Adventure Magazine April 2023

GROWING FAITH MATURING FAITH INSIDE

GOOD TO GROW, GOOD TO GLOW

GOSPEL INTENTIONALITY

GROWING IN A COMMUNITY OF FAITH

EDITORIAL

Kia ora tātou.

Ngā mihi mahana me ngā kupu aroha ki a koutou katoa.

I have a vivid memory of a dramatic adventure as a five year old, leading my younger sister across town to a ballet class, after she expressed a desperate desire to dance. It was a moment of proud, self-appointed independence, so imagine my embarrassment and bewilderment, when halfway through the class my mother suddenly arrived, hustling us promptly home to stay in bed for the remainder of the day. “I need to know where you are,” she exclaimed with frustration and relief.

That drive for independence is within most of us when young. And yet, along with the desire to grow up, needs to come wisdom and maturity to be able to manage life, and live well.

And that is true for faith too.

This issue of Adventure looks at some of the important ways the Bible helps faith to grow into maturity. Nigel Winder unpacks some of these ways in his article on page 4.

ALONG WITH THE DESIRE TO GROW UP,

And it takes a look at some of the practical ways SUNZ adventurous camps with young people provide opportunities for faith maturity to happen.

Richard Apperley writes his first article for Adventure on page 12, zeroing in on the phrase, “constantly pray” in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

As you read through, please pray for New Zealand’s children and young people, who hold the future of God’s church and God’s work here on earth in their hands. As they grow, so will our world be shaped.

HILARY HAGUE National Director Scripture Union New Zealand

NEEDS TO COME WISDOM AND MATURITY

OFFSET VERSION - Portrait

This publication uses vegetable based inks and environmentally responsible paper produced from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, Mixed Source pulp from Responsible Sources.

Grow up, would you?!” “Please act your age!” “Try showing some maturity!” All these phrases you may have used with frustration yourself, or had them said to you, indicate that we expect a certain amount of developmental growth with age that is reflected in a change of behaviour. The same could be said of Christian faith. Over time, it is expected to grow and mature, evidenced by positive differences in our actions, attitudes, and relationships.

When you have children of your own, one of the main desires you have for them is that they grow up to be healthy and mature adults who contribute well to society. We want them to have all they need to make it in this world. If a child stops growing or doesn't reach certain developmental benchmarks, we would naturally be concerned. There would be appointments, specialists, tests, urgent interventions, and hopefully good support.

Why don't we take the same urgent action when we become aware of our own or others spiritual growth stalling or stagnating?

Much of the New Testament written by the apostle Paul is written like a paediatric doctor prescribing guidance and encouragement about what is required to keep growing up, to keep maturing in our faith, so that we grow into the fullness of who God has created us to be.

Immersing ourselves in God’s Word the Bible is a vital place to start, because it holds a mirror up to us showing us who we are but also who God wants us to become by His grace and power. The Bible also reveals who God is, so we can reflect Him with a more holy glow.

"The reality is that many people who become Christians remain infants and babies in their faith, never growing to spiritual maturity."

A friend of mine put it this way, saying, “Some Christians don't mature, they just get older.” This is evidenced in more of a dull gloom rather than a Christ reflecting glow.

THE REALITY

The Bible tells us that this has been a problem ever since the establishment of the church in the New Testament. Paul wrote about this in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, and it’s also mentioned again in Hebrews 5:12-14.

1 CORINTHIANS 3 - THE CHURCH AND ITS LEADERS: Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.

For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

IS THAT MANY PEOPLE WHO BECOME CHRISTIANS REMAIN INFANTS AND BABIES IN THEIR FAITH, NEVER GROWING TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY.

HEBREWS 5 - WARNING AGAINST FALLING AWAY

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

When Jesus commissioned the church to go and make disciples, he wasn't saying, bring people into a knowledge and relationship with Jesus and then leave them to it. He was commissioning the church, that is, you and I, to be committed to growing in our faith and growing the faith of others to a place of maturity.

God, being committed to fellowship and worship, so that we are accountable to others and can be encouraged by others. We get there by being committed to serving God and using our spiritual gifts to grow and nurture the faith of others. We get there by being open to the transformational work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, changing us from the inside out.

