Mangonui Bible Chapel and Cooper’s Beach Youth Camp are working together to reach seniors in their local community.
Every month a team comes together to run Brighter Days, a ministry inviting older people to join them at the campsite for a day of activities, food and friendship.
Evelyn Laybourn travels up from Whangārei once a month to support the outreach. A recent highlight has been getting to know an older couple who are in their 70s:
“They were brought up at Mangonui Bible Chapel, but walked away from faith as adults. When I laid out some old-fashioned tablecloths the older lady was reminded of her mother’s collection. With tears in her eyes she shared that her mother used to pray with her every night.”
Evelyn says the connection through Brighter Days has led to this couple forming a friendship with her parents, Reg and Olive Carr (Mangonui Bible Chapel) and they have started to attend a local church service together.
Evelyn says she is amazed at God’s provision for this ministry—every month the church helps fund the catering and provides a team of volunteers, and every month there is just the right amount of food, funds and hands-on-deck to serve those who come along.
Their popular ‘Trading Table’ is set up each time with handmade and locally crafted goodies collected by the team. The guests make the most of what’s on offer, with proceeds going to help fund the local youth ministry.
How could you partner with your local campsite for a creative outreach opportunity? We'd love to hear more about how you are doing this.
