Introducing George Bates
We asked George, our writer for ‘Light for the Path’ to introduce himself to you. Here’s what he had to say: Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Kapukataumahaka te maunga tata ki tōku ngākau, ko Ōwheo te awa e rere ana ki te Tai o Ōtakau, ko John Wickliffe te waka me ko Bates te hapū. Ko Nick rātou ko Rachel, ko Kezia, ko Heidi, ko Harry ōku whānaunga. Ko George ahau. Ki te Ariki Nui, kia whakakororia, ā, ki a tātou katoa, kia pangoro o te Wairua Tapu. Kia ora. Hi everyone, I’m George and I’m super stoked to have the opportunity to write the Light for the Path in this magazine! I’ve had some awesome input into my walk with Christ from Scripture Union so it is a blessing to give back. My involvement with SUNZ has primarily been in attendance to Exodus Prime, a high-school-age leadership camp in January each year. In the three years that I have attended EP, the teaching, relationships, encouragement and positive experiences I’ve gained have had serious input into the way I understand God, myself and the world around me. Neville and Kerran Bartley and the awesome leaders they recruit for camp inspire me, and much of my growth as Christ’s person has come from rubbing shoulders with these supportive, wise mentors. I live down in Dunedin and am involved at Leith Valley Presbyterian Church each Sunday. I’m in Year 13 (that’s 7th form) at King’s High School, a public boy’s school of about 1000. I’m passionate about running, I have enjoyed Maths, Science and English in the past few years, but in 2020 I’m mostly loving Spanish and Te Reo Māori. Greater than academia, though, my main focus this year is leadership, with the role of Head Boy at my school. I see this as a great opportunity to bear witness to the goodness of our God by leading from the strength that He provides. I hope to be seen primarily as one who walks in the way of Jesus.
"
I HOPE TO BE SEEN PRIMARILY AS ONE WHO WALKS IN THE WAY OF JESUS.
May my words about Scripture shed some light on the path of life God has set before us, and strengthen you as you trust in the Holy Spirit each day. Kia Kaha, Kia Toa, Kia Manawanui.
JUNE 2020 25