Psalm 1 paints a beautiful picture of a tree planted by a living stream drawing deeply on the nutrients and sustenance it needs to thrive. The outcome is fruit and fullness. This raises the question for each of us. Where and how is my faith being fed so that it grows to maturity? What is the evidence or fruit in my life that demonstrates a spiritual maturity? Remember that faith without works is dead. What are my roots drawing upon? The following articles in this edition of Adventure will help you unpack this so that you can be good to grow and good to glow as we seek to increasingly reflect the nature and character of Jesus.

“Grow up, would you?!”

Unfortunately, maturity, growth and glow do not happen automatically or by default. It does not happen without determination, effort, and desire.

We get there by being committed to the spiritual disciplines that grow our love for God. Such things as being committed to reading God's Word and obeying it, being committed to prayer and hearing from

UNFORTUNATELY, MATURITY, GROWTH AND GLOW DO NOT HAPPEN AUTOMATICALLY OR BY DEFAULT.

As Cyclone Gabrielle made its way down the country in February, I watched out the window as a grove of kahikatea trees bent horizontal in the fierce wind. Further up the hill, gum and pine trees toppled over, but the kahikatea faced the storm head on and survived.

Part of the story of their success lies under the surface. Kahikatea grow strong roots that stretch out and interlock with the roots of surrounding kahikatea. This makes them among the strongest and most resilient of native trees in the forests of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We have witnessed the strength of community through challenging times in the past few years. We know how powerful it is when people stretch out their hands to support each other.

KAHIKATEA E Tu

We know we can face much when we face it together.

My growth as a follower of Jesus and as a Bible reader, has been due to the strength of the community of people gathered around me. I am a kahikatea in a grove, with my root system woven in with the trees around me. Many people of all ages have been a part of my journey, contributing wisdom and encouragement in diverse ways.

ANNETTE OSBORNE | SUNZ Children and Families Consultant

Engaging with the Bible in community makes sense to me. I have seen the benefits in my own life.

Our experience and understanding of the Bible are enriched by community. Reading it together allows us to encounter God and to discern what God is saying to us as a collective. It does not matter if you are reading it for the first time, if you are a child beginning to read, someone who requires a large print version or a biblical scholar.

What can this look like? Here are four suggestions:

ACKNOWLEDGE THE WISDOM IN THE ROOM

Have you ever been in a group where one person has lots to say and sees themselves as the knowledge holder? Other people in the group do not get a chance to participate, or feel they are not ‘smart’ enough to contribute. Good facilitation is needed, to guide the group and to emphasise that in hearing each voice, we gain understanding that we may not have found on our own.

ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC READING OF LONG PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE

Recently I have been in several contexts where a whole book or a series of chapters of the Bible were read aloud, without any commentary. We were then asked, 'What stood out to you?'

What did you notice by hearing this letter as a whole? Both experiences were

profound. Scripture readers of all ages, need to be well prepared, and to read in a way that captures people’s attention.

PREPARE FOR DIFFICULTY

When we read Scripture as a community, there will always be difference of opinion about what certain passages mean. The Bible can be a difficult book to read, and it raises lots of questions! Reading it together is an appreciable place to talk about these, to learn to disagree well and have respectful conversations. With good guidance, these conversations can bring understanding and grow relationships, built on honesty and trust.

READ WITH EXPECTATION

Let us infuse our conversations with an anticipation that when we open the Bible, we can encounter God. Reading the Bible is not simply an intellectual exercise, but an act of worship, allowing the Holy Spirit to breathe life into the words on the page and bring understanding and transformation for the whole community as well as the individual.

As kahikatea weave their root systems together to gain strength, may we create communities of faith that do the same thing. May we come to the Bible together with the expectation that God will grow us together as communities, strong as whānau and family, and able to withstand the storms that come our way.

I AM A KAHIKATEA IN A GROVE, WITH MY ROOT SYSTEM WOVEN IN WITH THE TREES AROUND ME

READING THE BIBLE IS NOT SIMPLY AN INTELLECTUAL EXERCISE

LIFELONG disciples

In the summer of 2020, Hilary Hague was approached by The Longview Trust to write a proposal for a leadership development programme within SUNZ. This programme was named Beyond Experience (BE) and, earlier this year, funding was renewed for a further three years.

