Adventure Magazine January 2024

INVITED INSIDE THE GREAT INVITATION

DISCOVERING JESUS

FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL

EDITORIAL

I

Kia ora e te whānau,

sat by a woman and a little boy in church last Sunday. She was a visitor, so I asked her what had brought her along. “Oh,” she said “I did community service here a while back and got to know the Vicar. I thought coming on Sunday might help me and my boy.”

As we talked, she went on to ask searching questions about God and how he could help with the anger she carried so that it did not affect her son.

It was such a privilege to sit and talk with her. Talking with people who are exploring faith is always special.

WE LONG TO SEE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE DISCOVER AND FOLLOW JESUS AND SERVE THE WORLD AROUND THEM Sadly, many people do not make their way into a church building like this woman and her son did. I have been reading some research put out by

Scripture Union in the UK. Half of those surveyed said their churches had no ‘active disciples’ from a non-Christian home, and a quarter said their churches had no contact with any young people from a non-Christian background, regardless of their level of engagement.

I wonder if the same is true for churches here in New Zealand.

It is understandable, and yet it is heartbreaking.

Here in Scripture Union, we’ve been looking at evangelism – what it is and how best to be effective in Aotearoa, New Zealand in 2024. We are doing so because we long to see children and young people discover and follow Jesus and serve the world around them. We would like to encourage and support churches in this area.

As you read this issue of Adventure and particularly as you read the articles that focus on evangelism, please pray for the children and young people of our nation, especially for those with no church connections.

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

HILARY HAGUE

National Director Scripture Union New Zealand

ISSUE 1 | 2024

CONTENTS FEATURES

4 THE GREAT INVITATION

NIGEL WINDER

6 A SEAT AT THE TABLE

ANNETTE OSBORNE

8 SCRIPTURE UNION HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES

10 WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF...?

ANNETTE OSBORNE

12 DISCOVERING JESUS

HILARY HAGUE

20 FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL - For use with Blue Star Group pri

LIZ EICHLER

- Environmental statement example for use w

23 STARTING OUT

ANDREW RAMSBOTTOM

28 MEET THE CHILDREN & FAMILIES TEAM CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

15 WAY2GO MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS

14 CAMP CHAT

ANDREA LUKIN

24 LIGHT FOR THE PATH

STAFFORD FROST 26 OUT & ABOUT RESOURCES

OFFSET VERSION - Portrait

28 SU RESOURCES FOR LIFE

This publication uses vegetable based inks and PRODUCED

BY THE SUNZ TEAM DESIGNED

BY WINDSORCREATIVE environmentally responsible paper produced from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, Mixed Source pulp from Responsible Sources.

NIGEL WINDER

I

t always feels such a privilege to be invited to an event or special occasion.

An invite makes us feel thought of, valued, included, and loved.

However, there is one invite that dwarfs all others, and that is the personal invite of Jesus to come and follow him. What makes this invite extra special is the person who is extending the offer, and the priceless value of what he is inviting us to. This is in no way diminished by the fact this same offer is made to everyone, including children.

At our WAY2GO Children’s Ministry Training events during 2023 our theme was “The Great Invitation - Let’s consider afresh our call to make God’s Good News known to children and their families.”

Our opening plenary session written by Annette Osborne, unpacked the story of Levi the Tax Collector from Luke 5:2732. Following are some key thoughts we explored together.

4 www.sunz.org.nz

| SUNZ Children & Families Consultant

Jesus gave Levi a simple invitation, ‘Come follow me,’ and Levi leapt to his feet! He was so excited about this invitation he threw a feast and invited all his friends to dine with Jesus.

This is an exciting invitation that continues to be offered to people of all ages and backgrounds. But as we consider the way in which children discover Jesus, there are three important concepts to frame our thinking.

Firstly, children need to belong. We are all wired for relationship. God has made us to be in families, communities, and friendships. A sense of belonging is foundational to the faith development of children, as well for people of all ages.

Belonging to a community where the love of Jesus is lived out, draws us closer to God and the desire to follow Jesus for ourselves.

Jesus ate with those who the Pharisees saw as unworthy of his attention. “Why was he eating with sinners?” they asked.

Jesus, on the other hand, seemed right at home! Jesus went out from the religious spaces and joined the tax collectors around the table. So, we think about not just belonging inside the church on Sunday, but belonging in community.

Secondly, the experience of accepting the invitation to follow Jesus is one that also involves believing. Believing includes an understanding and acceptance of the good news of Jesus as encountered in the Big Story of God. It is important for our children to know about God, to know the content of the Christian faith, and to understand its impact. A good understanding of the unfolding story of the Bible will help our children to understand their purpose and place in God’s story. It is not simply knowing about God, it’s knowing God. It is belief in Jesus, centred in relationship. This acknowledges that believing involves both our head and our heart, especially for those who may be non-verbal or too young to put their understanding into words.

So, we provide opportunities for children and their families to experience the invitation to follow Jesus, without pressure or coercion. This includes space to ask questions and to express doubts. The invitation does not require a child or their family to understand everything fully before making their decision. Look at Levi, he jumped up and followed, for all we know without a comprehensive Bible Study first!

may not be able to pinpoint one moment of decision. This is often the case for children who have grown up in Christian households and faith communities.

