SUNZ APRIL 2024 ADVENTURE MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

Kia ora e te whānau,

As I write this editorial, I am sitting in Malaysia at the SU International Global Summit where Scripture Union people from all over the world have gathered. It has been a wonderful time of thinking and dreaming and praying and worshipping. I have been so glad to be here.

We have also opened the Bible together and people’s passion for the Bible has shone through. It is such an encouragement to see this especially as Bible engagement continues to decline across New Zealand. Did you know that among those who own a Bible here in New Zealand, only 23% read it regularly?

That’s a shame because the Bible is a book that speaks words of life to us and no matter who we are, anytime and anywhere, the Bible has something to say to us about who God is and how we can live our lives for him.

The Bible is very important to us in Scripture Union. Our international aims and beliefs say that it is important to encourage people to meet God through

THE BIBLE IS A BOOK THAT SPEAKS WORDS OF LIFE TO US... THE BIBLE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY TO US...

the Bible and that as a movement we are committed to helping people to open it and read it. We take that seriously and you will see that as you read this copy of the Adventure.

Of especial interest, are the young adults in this issue, who have written about how they engage with the Bible. It is good to hear real stories from real people and to reflect on what their experiences mean for us and for the way we relate to them and pray for them.

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

HILARY HAGUE

National Director Scripture Union New Zealand

WHO DO YOU

call?

When the pipes burst, or the lights go out, or your heart misses a beat or two—who do you call? If it is urgent or of high importance you will be wanting someone who is contactable, available, and willing to help.

NIGEL WINDER | SUNZ Children & Families Consultant, Southland

The slogan, “Anytime, Anywhere” is not new, and has featured in many songs and advertisements around the world including an AMP Home & Contents Insurance advertisement in New Zealand.

I was intrigued to discover that the slogan has also been adopted by numerous military groups including a slightly extended version, “AAA-O,” the personal slogan of Colonel Harry “Paddy” Flint. This well-known slogan was painted on the helmets worn by men of the 39th Infantry Regiment. “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere, bar none!” That sounds like a group I would want fighting for me.

As followers of Jesus, we too would believe that when it comes to an audience with God, we have the absolute privilege through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the written words of God, and in the act of prayer, to come to God with anything, anytime, anywhere, bar none!

The Bible gives us assurance—not insurance—that God wants to speak to us, guide us, fight for us, and direct our paths. It also encourages us that God wants us to speak to him as we grow to adore him, love him, and involve him in all aspects of our lives.

The book of Proverbs reminds us that the beginning of wisdom is to know and fear God. It also tells us that God’s instruction leads us into the life that he has planned for us. Unfortunately, there are many competing sources of wisdom that don’t all lead to a Godly life or God’s plans for us. So, who do you call?

In 2 Kings chapters 1 & 3—in the times of the prophets Elijah and Elisha—we see two scenarios that warn and encourage us in the ways that we might seek to be led by God and call upon Him...or not.

The first in chapter 1 involves the son of Ahab and Jezebel, who on the death of his parents became king of Israel. Ahaziah grew up in a family of idol worshippers who had rejected the God of Israel, so he didn’t have great role models in the first instance. On experiencing a bad fall and getting seriously injured, Ahaziah decided to send a messenger to the land Ekron to consult the god Baal-Zebub regarding his prognosis. It just happened to be that Elijah the prophet very much in tune with Israel’s God (in direct contrast to the king), intercepted the messenger, sending him back to Ahaziah with the news that he would die from his injuries, because he had rejected the God of Israel. What followed was a fiery reminder that God is a consuming fire, a jealous God who doesn’t like being replaced, rejected, or ordered around. This is a God who expects to be consulted by his people. A God who rules over people not the other way around.

WE HAVE THE ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE... TO COME TO GOD WITH ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, BAR NONE!

God’s words proved true. Ahaziah died and his brother Joram became king of Israel. In the meantime, the Moabites rebelled against Israel and war was on the horizon. Joram called upon the allegiance of Judah (King Jehoshaphat) and the king of Edom. They agreed to go to war together and took a roundabout route through the Desert of Edom. Unfortunately, they ran out of water and got into a great dehydrated pickle. However, it was here in the middle of pending disaster that King Jehoshaphat enacted the principle of AAA-O. He knew that God had come through for His people on many occasions. He also knew that “one plus God” would always be a majority. He knew that God wanted to lead his people, and that he cared for them. He also knew that God should be their first port of call because to act in opposition to God would be totally futile

if not deadly. King Jehoshaphat knew that God was present and available to them anytime and anywhere. Through the prophet Elisha, this seeking out of God by the king was highly commended and was honoured by God in their miraculous delivery.