We write this detail, as it shows SUNZ and The Longview Trust partnering in a commitment to growing lifelong disciples. BE is framed around the idea of sustainable faith, to build “something in the now, somewhere in the next,” with a vision to engage young adults in practical, vital needs of ministry while preparing and shaping them into faithful, influential Christian leaders.

The pioneer group of thirty young adults signed up to a BE programme that was still being pieced together. Although Covid-19 affected the first retreat, the BE’ers met monthly with their Kaiārahi (mentors) to

trial the rhythm and practice of reading

The Hare & the Tortoise. Most of them segued their learning to the practice of leadership on various SUNZ camps. It was all very new and evolving, but we made it work, and soon had a good first year mentoring programme in place.

As the first year (2021) ended, thirteen participants signed on for a project-based second year. They self-selected a ‘Stream Project’ which encouraged them to actively engage in SUNZ activities. Some of these are listed below:

Creating and writing a sustainability document with supporting programmatic ideas.

Membership on the SUNZ Board with a valuable voice.

Leadership roles on camps.

Collaborating on creating and writing camp Bible Engagement studies.

PAUL HUMPHREYS | SUNZ National Leadership Facilitator BETH COATES | Beyond Experience Administrator

Reading specific books focusing on bicultural themes and strategies.

Planning and leadership facilitation of North Island Leader Training (NILT).

Over 2022, this innovative group enhanced the impact and future shaping of SUNZ’ programmes and camps. Their passion, energy and ideas are inspiring and creative.

For 2023, a new intake of BE participants has been matched to Kaiārahi, for their first year and second year journeys. We also have two interns on a new ‘BE Kindred’ programme to further personal leadership skills through practical and regular service for SUNZ and church community. They will also complete an undergraduate theological paper through Laidlaw College, funded by SUNZ.

We are thankful for, and are impressed with, these young adults, who are committed to growing as lifelong disciples.

BE PIONEERS 2021 & 2022

• Bethany Coates (working two days per week as BE Administrator for SUNZ)

• Jason Kelsey (SUNZ Board intern)

• Jayden Meads (SUNZ South Island Camps Facilitator)

• Caitlin Janes (on a placement with SUNZ as part of her Venn Foundation fellowship)

• Bradley van Zyl

• Cole Yeoman

• Kate Parker

• Liam Haughey

• Matson Kyte

• Rebecca Burnett

• Stafford Frost

• Josiah Langan

BE KINDRED 2023

• Jack Wilson

• Imogen McQueen

Beyond Experience (BE) participants

pray ? ?

Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NET translation

Ifirst read those words as a relatively new Christian, and it threw me into a bit of a panic. How on earth could I pray constantly? I found it hard enough getting on my knees for even 10 minutes a day— didn’t God know there were other things I needed to do?

Thankfully, I was journeying with a very wise priest who had been significant as I began to make the transition from knowing about God to beginning to know God. He helped me to realise that prayer wasn’t just a time that I carved out in my day—it was a way of living, knowing that God is an integral part of everything I did. God is present in everything I do, no matter how mundane! Knowing this— and that Jesus experienced first-hand what it meant to be a human—means

REV RICHARD APPERLEY | Deputy Director, SUNZ

that I can be in constant conversation and companionship with Him. The joy is that we don’t need the right words—or words at all—to pray in this way. As Paul writes in his letter to the Romans:

God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how, or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us... He knows us far better than we know ourselves.

—Romans 8:26-28, The Message

In a similar way François Fénelon prayed, “Lord, help me not to worry about the words, but address you with the language of the heart … I simply present myself to you; I open my heart to you . . . Teach me to pray. Amen.”1

In my Anglican faith, I also find liturgy and structured prayer vital in my walk with God. Most days, my household gathers for evening prayer, and we spend time

1 Meditations on the Heart of God, The Complete Fenelon, Francois Fenelon, published by Paraclete Giants 2002 (modernised).

THIS TIME WITH JESUS IS SO PRECIOUS, PARTICULARLY WHEN LIFE GETS BUSY

in silence, listening to and discussing Scripture, giving thanks for the day, and praying for the needs of our world, our communities, and ourselves. It is a beautiful, and sometimes challenging, practice to look back over our day and identify where God has been in the midst, and giving thanks for that.