Thirdly, we recognise that The Great Invitation is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Transformation is God’s business.

The acceptance of God’s invitation into a relationship with him changes us as we experience and grow in our understanding of his love for us. We become who God has created us to be.

It involves putting faith into action. As followers of Jesus, we watch what Jesus did and seek to do the same. We grow in our understanding of God by seeing how God is at work in the world and joining in! We want our children to understand the difference that following Jesus makes for their everyday lives. Following Jesus changes the way we live; through what we think, do, and speak. So therefore, we want to create safe ways for them to ‘try it out,’ to ‘give it a go.’ And, like Levi, we want them to get so excited about Jesus that they want their friends to meet him too passing on “The Great Invitation!”

Scripture Union puts the invitation this way: We are invited to help children and young people to: Discover Jesus Become lifelong disciples Serve the world around us

We recognise that it is normal for children and young people to take many steps of commitment along the way, as their understanding of God grows, and as they experience God’s presence in their lives in varying ways. For some children, they ISSUE 1 | 2024 5

Seat

A

I

AT THE TABLE ANNETTE OSBORNE

| SUNZ Children & Families Consultant

n a church building in Taradale, a table is set. Every Friday, a small group of volunteers cook a meal for around 30 people displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle. The meal provides hot, decent food and kind support and connection amid the uncertainty. A seat at the table is about far more than the food, who is in the seat and where the seat is placed.

In Luke 14, Jesus is seated at a different kind of dinner party, attended by a group of religious leaders. I can imagine that he watched as they arrived at the party and jostled to sit in the best seat. I imagine that the guest list was the ‘who’s who’ of those with power and position in society. This was a table of the privileged.

In response to what he sees, Jesus tells two stories. The first is a challenge to choose humility. If you think you should have the best seat, choose the lowest place. Why? Because then, when the host arrives, they will acknowledge your choice and shift you up to the best seat. Be humble and you will be exalted.

Jesus then tells a story about another dinner party, where invitations have been sent out, but the guests produce excuses for why they cannot be there. So, the host sends out invitations everywhere so that anyone who wants to be there can have a seat at the table.

6 www.sunz.org.nz

For Jesus, the table illustrates the kingdom of God. The invitation is open and freely available to all, and everyone can find a seat and enjoy the feast. It does not matter how important the world might think you are, you are welcome.

The invitation to discover and follow Jesus is a foundation of SUNZ’s vision statement. Through our various ministries we seek to create opportunities for children, young people, and their families to encounter God. Our work with churches encourages them in their mission with their local community and helps to equip them for this vital role.

This year, SUNZ has focused on evangelism, and what the invitation to discover and follow Jesus looks like. We have been asking our key leaders about what the word 'evangelism' means, what it currently looks like in our various ministries and what we need to be thinking about for the future. Through a survey and many conversations, we have heard wonderful stories from our leaders, highlighting the rich and profound way in which God is at work. Our findings will now lead to working groups who will create practical resources that reflect our values as an organization. Look out for more on this in the coming months.

We have discovered that it is not just SUNZ having this conversation. Churches, organizations, and theological colleges are having it too. There is a sense of God’s timing in this present moment, which gives us great hope for the future.

As we rethink the practices of the past,

we want to hear what God is saying to us as we shape the way ahead.

Churches are grappling with how best to support their communities and bring the hope of Jesus to these spaces. SUNZ is here to help. Through ministries such as our SUPAKidZ and intermediate aged camps, we seek to provide safe spaces for children and young people to have fun and to explore God’s message of hope.

We also love to work alongside a church in the running of a holiday programme, community club or event. We provide quality training for leadership teams, as well as support in creating good programmes and approaches. Let me encourage you to contact us and find out how we can support your church in your connection with your community.

I notice that Jesus did not pass judgement on this group of leaders from a distance. He did not stand in the corner, but instead joined them at the table for a conversation, albeit an awkward and challenging one. Consider where we can sit alongside others and join the conversation. Where are the tables in our communities? I read somewhere that there is no kiddie table in the Kingdom of God. Children are at the table too, so how do we make them feel welcome? Who is missing from around the table and needs an invitation? Consider your own church, home, or places of gathering. Maybe take some time over this next week to think about who is missing and listen for what God might be saying to you and your community.

ISSUE 1 | 2024 7

ION

E UN R U T P I R SC

S

y a d i l Hogrammes

Pro

cripture Union produces creative and comprehensive holiday programmes for primary school and intermediate-aged children. SUNZ use these 3-5-day programmes for our amazing SUPAKidZ camps and adapt them for shorter sessions with smaller groups.

Holiday programmes are a fantastic opportunity to open a door for communities to access the church in a fun, non-formal way, and a fantastic training ground to raise leaders within your church as they get involved in helping!

Find out about these programmes on www.sunz.org.nz/shop or contact our Children & Families team.