Core to the mission of SUNZ in helping churches grow lifelong disciples of Jesus, is helping children and young people live lives that are connected to God through Bible engagement and prayer. Key to winning the spiritual battle is instinctively knowing that God is available anywhere and anytime, desiring to lead us and equip us in serving and living obediently for Him.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

Psalm 145:18-19

In this edition of the Adventure are stories of why young people are reading the Bible today and what is happening in their lives as a result. Be encouraged as you read! If you haven’t already you may want to consider putting God on speed-dial.

KEY TO WINNING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE IS KNOWING GOD IS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE AND ANYTIME...

ENGAGE APP

BIBLE READING GUIDE

ENGAGE APP

BIBLE READING GUIDE

ENGAGE DAILY BIBLE READING APP IS A NEW WAY TO ENGAGE WITH GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE. NEW AUDIO BIBLE READINGS, ALONG WITH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS YOU CAN FOLLOW WITH ON-SCREEN, ARE RELEASED EVERY DAY. A YOUNG KIWI READS THE SCRIPTURE TO YOU, AND AT THE END OF EACH READING THEY ASK YOU A FEW

THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS AND THEY FINISH WITH A PRAYER. YOU CAN LISTEN AS A GROUP OR BY YOURSELF, AND CAN LINK TO A FACEBOOK PAGE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE QUESTIONS.

ENGAGE DAILY BIBLE READING APP IS A NEW WAY TO ENGAGE WITH GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE. NEW AUDIO BIBLE READINGS, ALONG WITH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS YOU CAN FOLLOW WITH ON-SCREEN, ARE RELEASED EVERY DAY. A YOUNG KIWI READS THE SCRIPTURE TO YOU, AND AT THE END OF EACH READING THEY ASK YOU A FEW THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS AND THEY FINISH WITH A PRAYER. YOU CAN LISTEN AS A GROUP OR BY YOURSELF, AND CAN LINK TO A FACEBOOK PAGE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE QUESTIONS.

AVAI L AB L E IN ENGLISH AND TE REO MĀORI O N

scripture reading A SNAPSHOT OF

At SUNZ, we want to know how the reading of Scripture impacts and shapes the lives of our young people. We asked our team to chat with campers and leaders for a snapshot of how, why, and when they read their Bible, and what happens?

So, we asked two simple questions: Why and when do you read your Bible? What happens when you read Scripture?

Cassidy is a 16-year-old Auckland SUPAKidZ camp leader who, after her first camp, was so inspired that she joined the children’s ministry team at her church as a leader.

I usually read my Bible as soon as I wake up in the morning and I do a Bible study because when I read Scripture, I feel like I connect more to God. And it helps me learn more about him so that our relationship can grow

really important, it's not just one-sided. You don’t just take from him.

I feel like I connect along with God. I feel like it's important to just start your morning and start every day just in the presence of God so that you can lay the day out before him. And I feel like being able to connect with him every single day because when I am facing the world on my own that is scary. Having to do things without God makes it a lot harder. So having him on my side makes everything a lot easier. So, starting my day with God and just reading the Scripture allows me to learn more about him and take his knowledge and strength with me wherever I go.ʺ cassidy

Charlotte is a SUNZ camper and enjoyed the Te Anau Wind n’Water camp in January.

The significance of reading scripture to me is being obedient. But what comes from being obedient, is so much more! I read the Bible to open Gods word so that he can speak into my life.

I have experienced reading the Bible one day, and his word meant something to me but when I read it again in a different time in my life, it meant so much more. I believe the way we interpret God’s word changes as our circumstances do, and as we grow in our faith.

I like to read scriptures most days, and some days are harder than others.

Personally, I don’t have a routine, it could be in the morning listening to an audio version while I get ready for the day, in a lunch break or as I am winding down from the day. The important thing is that I am actually opening my Bible and presenting my time to the Lord. This time is separate to prayer time.

Micah is 13 and loves our active SU camps, especially our snow camps, as well as mountain biking and kayaking.

Every second night, I spend time with a devotional book and reading a verse or two from my Bible. If I don’t fully understand something, I’ll ask Mum or Dad. I ask them anytime and they always spend time to discuss it with me. It’s good to keep getting Bible time in my life.

Reading scripture gives me guidance.ʺ—

Anna volunteered as a camp leader on Pōnui senior camp.