As we grow in our faith, it’s natural to find that some of our old practices are no longer sustaining us, and that we need to find new ways to engage with the living Spirit—there are times when we need to grow our roots deeper to sustain us. This is something that I have discovered over, and over again—old rhythms that used to sustain me no longer resonate. Sometimes this is because of a change of circumstances, but usually it’s because God is yearning for me to go deeper with Him— and to experience Him in a new way.

One of the most life-giving practices I have experienced is centering prayer—being still and resting with God in the chaos of life. It’s not trying to block out the distractions

of everyday life—rather letting those distractions float past you as you turn your eyes to Jesus.

This is a practice that has fallen out of my repertoire, but one that I’m working to bring back. This time with Jesus is so precious, particularly when life gets busy.

Metropolitan Anthony, in his masterpiece School of Prayer, describes it beautifully: “All of a sudden I perceived that the silence was a presence. At the heart of the silence there was Him who is all stillness, all peace, all poise.”2

However you pray, may you know that Christ is with you and that Christ is for you. May you know the stillness, the peace, and the poise that only He can offer. Amen.

2 School of Prayer by Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh, published by Darton, Longman, and Todd, 1999

God’s Good News transforms lives and gives hope for the future. This year our WAY2GO children’s ministry conferences will explore how we can help children and families to experience this for themselves, for their families and their communities. As we consider our changing world, how do we best approach this, as we seek to walk in the footsteps of Jesus who gave the greatest invitation of all?

for everyone Someting

With 66 books; 39 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament; the Bible is full of history, poetry, songs, letters, prophecy, laws, numbers (lots of them), mystery, intrigue, dreams (some more like nightmares), family life (for better or worse!), fruit (apples and spiritual)…… the list goes on! What a book! Something for everyone! Really? So, if there’s something for everyone, why do we find it so hard to pick up and engage with? Whatever the reason, it remains The Book, God’s Book, Our Book.

The Bible makes a large claim about itself:

There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped for the tasks God has for us. —2 Timothy 3:14-17, The Message

This edition of the WAY2GO magazine will look at some ideas to help us all engage with God’s Word and, therefore, with Him.

Liz Eichler Children and Families Team Leader, SUNZ

Where to sta rt?

So, you want to read the Bible but don’t know where to start? Here are two ideas to help get you going:

E100 THE ESSENTIAL 100 CHALLENGE is a Bible reading programme built around 100 carefully selected Bible passages that give the big picture of God’s Word and in the process help develop a daily Bible reading habit. 50 readings from the Old Testament, 50 from the New Testament. You can follow this with the Essential Jesus. Contact Liz at liz.e@sunz.org.nz for more info on these.

52 BIBLE READING PLAN from the Bible Society is a free downloadable resource that you will receive in your inbox each month. Exploring one chapter of the Bible each week; 52 takes

you through 28 Old Testament and 24 New Testament passages. Visit biblesociety.org.nz/bible-52/

OK,got tat. Now what?

Here are some simple ways to help you engage with the Bible passage you’re reading:

WONDERING QUESTIONS

Wondering questions are openended and designed to help children develop their own meanings. The storyteller does not answer questions. Often, the most appropriate response is to say, "Hmm, I wonder."

Jerome Berryman, who developed Godly Play, suggests these standard questions for sacred stories:

"I wonder what part of this story you like best?"

"I wonder what part of the story is most important?"

"I wonder where you are in the story? I wonder what part is about you?"

"I wonder if there is any part of the story we can leave out and still have all the story we need?"

LECTIO DIVINA FOR CHILDREN

Lectio Divina means ‘divine reading’. It’s a meditative way of reading the Bible in which we let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to what God is trying to say to us. Here it is adapted for children to experience.

1 Encourage the children to get into a comfortable position.

2

Say something like, “God can speak to us through the Bible.

Close your eyes and listen to what I read. Pay attention to what stands out for you or what you remember most. God may be speaking to you through that!”

3 Read the passage out loud.

4 Ask what part stood out to them and explain that you are going to read that part of the passage again. Or, you can read the entire passage again if you chose a short passage.

