HM Rage over King’s Birthday weekend saw more than 600 teenagers, most from CCCNZ/OBH churches, be pointed to Jesus, through the gospel from the Bible at Tōtara Springs Christian Centre. I appreciated hearing about the creativity and content throughout the weekend.
Youth groups attended from Northgate Community Church, Mt Wellington Community Church, Eden Community Church, Paeroa Bible Chapel, Manawarū Bible Chapel, Hillcrest Chapel, Orewa Community Church, LifeChurch Manurewa, Tāmaki Community Church, New Plymouth Community Church, Matamata Bible Church, Raleigh St Christian Centre, among other churches.
Shannon Samuels, from Tāmaki Community Church and part of the HM Rage committee, writes:
"What an insanely awesome time where over 670 people from 18 youth groups line danced, slid in kiwifruit, danced in foam, sang their lungs out and heard Jesus-centred, gospel-focused messages in the kōrero and 9 electives throughout the weekend - all with very little sleep!
“We had the incredible privilege of seeing intentional leaders engaging with their youth, some of whom had never attended church before. Over 45 people responded to the call to faith, however it wasn't limited to this. We've already heard stories from others who want to understand and grow in a relationship with Jesus and engage in Bible studies and discipling.”
Shannon is grateful for the Rage committee partnership with Word of Life, Pathways Bible College, Tōtara Springs Christian Centre and generous funders who helped make this a reality.
Marina Shannon, Youth Pastor at Orewa Community Church (OCC), says this is the first time OCC attended HM Rage. She comments, “We were super encouraged by Jesus working in the heart of one of our young people who has been coming to youth for about a month who made a first-time commitment to Jesus at Rage!” They also celebrated one of their other young people recommitting her life to Jesus.
A huge thank you to the small army of volunteers that makes this possible. You know who you are! We are so grateful. Thank you to the amazing volunteer youth leaders (and youth group, camp parents) who serve in our churches and have been back at work or study this week.