I have been guilty in the past and still in the present of reading scriptures more frequently when I want something from God and

What happens when I read the Bible more frequently is, I feel my faith being levelled up as my relationship with God becomes stronger and more well known.ʺ —charlotte

Charlotte at SUNZ Wind n’ Water camp, Te Anau

Micah and Ruapehu Adventure 2023 campers at SU Adventure Lodge

reading specific passages that tend to affirm that want more at the time. At present, I am currently looking at new ways to incorporate reading scripture more regularly and letting it push me to ask questions and read the parts that may seem of less value to the modern eye, and this is partly my reason for doing Beyond Experience as I want to have a better routine.

There’s not a straightforward answer to “what happens”, as not every part of scripture will speak into my life, nor will there be a time frame where I get answers that I may be searching for in scripture.

Yet, there is still a comfort in reading God’s word, and its value cannot be lessened by responding to the Bible by saying ‘oh, I haven’t felt the Holy Spirit in this, so it isn’t relevant to me’. However, when I read scripture, and it does feel relevant, I am definitely reminded of how I want to behave and be known and how to respond to people, whether it be a story of someone in the Old Testament and their journey or more values and moral based teachings in the New Testament.ʺ

—anna

SUNZ campers at Ponui Senior 2020

Lucas is 16 and has enjoyed six adventurous SUNZ camps.

I read a daily verse on a Bible app which gives an option for further study on the content. Sometimes I click on this link if it’s an interesting verse or something that is currently relevant. I like Psalms and Proverbs as you are always learning new stuff there, but other OT stories can be a bit dry if you’re just reading the words and not understanding the context.

I enjoy youth group, as there is space and opportunity to discuss and talk and learn in our weekly Bible study time. Doing Bible study as a group helps me understand scripture.

How does scripture shape my life? It is about living with a purpose, living for God.ʺ—lucas

Reta is a faithful SUNZ supporter.

I attended CSSM (Children’s Special Service Mission) beach missions at Plimmerton for a few years in the 1930s. CSSM rented a cottage by the beach as a base for the missions (day camps). My husband & I rented the house next door after our marriage. Happy memories for me.

I loved the CSSM activities and won a prize for my creative beach art. I used stones, sand, and flowers (picked from Mum’s garden at home nearby), to create the words GOD IS LOVE.1 I then recall sitting happily on a path by the beach enjoying the sun and fun.

In the late 1970s, I worked at Scripture Union with Rev John Evans as Director. He came from Scotland to minister at Plimmerton Presbyterian Parish and was a profound impact on my life.

I shared my husband’s old NIV Bible with the worn, loved pages and handwritten notes. I read both Daily Bread2 and Word for Today and enjoy a little prayer time. I keep my prayer time shorter now or I fall asleep, but it is so important to have the Bible every morning.

Although my children and greatgrandchildren are not attending church now, I share scripture with them, in the hope that as in Luke 17.11-19, one in ten will come back to say, ‘thank you’.ʺ

—reta

1 Just like Josiah Spiers at CSSM’s first beach mission in 1868. Find out more about our SU Story on our website: https://www. sunz.org.nz/donate-now/our-story/

2 Daily Bread are SUNZ’ quarterly Bible reading guides. Email info@sunz.org.nz or call 04 385 0485 to receive a free book. (Offer not for current subscribers and is for back dated issues)

Lucas with Summer Supreme 2022 campers and leaders

ANYTIME

WAnywhere

here are children and young people at today when it comes to engaging with scripture? Where are the average followers of Christ at when it comes to Bible engagement?

Nigel’s article reminded us that scripture gives “assurance (not insurance) that God wants to speak to us, guide us, fight for us, and direct our paths.” He also reminds us that the “beginning of wisdom is to know and fear God.” Then we see the snapshots from SUNZ campers, camp leaders and supporters in which many of

them talk about engaging with scripture and some of them talked about having routines and others had not much of a plan at all. They all however mentioned the influence that scripture has on their life and their walk as a follower of Jesus.

So, we see from scripture itself and from the testimony of people who are engaging with it, that it is beneficial for us who call ourselves followers of Christ. However, if you currently do not engage, or struggle to engage with scripture what can you do?

Well, a song that is currently on the radio gives us an idea of how people engage with God not only through prayer but with scripture. The song is “Need a Favor” by an artist called Jelly Roll. In the lyrics he states, “I only talk to God when I need a favor, and I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer.” From conversations I have with many people of all ages I feel that engaging with scripture only happens when we need a favour from God, or when we feel alone or in need of support, we then look to connect to God through scripture.