5 When you are finished reading the section of the passage again, ask, “What does that tell you about God?” “What does that tell you about yourself?” “Is there anything else you think God was saying through that Scripture?”

6 Pray and thank God for speaking to you.

FROM SIR, WITH LOVE: GLIMPSES THROUGH

A CLASSROOM WINDOW is the personal memoir of former SUNZ National Director Ken Edgecombe, reflecting on 21 years of teaching Religious Education at a private girls school in Wellington.

Ken reflects on the many questions he encountered from enquiring young minds and on their reactions to the topics that they met. This book is a must-read for all those involved in Chaplaincy and Religious Education in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Order direct from Ken at kennard. edgecombe@gmail.com, $25.00 per book + pp.

Thinking about a Holiday Club in the next school holidays? Scripture Union has a wide variety of resources available to help you with that. Take for example

THE RESTORATION STATION

At The Restoration Station, children will be introduced to Jesus as a restorer, using key stories from John’s Gospel. The children will discover how Jesus is the master craftsman who heals and restores. Comes with two different workbooks for the children.

Available for $25.00 from our web-shop www. sunz.org.nz/shop

GOSPEL

INTENTIONALITY

All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work. —2 Timothy 3:16-17 (The Voice)

It was at teachers’ college I heard the quote, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”1 This has stuck with me as being vital in our process of learning and to apply what we learn. This is reflected in our SUNZ mission statement: “We support churches to help children and young people discover Jesus and become lifelong disciples who serve the world around them.” There is the discovery and the growth, then the application through service.

A task I do with young people is for them to list truths from the Bible. I then ask, “How do these truths affect how you live?” Each one of us needs to consider how we are living out God’s Word. The Bible provides answers to life’s big questions – who and whose we are, what our identity, our purpose is, how to live? Yet for so many it is the last place they turn to for guidance. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us of the purpose of Scripture and encourages us to live it out.

The book The Drama of Scripture2 , presents the story of the Bible as six acts of a play (Creation, Fall, Israel, Jesus, Church, Recreation). I love this analogy as it reminds me the Bible is a Living Word and we are part of this ongoing play! We are the Church, and must faithfully join with God in His mission, with the foundation of what has gone before and in the hope of what lies ahead.

Instead of living out a compartmentalised faith with prayer, Bible, church, being aspects of our lives, we need to live an integrated faith by living out and applying God’s Word every day. Doing what you do, where you work, and live or play with Gospel intentionality.

To see our communities of faith and church develop, and our young people grow into lifelong disciples, we need to daily live out the truth of Scripture. It is when we ‘do,’ that we finally ‘understand’ the power of God’s Word to transform and truly provide all we need to ‘accomplish every good work.’

1 Attributed to Confucian scholar, Xunzi 340-245BC, emerged in English educational writing in 1960s by proponents of experiential learning.

2 Bartholomew, Craig & Goheen, Michael, The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story, Baker Academic, 2014

ANDY BANKS | SUNZ Youth Consultant, Auckland

OF

INACOMMUNITYGROWING FAITH

NEVILLE BARTLEY | SUNZ National Youth Team Leader

The cool thing about becoming a follower of Jesus is that it is not something we are called to do on our own. We are welcomed into the family of God. The cool thing about that is that means we have family members who are all at different ages and stages in their walks of faith just like we have younger and older siblings, uncles, aunties, parents and grandparents. However, like most families there can be some dysfunction and those we don’t like or get on with, but whatever the case, like most families, everyone wants the best for their family members.

There is an old African saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and that is no different for children of God.

When you think about what it means to be a follower of Christ and the attributes such people should display, growing in a community of faith should be a wonderful place to be—and a wonderful uplifting experience. For many of you reading this, that may have been the case, however, for many young people today, that is not how they would explain growing in a community of faith.

So, what should it look like and how can we help to make the community of faith we belong to, be a wonderful place to grow?

For starters it should be a place of respect. So often, I see people who have been on their faith journey for a long time expecting to receive respect, and yet they do not offer that same respect to those who are younger and newer in their faith. We are called to be people who love God and love our neighbour. One way you show love to your neighbour—no matter what their age—is to respect them. Respect means that you work at understanding them. Respect means you take the time to listen to their point of view. Respect means you believe that you can learn things from them just as they can learn from you.

