guide. The students then proceeded to Rotorua where Captain David Millar and Lieutenant Tex Riley were the officers. A combination of council restrictions on open-air activity and heavy rain meant the planned outreach programme on Wednesday 3 January had to be changed. The team sang Christian songs on the waterfront green space, accompanied by Tex Riley on his guitar. This attracted people who sat listening in their cars. This was followed by a launch trip to Mokoia Island on Thursday 4th where a hall was hired for a programme and social evening. Meetings were held at Rainbow Springs and Holden’s Bay motor camps on Friday 5 January where the team noted that a programme which interested the children also interested adults. Over 60 people from the Holden’s Bay camp accepted an invitation to a campfire sing-along and barbecue at Te Amorangi Anglican Camp where the team was staying for the night. Many who came had never attended a Salvation Army event before. On Saturday 6 January, the team travelled to Tauranga where they held meetings at several motor camps. Six of the SASF students also formed a brass ensemble. A full day of activities was held on Sunday 7 January. Kneedrill at 7am was followed by a motor camp meeting at 10am. Six students conducted the holiness meeting at Greerton with the remainder conducting the holiness meeting at Tauranga Citadel on the theme ‘Space Age Religion’. There was one seeker. On Sunday afternoon a study group was held on the sands at Mount Manganui and a meeting at a motor camp. Extra seating was brought into the citadel for the final activity of the trek, a salvation meeting which addressed the theme of religious complacency and indifference under the title of ‘I’m all right, Jack’. The trek ended on a high note when ten people responded to the Mercy Seat invitation, eight of whom were newcomers to the Army.
SASF students in a Sunday afternoon study group at Mt Maunganui6
Student responses to the trek included these statements: ‘The trek has certainly been a very challenging start to the New Year. There were many new experiences that I wouldn't have missed for anything.’ ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the trek and can honestly say it was most worthwhile not for ourselves but to the Glory of God. I shall never forget our Sunday’s meetings at Tauranga.’ ‘I am very grateful that I had the opportunity of going on the trek because I learnt a great deal and really enjoyed myself.’ 6
The war cry, (New Zealand, 27 January 1962), 5.
The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History, Volume 6, Issue 1, 2021. Page 8