While the wonder of technology has meant that many more people have access to scripture in so many places, the way we have often used that technology within our churches and youth groups has meant people only see scripture in small bites.

I sat with some young people recently who were amazed at the size of the Bible because they had not actually seen a

NEVILLE BARTLEY | SUNZ Youth Team Leader

physical version of scripture, all they had ever engaged with was on a phone screen or a printed excerpt. We need to use the amazing technology we have which gives us access to scripture anytime, anywhere to allow people to see the height, depth, and breadth of the whole of scripture.

So where do you begin. Firstly, find a version that you find easy to read and understand. There are many versions today, including graphic comic book styles which still contain all the words you would find in other versions. If you are an audio person like me then find an audio version that you enjoy. There are even videos of parts of scripture you can use. Sometimes versions without marked verses can make it easier to engage.

Secondly, decide on a time and place each day (or every second day to start) and set a timer to remind yourself. Make the first engagements a length that you can manage. Always pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and open your mind to the understanding of the scripture you are about to engage with.

I have found that getting into engaging with scripture is often easier if you do it with someone else or a group of people. This makes you accountable and it gives you someone to discuss things with after you have finished the portion of scripture you have chosen. If you have different versions within the group, then use several different versions to get you thinking about the scripture from different viewpoints.

Finally, once you have finished reading, listening, or watching the part of scripture you have chosen then ask yourself these simple questions to get

you thinking about what God may be saying to you.

What stood out to you in your scripture reading and why?

Did anything in the scripture challenge you and why?

How will you apply what you have discovered, or challenged with into your daily life?

These questions will lead to other questions especially if you are doing your scripture engagement with others. Remember with today’s technology you can engage with others without having to be in the same physical location. You may all decide to read or listen to a certain portion of scripture and then you will throw things up on a group chat that you learnt or were challenged with or didn’t understand and other group members can respond and do the same.

Find ways to engage that suit you and your personality, but whatever you do work at getting a regular scripture engagement time into your life each day. If you do this your passion to engage will grow and the amount of time you spend will grow as well. More than anything else whether you do it alone or with others, whether you discuss it or not, even just the act of engaging with scripture daily will change your life. If you follow us on Facebook it would be great for you to share how you engage with scripture and the joy and benefit you get from it. Let us do this not out of a sense of duty, or because we think we must, but because we want to spend time with someone we love and get to know and experience the love that God has for us.

WORDS FOR LIFE

HILARY HAGUE | SUNZ National Director

“The most important question to ask as we read the Bible is … “How can I live it?”

—Eugene Peterson

This is a challenging question - how do we live the Bible? How do we read the Bible so that we meet God in its pages and are open to the lifechanging possibilities he sets before us? These ideas come from Scripture Union’s Hermeneutical Principles which help us know how to read the Bible so that we can work out what it says and what it means. And most importantly, how to live it.

READ IT RELATIONALLY

We do not read the Bible simply to collect information about God. Rather, as we read the stories, promises, commands, warnings, and examples, we meet with God and come to know him personally. To attempt to interpret the Bible and yet somehow to stop short of enjoying that relationship of love, is to miss the entire purpose for which God has revealed himself in the Bible.

READ IT IN COMMUNITY

We are the body of Christ, and our understanding is enriched by reading and listening to the insights of others and by learning together.

READ IT WITH INTEGRITY OF SCRIPTURE

We want to think carefully about the Bible and the way we approach it.

We must make sure we are committed to the whole of the Bible as the story which gives meaning to all of life, and by which all of life must be judged. Opening the Bible with integrity means that we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture as we look for the significance of individual statements within the Bible. And of course, it means we understand that the Bible contains different literary forms (genres), and the way God communicates often differs from one form to another.

READ IT FOR LIFE. Meeting

God through the Bible will have an impact on our lives, encouraging us in worship, mission, and holiness. As we commit ourselves to explore a faithful response to God's word, our experience will help us to understand the Bible better and deepen our faith and our fellowship with God.

Last year, I had the privilege of helping host Rachel Turner in Auckland and Wellington. If her name is unfamiliar to you, try looking up Parenting for Faith as a start. Rachel is a very gifted speaker—thought provoking and entertaining, and usually both at the same time!