When I became a follower of Jesus at the age of 24, the pastor who prayed with me said this “if you wish to grow in your faith and as a follower of Jesus you must do these three things EVERY DAY”, and these are: talk (or pray) to God; engage

with Scripture; and hang out with fellow followers.

It's actually a very simple set of things to do, and if we all strive to do this with love and respect for one another, then growing in a community of faith will be a wonderful experience. It may inspire others to desire to also be part of this community.

Some final things for us to remember, Jesus’ chosen group of disciples were aged between 14 and 21. They were not scholars, or rabbis, they were not even disciples of rabbis—they were just ordinary young men who had an extraordinary teacher who expected a lot from them. If we look at each other in the same way that Jesus looked at His disciples, imagine what an amazing place the church will be and imagine the impact the followers of Jesus will make in this world.

Growing in a community of faith can be—and should be—a wonderful and a world-changing experience. Keep it simple, trust God and love and respect one another.

GROWING IN A COMMUNITY OF FAITH CAN BE—AND SHOULD BE—A WONDERFUL AND A WORLDCHANGING EXPERIENCE.

FEEDBACK FROM SUCAMPS

CA Pchat

JAYDEN MEADS CHATS TO caleb...

“I went to Te Anau Extend and I've been going for the last few years. I originally heard about the Te Anau camps from a friend of mine who invited me along to a Wind n’ Water camp, and I've loved going ever since!

The main challenges I've experienced on Extend have been getting out of my comfort zone on the water, especially during the day long sailing part, as well as the day tramp.

God has definitely used these camps to teach me more about Him and about creation, and I've also learnt a lot from some of the leader's stories and testimonies. These camps are a fantastic way to learn more about God and experience him in his creation alongside other awesome people!”

NATALIE DUCHESNE CHATS TO summer...

“

I absolutely loved the Raglan Surfari. It has been the highlight of my summer for the past three years! Such good vibes and a great sense of community”

“A challenge I experienced was definitely sleeping inside with everyone, as I am a person who needs my own space. This situation was unavoidable, so I tried my best to make the most of the bad situation. Just had to ask God for a little grace lol!”

“This year's camp helped me grow in my faith by introducing me to the "love your enemies" concept. This encourages me to live a life like Jesus and ultimately makes me feel more fulfilled. I think this may be the thing that has stuck with me the most, so thank you!!!”

Summer at Raglan Surfari January 2023

Caleb with another SUCamper at Te Ananu Extend January 2023

ANDREA LUKIN CHATS TO isaac...

In January 2023, SUNZ held the SUPAKidZ camp for Wellington area at Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre, Wainuiomata. We finally managed this after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19 cancellations.

We had an amazing bunch of kids who enjoyed getting out in nature, playing football, and toasting marshmallows. The theme of this camp was Wonder Zone, exploring the wonders of God’s creation and how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. (Psalm 139.14)

Andrea asked Isaac, a Year 7 camper, a few questions about his camp experiences and highlights.

ANDREA: What did you like most about SUPAKidZ January 2023 camp?

ISAAC: I liked the food the most.

A: What challenged you over the week?

I: Bugs!

A: You’ve now moved on from SUPAKidZ camp. What would you say to someone who might be thinking about going along next year?

I: There’s nothing to worry about.

A: What was a God moment for you during camp? (was it enjoying being outside, exploring faith questions,

learning about how God created the world and you?)

I: Learning about the spiritual richness, not just the physical richness.

A: What do you mean by “Spiritual richness”?

I: That means this world is physical. Worldly richness can be good, but having physical richness does not mean being rich in spirit and heaven. We should have faith in God then we are satisfied in our spirit and will be rich in heaven. That is even better.

A: How did this camp impacted you at church?

I: I have several friends from the same church who attended SUPAKidZ camp. In the camp, we had fun and enriched our friendship. We become closer after the camp and continue to be friends in church. We have started many activities together, and even started serving in worship band. That is cool.

We look forward to the 2024 summer camp on the 15th – 19th January! Be There! We’ll supply the bug-off spray. And good food!

