Q&A

QHOW HAS THE BIBLE STEADIED

When reflecting on what scripture I turn to in times of trouble or anxiety, I found my hands instinctively flipping through the Bible to Ecclesiastes, one of the ‘Wisdom’ books in the Old Testament. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds me of the wisdom in discerning the right time to do things but in the end, ‘what has been done has been done and what has not been done has not been A & SUNZ STAFF SHARE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES? " done, let it be’ - a paraphrase prayed during our evening prayers across different camps, and words that have consistently given me peace. At the end of one of our summer camps, I was chatting with a young camper asking how she found the camp and drawing upon maturity beyond her years she gave me a raw account, positive and constructive. She ended our little feedback session with “but you know, if you’re sad about it, just remember the words during evening prayers – what has been done has been done…”. A sentiment just as powerful when spoken by a young teenager as it is read in scripture. Job:2008782 SUNZ Adventure Magazine

Natalie Duchesne | Based in Hamilton as our South Island Camps Facilitator

Moving to the other side of the world then back again due to the pandemic, poor family health, lockdowns and no clear plan for the future…times have certainly felt very uncertain for me recently! It’s easy to lose focus on the truths of God’s word when we feel lost in the stresses and strains of uncertainty. Taking the time to dive into the Bible and soak in God’s word has been so important for me. When I don’t make this a priority in my day, inevitably I find myself back on shaky ground! I’ve found it helpful to write out Bible passages and put them somewhere I’ll be able to keep re-reading them. One of the collection stuck up around my desk that has particularly spoken to me in recent times is Psalm 63:1-8 which focuses on God as our sustainer in times of need. It ends with the beautiful verse: ‘I cling to you: your strong right hand holds me securely.’ I’m always so grateful for my faith and all that God has done for me, yet it’s in times of uncertainty that I’m even more thankful for the hope, comfort and certainty that I have in Jesus.

Jennifer Babb | Our Fundraising Manager currently working remotely from Scotland.

There I was, a 17-year-old in my last year of high school, feeling rather lost and discouraged after coming home from such a peak experience in Tonga. I had just been on a 4-week discipleship training school which included a 3-week outreach in Tonga. I had seen God move in incredible ways over that time, but now that I was home it felt like I was in a spiritual desert. My older sister encouraged me to memorize a Psalm, and over the next few months Psalm 42 became my own prayer — especially when I couldn’t find my own words to pray. Although life felt confusing and rather uncertain, memorizing this Psalm helped me hold onto God and not give up following Him.

Lizzie Moore | Based in Invercargill as our Otago-Southland Youth Consultant.