Rachel often talks about the challenge—and enlightenment— she found in the following verses:

Listen, Israel! The LORD our God is the only true God! So, love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.—Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (CEV)

When we reflect on this passage, we can see that the centre of a child’s discipleship is not what happens on a Sunday morning, or mid-week group, but in the home. Rachel’s catch phrase is “the ordinary, everyday, boring bits of life.”

What does it mean to bring the Bible into the ordinary, everyday, boring bits of our lives? Well, first, we need to know the Bible ourselves. Then we can share this with our families. In this edition of the WAY2GO magazine we will use Parenting for Faith’s 5 Key Tools to help us bring the Bible into the everyday lives of our children and families.

Liz Eichler Children and Families Team Leader, SUNZ

The 5 Key Tools TO RAISING GOD-CONNECTED

KIDS

CREATE WINDOWS

– or glimpses into what your relationship with God looks like. When it comes to Bible reading, here is a challenge for you: when you’re reading your Bible on your phone, or table, or other screen, how does your family know what you’re reading?

a. Grab an actual Bible, have it on the coffee table, read it yourself while others are around.

b. We can share where we see God in a situation by talking aloud, and making connections with Bible stories you know.

c. Invite them to do ‘God things’ alongside you—read the story together, borrow someone’s picture Bible or teenage version for a week, get a range of translations and compare them.

FRAMING

– showing how God works so a picture of who he is and what he is doing gradually develops.

a. Explore their questions when reading the Bible.

b. Point things out that occur to you when reading the Bible. This could be where else in the Gospels the story is also told, or links between themes. This depends on the age of your children.

c. Be led by their interests – e.g. if they are interested in animals, find stories featuring animals (like Noah’s ark), if they like fishing a focus on the disciples and their jobs.

UNWINDING

– growing a balanced and healthy view of God. Unwinding is the process of spotting and gently correcting misconceptions about God.

a. Try exploring Bible stories that show a different side of God’s character.

b. Ask which Bible stories they like and why.

c. Notice what they say and ask them to tell you more about it. Share your own relationship with God.

CHAT AND CATCH

– the prayer tool: it’s a two-way relationship with God.

a. Chatting encourages children to use their own words when communicating with God. Knowing others struggle with prayer is helpful.

b. Share an example of you ‘catch’ing God speaking to you through a Bible passage.

c. When you read the Bible together, ask “is there something we can ‘catch’ from this, something God might be wanting to say to us?”

SURFING THE WAVES

– come alongside and ride the waves as your children try different things.

a. Help them find God in what’s happening in their lives. Talk about your own waves of change.

b. Explore different ways of reading the Bible – try an app, listen to a podcast, follow the Lectionary.

c. Be open to new things, follow their lead, life is a journey.

For more on these Tools, or to learn more about Parenting for Faith, go to www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/

This newly illustrated collection of more than 120 Bible stories presents the truths of the whole Bible in a way that is understandable for all of us. Each story has 3-4 comprehension questions to help easily grasp Biblical concepts. | $35 Resources

EVERYONE A CHILD SHOULD KNOW

It’s never too early to introduce the next generation to some of the heroes of faith. In this book, meet 52 Christian men and women from all walks of life who wanted to live for their friend Jesus. There are missionaries, martyrs, writers, reformers, politicians, and poets. Their stories are exciting and inspiring and show that any of Jesus’ friends can do remarkable things for him. | $18

BIBLE STORIES EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW

LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES AND INSPIRATION?

Check out our SUNZ Children and Families blogspot and Breakthrough websites childrenandfamiliesnz.blogspot.com | sunzbreakthrough.org.nz

“ Ialone cannot changetheworld, —MotherTeresa butIcancasta stone across thewater tocreatemany ripples.”

Meeting Jesus changes us and impacts those around us. Come explore and celebrate ways children’s ministry is having a ripple effect in our churches and communities.

Join

NOW, WHERE TO?

SLESSOR | SUNZ Resources Administrator

Your children are safely home from SUNZ camp. They are tired and grubby, exhilarated and bursting with wild survival stories, glowing with health after the “best camp food ever”, dodging your

firm hand pointing directly to the shower and washing machine, already asking what’s for dinner and possibly on their phone texting friends after a week of no cellphone allowed on camp.

DOES THIS SCENARIO RESONATE WITH PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF OUR SUNZ CAMPERS?

Do your happy campers mention anything about Bible engagement on camp? Our camp leaders often report there is a blend of concern and excitement about taking home new habits of personal and group Bible study time.