You can find out more about the Wonder Zone holiday programme at www.sunz.org.nz/shop/product/ wonder-zone-holiday-program

Isaac at SUPAKidZ Camp January 2023

Light

for the path

ARABELLA FAN

Meet ARABELLA

Hello! My name is Arabella Fan, I am 14 years old and live in Wellington. I grew up in a Christian home and have always been involved in church life. I’ve had a loving interest in God and the Bible, and just recently I was introduced to Scripture Union by one of our church members who had recently been employed by SUNZ as Fundraising Coordinator. I was encouraged to go to a SUNZ camp and was signed on as a camp leader at a SUPAKidZ camp, then nominated for Exodus Prime.

While I was a leader at SUPAKidZ Wellington camp, I realized that it was going to be a lot of responsibility to take on - managing all those little kids, teaching them about God, and having them look up to me.

But I was well supported by the SUNZ team, and made some amazing friends, and my faith was stronger than ever before! I learned so many new things and refreshed old Bible stories into new retellings. I listened to other leaders’ stories and testimonies, and it was amazing to hear what God has done in their lives! It was so cool seeing little kids growing their relationship with God also.

I was nominated by my church to attend Exodus Prime at the end of January. I was more nervous than at my SUPAKidZ camp, and so I prayed to God. I asked Him to help me put all distractions aside and help me make friends. On the train to camp, I met two other EP’ers, who were so welcoming and reassured me I would fit in. It was such a God moment. I really wasn’t prepared, but God had a purpose to bring me there and so all I had to do was trust Him. In every single teaching moment at camp, I could feel God’s presence there with me,

sometimes even hearing him talking. I also led my first devotion at EP camp. After EP ended, I had newfound friendships, I understood God a lot more, and realised there are many ways of talking to, and listening to God.

I’ve been to many church camps before but never ones like SUNZ camps. I feel so blessed to be encouraged and given the opportunity to be involved. These experiences taught me to be more in touch with God, to talk with him, and who knows, one day I may be a ministry leader with SUNZ and be able to share my story with more people!

This issue is in your mailbox towards the end of the April school holidays. Some of our SUNZ staff and families have been at Easter events & camps. We pray the blessing of Easter impacts children and young people beyond the holiday activities.

90 years on Pōnui

A fabulous Thanksgiving picnic on Pōnui Island was attended by over 50 supporters on 4 March. The sun was shining, and picnickers enjoyed kayaking, catching up, saying ‘hello’ to the friendly island donkeys, and hearing reports from summer camp team leaders.

We acknowledge and appreciate the generosity of the Chamberlin family, supporting 90 years of SUNZ camps. This has been a wonderful partnership and many lives have changed because of these camps. We look forward to many more years together.

Do read our updated Pōnui Stories at www.sunz.org.nz/news-and-stories/

Youth Leader training days were in Wellington (4 March), Dunedin (11 March), Auckland (18 March). This programme equips new and experienced youth leaders in their ministry and is a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with youth leaders from other churches and denominations. Neville Bartley, Andy Banks, Lizzie Moore, Piper Clare, and Liz Eichler were involved in these Anamata workshops.

Youth Team Leader Retreat was on 31 March - 2 April.

Natalie Duchesne is leading Wild Wāhine camps for girls, on Pōnui Island, 14-16 April.

Andy Banks is running Pōnui Island Fishing Adventure from 16-21 April.

On 7-12 February, Paul Humphreys led the first E3 for Young Adults (ages 1925) through Arthurs Pass & Craigieburn Range. This was a shortened expedition (the usual E3 is 10-11 days), developed in response to an expressed need from young people.

Ōtautahi \ Christchurch

Tāmaki Makaurau \ Auckland

Anamata

Please check out the News and Stories section on our website www.sunz.org.nz for more information.

We’ve developed this section especially to keep you up to date with what’s happening at SUNZ.

The new Beyond Experience (BE) kicked off late February with kaiārahi orientation.

In early March, Paul undertook a Bush2 Training weekend in Nelson Lakes, prepping for Bush2 Assessment later this year. In mid-March, Paul reviewed the E3 plan with colleagues from Arocha & Adventure Specialties Trust. SUNZ will add another E3 in Bay of Islands. He then competed in a 160km trail running race before flying to staff retreat. Late March was training for the teams' version of Strength Finders, in preparation for Youth Team Leader retreat in April.

