George Ross, owner and director of Silverstream Retreat and John Ross, chair of Silverstream Retreat.
It also was very encouraging to hear from younger leaders who are contributing to the boards of campsites in their regions. It was a special privilege to chat with Hazel Davison (above left) and Briony Diffey (above right), trustees of Karakariki Christian Camp.
Briony is a member of Whitiora Bible Church. At 16, Briony has helped as a leader at the camp and now serves as a trustee. Thanks Briony; we are grateful to God for you.
Briony mentioned that Word of Life partnered with the church and campsite to run a recent camp which saw fourteen teenagers from the church and community hear and witness the gospel.
Briony also mentioned that the church has been quietly serving a local school by providing breakfast meals. When combined with church outreach activities, this act of service has seen more kids from the school coming to camp.
It is awesome to see what God does when churches, support ministries, and campsites work together to point young people to Jesus.
I asked Briony what she would say to a younger leader who might be considering joining a camp board. She said: “Go for it! It is such a big learning opportunity but your age means you have something unique to contribute.”
If you are a younger leader in our movement with a heart for camp governance, CCCNZ Camping Enabler Richard Davis would love to help you explore opportunities to serve.
Jeremy Johnson (above) from Raleigh Street Christian Centre, is serving as deputy chair on the Totara Springs Trust Board.
I am grateful for the contribution younger leaders like him are making—despite business, study, and family commitments—through serving on camp trust boards.
A huge thank you to all the trustees who are serving this movement's campsites.
Churches and Campsites Working Together
I was encouraged to hear from Luka Crosbie (above centre), originally from New Lynn Bible Chapel, about how the churches and campsites can engage the Pasifika community together.
I appreciated hearing from Jerome Edwards (above left) from Tamaki Community Church and Max Guptill (above right) from Mt Wellington Community Church about how churches and campsites can be working together to minister to Māori.
Please pray for this conversation across the country. We cannot wait to see what God will do as churches and campsites find new and creative ways to work together to point people to Jesus through the gospel from the Scriptures.
If you would like to chat further, don’t hesitate to touch base with CCCNZ Camping Enabler Richard Davis.