At SUNZ camp, there is a solo time for campers to be in a quiet space, talk and pray to God. There is a daily small group and large group time to read a Bible passage, answer questions on this, and optional creative activities. This is a

set pattern for the

Bible engagement on SUNZ youth camps follows the Discovery Bible Method (DBM) of engagement, where campers learn skills to selfdiscover what lies within scripture. We want campers to start on the journey of lifelong learning and curiosity about scripture and faith.

All camp leaders are trained in ‘Bible engagement the SUNZ way’ with a strong emphasis on showing integrity of scripture.

ANNAMARIE

days on camp with the aim of forming Bible engagement habits and creative expression of scripture.

What questions can parents and carers ask a returning camper about their Bible engagement time on an SUNZ camp? It can work well to ask a mix of simple closed and open questions to encourage your young person to respond and consider their next steps to build a lifelong faith. Start off with closed questions, then build on their answers, after they are clean, fed, and rested.

How often did you have Bible time at camp? What was the theme? What Bible passages did you study? Did you enjoy the discussions?

Every child and teenager will respond differently. A shoulder shrug, a grunt or “I don’t remember….” You can try and draw more out of them through asking open questions.

What sort of things did you learn from the Bible time at camp? What has changed for you? Do you feel your time at camp has helped shape your faith? Do you feel you received good advice or learning?

NOW, WHERE TO?

Following a SUNZ camp, camp leaders will send camp photos and a post-

Bible engagement for 2024 has been about the arch of scripture and finding the significance of Jesus within every story. Here is the lineup of themes:

camp questionnaire, and information on further camps. There is no direct communication with campers due to our safety management policy.

While on camp, all campers are encouraged to connect to a local church community as a sustainable way to keep up connections and relationships with Christian believers. Our aim is to redirect children and young people to church to give them a sense of belonging and to discover how they can become lifelong disciples who serve the world around them.

Your young person may ask for options now such as wanting a Bible study guide or devotional. Our Children & Families team often give all SUPAKidZ campers a devotional book to start on camp, with encouragement to keep on enjoying Bible study time at home. Bible engagement material on SUNZ youth camps is specifically for the period of camp. Your teenager may want to keep this private or may be happy to share this with you. You could even open the possibility of your teen leading family devotions using what they have learned.

Our prayer and hope at SUNZ, is for campers to respond with more than a shrug or blank look and take steps to pursue a lifelong journey with Jesus.

SUMMER ‘24 – hope in action

WINTER – what’s Luke got to do with it?

SPRING – a livable theology and our creation story

SUMMER ’25 – faith in action

Wtuarua

BETH COATES | SUNZ Leadership Development Adminitrator

e reflect on the 2023 highlights of Beyond Experience (BE). Each month, our BE’ers and Kaiārahi are encouraged to open the Word, and to pray together. These practices of prayer and Bible engagement are a key part of our annual ‘BE Weekend’. In April we explored Romans 12 through our theme, ‘The Generosity of Leadership.’ Reflections included, ‘I must keep coming back to the Gospel and how it changes everything and leads to generosity,’ and ‘I loved the challenge of generous leadership and what this might look like practically.’

Other highlights were small service Stream Projects completed by BE Tuarua (2nd Year).

Tim Cleland prepared for and passed the NZOIA Bush 1 qualification. Briana Voykovich had significant leadership involvement at Pōnui Senior camp.

Charis Alison created a biculturalism resource.

Isaac Bayldon prepared for and passed the NZOIA Bush 1 qualification.

Anna Christensen created a resource for high school students to share the Gospel with their friends.

Sam Gastrell was a member of the SUNZ Evangelism Focus Group.

Shelley Huggins was part of the team that ran GATHER North in spring.

Sarah Binnie has been preparing for and will sit the NZOIA Bush 1 qualification in April 2024.

Malakai Mangion created a plant identification resource for the Te Anau area. Emily Harrex was part of the team that ran GATHER South and led Bible engagement.

Josh Wright created a way to measure carbon emissions from camps so that they can be offset.

Tash Rangi created a resource for camp leaders to provide care for and manage mental health related incidents on camps.

We are grateful for the incredible mahi of these young adults, as they grow in Christian leadership. They truly embody the BE ethos of ‘something in the now, somewhere in the next.’

Patrick San Jose had leadership responsibilities at GATHER North in spring and at Pōnui Junior camp.

Evelyn Barber created a resource to assist young adults to grow in their faith after attending a SUNZ camp.