Wild Wāhine camp is at Banks Peninsula, 21-23 April.

Our Children & Families (CHIFAM) team start off the nine WAY2GO children’s ministry training workshops in Tauranga on 20 May, finishing on 19 August in Christchurch. The theme is The Great Invitation, to consider how to make ‘God’s Good News’ known to children and families.

See more at www.sunz.org.nz/childrenand-families/way2go/way2go-2023/

Beyond Experience (BE) Retreat is in Wellington 28 –30 April, with over 60 attending.

National Leadership Team (NLT) will meet 3-4 May.

Nigel ran a Children’s Ministry Network Easter resource evening in Invercargill and Dunedin. He and Lizzie also led a THRIVE facilitation with St Mark’s Anglican Church in Balclutha, exploring life-long faith formation for all ages. Planning is well underway for Children’s Ministry training days in both Invercargill and Dunedin in June. Lizzie has been facilitating youth leader network meetings, following the Anamata series.

Te Whanganui-a-Tara \ Wellington

Tauranga

Ōtepoti \ Dunedin & Waihōpai \ Invercargill

THE E100 BIBLE READING CHALLENGE WAS LAUNCHED ACROSS NEW ZEALAND IN 2010, SUCCESSFULLY ENCOURAGING ALL TO READ THE BIBLE! SUNZ HAVE SOME BOOKS AVAILABLE.

ESSENTIAL JESUS

Essential Jesus will help you discover who Jesus is and why he is so significant - even life-transforming. Through both Old and New Testament readings you will discover why God sent Jesus, what Jesus taught, how he treated people, why he did miracles, the meaning of his death, the significance of his resurrection, what the Bible says about his second coming and much more. Whether alone or in a group setting, you can discover for yourself what makes Jesus so special.

$10

Essential 100 is a way for the reader to discover God’s Big Story, through a journey of 100 easy-to-read passages. From the beginning, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to Joseph, Moses and the Exodus, the Law and the Land, onto Judges, the rise and fall of Israel, to Psalms and Proverbs ending with the Old Testament prophets. But wait there’s more…journey into the teachings and miracles of Jesus, the cross of Christ, the Church, travels of Paul, the apostles’ teaching and into Revelation.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Follow the storyline of Jesus to discover who He is. Through Old and New Testament readings, discover why God sent Jesus, what Jesus taught, how he treated people, why he did miracles, the meaning of his death, the significance of his resurrection, what the Bible says of his second coming and much more.

$10 $5

YOUR WAY INTO NTHE HEART OF THE BIBLE

SUNZ Camps Change Lives !

AFTER CAMP

BEFORE CAMP

‘Bible is irrelevant, complex, and boring.’

‘I need help understanding how God’s word speaks to me.’

‘I loved how you challenged us within our small groups to lead a devotional and found that a real challenge but also a safe place and a beautiful time. It changed me to ignite my passion for God and to live it out in a more practical way here and now.’

YOU CAN HELP THIS TRANSFORMATION!

Your donation will help SUNZ change lives by reconnecting our young people to an understanding of the Bible and to ignite their faith and passion for God.

Could you join us as a monthly donor?

Regular giving helps us to plan and ensure the sustainability of our ministries meaning more young lives are impacted by the hope of the gospel. Set up a monthly donation online at sunz.org.nz/adventure-donation or by using the form overleaf.

Give a Gift

Did you know 80% of our overall funding and 100% of our ministry staff’s funding comes from donations? Please consider giving a gift today – you can change the lives of children and young people as they discover Jesus and grow in faith.

I would like to donate

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Monthly donation One off donation

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Regular donation by automatic payment

You can also set up a regular donation by automatic payment, either via your online banking or by visiting your bank. Please use SUNZ account number 02-0560-0036204-003 and quote ‘ADV0423’, plus your supporter number (if known) or surname and postcode in the reference.

below and the amount $ and frequency of your donation. Alternatively you can let us know by emailing accounts@sunz.org.nz

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Other ways to give

Please post your completed form to Scripture Union New Zealand, PO Box 760, Wellington 6140

Thank you!

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