Beyond Experience in Apiti Chapel, Waikanae – April 2023

birthday BLOWOUT PEILIN 'S

This year, Peilin Cheng, our Fundraising Manager, wanted to raise funds for SUNZ to celebrate her 50th birthday! We interviewed her to find out about this.

what did you do, and why?

I decided to challenge myself for my 50th birthday. With the support of Hilary Hague, National Director, who jokingly called me crazy, I was thrilled for the opportunity to be 'crazy for the Lord' in this adventure.

I joined the E3 Young Adult Adventure of fifteen YAs aged 19-25 for a 7-day offgrid expedition in Marlborough Sounds, tramping, mountain biking, and kayaking.

what was the most challenging?

I was physically not at my peak for this journey having been recently ill. The night before departure, I nearly cancelled as I grappled with uncertainty. I had to push through discomfort, enduring hours of kayaking in soaked clothing saturated with salty water and sweat. My arms were sore and tired, and my hands were blistered.

what was the best part?

Despite physical challenges, I found profound enjoyment in the journey. The highlight was experiencing the beauty of God's creation—from thousands of jellyfish resembling a sea of flowers, to dreamy glow worms and a spectacular display of stars.

what did you learn about God while on E3?

I witnessed the grace of God weaving through our shared experiences. One valuable lesson I learned was to centre my focus on him.

Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Mountain biking the narrow paths was terrifying! “What if I veer off a cliff?”

Breathing deeply, I pressed forward, keeping my focus on the path and not the edge and trusting in God’s presence, that He would not burden me beyond what I could bear.

Peilin achieved her goal of raising $1000 for SUNZ. Her hope is for others to be inspired by her experience and help raise funds for Scripture Union!

Light

LARISSA PEARCE | SUNZ Youth Consultant, Otago-Southland

for the path

LET US PRAY

IOne of my earliest memories from Sunday School is praying . . . hands together, eyes closed, head bowed method of prayer. I appreciate this process helped prevent distraction and promoted focus on God while praying, and by practising it every Sunday, this way of praying became routine in church. In our fast-paced world I appreciate the concept even more now.

Repetition helps build neural pathways in the brain which are crucial for development. The more we repeat something, the stronger the neural pathway becomes and the greater the chance it is repeated again and again until it becomes an unconscious (automated) act.

Have you noticed that certain things are repeated in the Bible? These seem to be things that God really wants us to understand. One such repeated topic is prayer. From praying with others (see

James 5:13-16); to praying solo (see Matthew 6:5-13) the repetition implies prayer is important.

Philippians 4:6-7 resonates “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The message I take from the Bible about prayer is that no matter where we are, what we are doing, who we are with, prayer is a constant (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18).

How much does that alter our mindset if we pray in every situation . . . every minute of every hour of every day (you see where this is heading) our whole life in fact, considered as prayer. Because ultimately, prayer is conversation with God, and thankfully he doesn’t require us to make an appointment.

Meet LARISSA

Larissa, our writer for ‘Light for the Path’, is a SUNZ Youth Consultant in Otago-Southland. We asked her to introduce herself to you. Here’s what she had to say:

Kia ora, my name is Larissa. I am married to Paul—we’ve journeyed together for 25 years!—and we have two teenagers Sarah (18, so officially an adult) and Joshua (15). I was born in Dunedin, raised in Auckland, now live back in Dunedin after a spending 10 years raising our children in Invercargill surrounded by extended family.

I was four when my family first attended church, and God has been a key part of my life since then. Growing up, my siblings and I would spend school holidays at a Christian camp in Snells Beach, which was run by friends of our family. Between Sunday School, camps, and youth group I am thankful for the many Christians who had a positive influence on my faith formation and development as a young follower of Christ.

These faithful servants inspired me to want to serve others in ministry as well. As a young adult, I was encouraged to study youth work through Praxis—this was early days for Praxis, and it was a pivotal experience in my life. I wasn’t ready to work with youth at that time and felt God opening the door for me into teaching. After a decade of teaching in early childhood, I felt God calling me into paid ministry. Eight years on, I still feel that call to ministry, and God continues to provide people to walk alongside and me in this journey. Our God is a God of relationships—and I am thankful for all the ways he provides and encourages relationship.

I first joined the SUNZ staff team in July 2023 as maternity leave cover for Lizzie Moore. I am officially now a permanent member of the staff and am grateful to have had six months’ worth of learning the ropes!

JANUARY KOHI-TĀTEA

Our previous ADVENTURE issue listed our 11 summer camps from Pōnui Island to Te Anau, and 4 E3 expeditions. In total, 355 children and young people enjoyed SUNZ camps and studied the theme of hope in Bible engagement times on camp.

SUPAKidZ had 39 campers and 25 camp leaders and helpers for the Auckland & Wellington camps. SUNZ Youth camps had 287 campers and 112 camp leaders and volunteers. E3 had 29 expeditioners and 10 leaders.

How many loaves of bread do you think they chomped their way through? The answer is a lot! SUNZ campers have eaten their way through $64K worth of food this past year (FY April 2023-March 2024). Our camp cooks are amazing, volunteering their time, energy, and cooking skills.

MARCH POUTŪ-TE-RANGI

SUNZ Youth team ran Anamata on the 2nd in Wellington and the 9th in Dunedin. Then a 2-day MHFA workshop in Christchurch on the 15-16th. Thank you to

our supporters in these areas who hosted and helped. Hilary Hague, Mark Nichols, and Natalie Duchesne attended the SU Global Gathering in Kuala Lumpur from 4-9th. Annette Osborne was there also as part of the organizing committee. The theme was Bridging the Gap. The month finished with our annual ministry hui from 18-21st, held at El Rancho, Waikanae this year. It’s a special time for SUNZ staff to connect, share and encourage each other in ministry and support.

APRIL PAENGA-WHĀWHĀ

April started with the big BE weekend on the 5-7th at Woodend, Christchurch, organized by Paul Humphreys & Beth Coates. We are so grateful to our supporters who sign up to be kaiārahi to our BE’ers. Two autumn camps are on; 15-20th Pōnui Fishing camp for Year 9-13 boys, run by Andy Banks and 20-22nd Wild Wāhine tramp for Year 11-14 girls, Kaueranga Kauri Trail. The month closes with SUNZ Youth team planning meetings on the 29-30th.

SUNZ also publish Prayer Adventure bi-monthly prayer points, available on our website www.sunz.org.nz/ get-involved/httpwww-sunz-org-nzget-involvedprayeradventure/

The Bible and Prayer go hand-inhand in Scripture Union. God uses both to breathe the life of his Holy Spirit through all we are and all we do. In this issue of Out & About, we are highlighting Scripture Union’s prayer groups. We have 12 prayer groups who meet across New Zealand, from monthly morning tea in Warkworth, Sunday afternoon tea in Tauranga, evening singa-long and prayer in Wellington, famous home-baking in Dunedin to breakfast prayer time in Invercargill. We are seriously considering compiling a prayer group recipe book! Information on these groups is in our Prayer Adventure.

Recently, some supporters from our Auckland Central prayer group celebrated their former coordinator, Beth Maxwell’s 100th birthday and to honour her faithful Christian life. In her speech, Beth mentioned her involvement with Scripture Union beach missions at Long Bay in Auckland. Beth was a wonderful leader of this prayer group, held monthly at Eden Community Church.

Happy Birthday Beth!

Thank you to all our prayer group leaders and prayer warriors, who surround us, support us, and share our longing for children and young people to become lifelong disciples.

Jill Walker, current leader of the prayer group joined in the birthday celebrations and sent us this lovely photo of Beth.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

—Matthew 18.20 (NIV)

PLEASE GIVE A GIFT TODAY TO SUPPORT US TO HELP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE RECONNECT WITH THE BIBLE.

We do this through SUNZ camps, programmes, mentoring and training, and developing resources to encourage Bible engagement.

Set up a donation online at sunz.org.nz/donate-adventure or by using the form near the back of this mag.

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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.

Did you know 80% of our overall funding and 100% of our ministry from donations? Please consider giving a gift today – you can change and young people as they discover Jesus and grow

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You can also donate a one-off gift through your bank by dirct deposit to account number 02-0560-0036204-00 quoting ‘ADV0424’, plus your supporter number (if known) or surname and postcode in the reference. If this is your first gift to SUNZ please email accounts@sunz.org.nz with the details of your donation – this enables us to thank you and send you a tax receipt.

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

You can also donate a one-off gift through your bank by dirct deposit 02-0560-0036204-00 quoting ‘ADV0424’, plus your supporter number (if postcode in the reference. If this is your first gift to SUNZ please email with the details of your donation – this enables us to thank you and send Or donate online at sunz.org.nz/donate-adventure or by calling

Or donate online at sunz.org.nz/donate-adventure or by calling 0508 423 836

Please post your completed form to Scripture Union New Zealand, PO Box Thank you!

THREE:

T E N B I B L E S T U D I E S

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