THE RESTORATION STATION

uses key stories from John’s Gospel to discover how Jesus is the master craftsman who heals and restores. This programme covers themes of fear, feeling broken on the inside and how God can be a rock and a shelter.

DIARY OF A DISCIPLE introduces

children to Jesus and invites them to consider his question: “Who do you say I am?” Each day unpacks a little of Jesus’ story from Luke’s Gospel, beginning with the traditional Christmas narrative, moving on to explore Jesus’ teachings and miracles, leading up to and concluding with the Easter story.

8 www.sunz.org.nz

BACKPACKERS focuses on Matthew as children travel through European cities and explore Jesus’ last week, helping them to understand his journey and God’s plan of salvation.

WONDER ZONE is about finding out

who God is and how exploring science and following him can go hand in hand.

Learn about Solomon and his desire to be wise. Explore three psalms and see what those tell us about God. Find out about the blind man restoring his sight, and the lost son welcomed home.

TEAMBUILDERS focuses on

awesome Bible stories, including Joseph, Moses, Esther, Jesus, and Paul –giving children the opportunity to see what life is like on God’s team, and inviting them to join his team for themselves.

DEEP SEA DIVERS is an

underwater-themed programme that invites children to deep dive into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus using the book of Matthew and to discover the depths of Jesus’ love for them.

PŌNUI ISLAND FISHING ADVENTURE Pōnui Island, Hauraki Gulf 15-20 April 2024 School Years 9 -13 in 2024 BOYS ONLY Cost TBC (includes barge trip to Island and return)

Weather and tides permitting, we’ll be enjoying various types of sustainable fishing over the week including boat, land-based (beach and point), barge fishing off the Pōnui cattle barge, long lining in the bay and kayak fishing. We’ll also be spending an hour or two each day reflecting on some of the big questions of life and faith.

CHECK OUT SUCAMPS.0RG.NZ FOR MORE DETAILS

WILD WĀHINE Weekends in 202 24 For School Years 11-13 in 202 24 GIRLS ONLY

This is a beginner level tramp and suitable for all levels of experience —as long as you’re keen to get outdoors, move your body, meet some cool gals, and have a positive time you’ll be right!

>

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN

IF...?

ANNETTE OSBORNE

| SUNZ Children & Families Consultant

What would happen if, instead of writing a Bible reading resource for Intermediate aged children,... ...we helped them to write their own!

O

ver the past year I have been working with a small group of intermediates at an Auckland church on just this. My dream has been to help them to create something to use to read their Bibles, a resource for our intermediate camps, as well as made available to the public.

›

The next step was to explore ways they enjoyed learning; taking photos, modelling, and creating things, walking, and journalling. Most said they preferred short amounts of text with lots of images.

›

This has been such a rewarding process, so let me share what we have done. You may like to try this idea out in your own church and ministry.

Then we turned to the content. I was keen to hear what topics interested them. What book of the Bible, character, passage, or question would they like to explore more? Was there something they thought their friends would be interested in finding out more about?

We began with a discussion about the Bible and its place in their lives. What were their questions about it? What did they like or find challenging about it?

What would they like to explore more about it?

Out of these conversations we identified that our focus would be on the book of Acts. We would create three weeks of material, with a short amount of reading, some key questions, and activities. This would also include a map of the events,

›

10 www.sunz.org.nz

character profiles, photographs, and activities to make and do. We also created a glossary of difficult words, particularly for those reading the Bible for the first time.

We have trialled a draft of the resource at our Pōnui Spring Adventure Camp, and we will now review it and put some more work into shaping the resource before we launch it. Watch this space!

I have been so encouraged by this group of intermediates. This project has highlighted for me the joy of giving the opportunity to children to be active participants in ministry.

This group continually surprises and encourages me, as they ask good questions, think critically, and pray with intention for this resource to help others to encounter God and deepen their relationship with their Creator.

THIS PROJECT HAS HIGHLIGHTED FOR ME THE JOY OF GIVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHILDREN TO BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN MINISTRY ISSUE 1 | 2024 11

Discovering

JESUS HILARY HAGUE | SUNZ National Director

S

cripture Union New Zealand has begun a conversation about how best to communicate the good news of the Gospel to children and young people. As we pondered what effective evangelism might look like in 2023, we realised that there was much to be explored, and so we decided to launch a year-long project with a focus group of especially invited people to guide us.

As this group listened and read, prayed, and discerned, we settled on the image of a braided river as a dynamic profile that captured the heart of evangelism as the work of the Holy Spirit, flowing from the source of God’s love and commitment to humanity.

12 www.sunz.org.nz

...CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE DISCOVER JESUS THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS AND THAT EACH CHANNEL WEAVES IN AND OUT OF THE OTHERS...

As we considered the channels that make up a braided river, we were reminded that children and young people discover Jesus through various channels and that each channel weaves in and out of the others, all contributing to the way they discover Jesus and respond to him.

Discovering Jesus is an encounter with the living God our creator, with Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith and with the Holy Spirit who leads us to faith and empowers us for witness and service.

Discovering Jesus is relational, and evangelism takes place within relationship.

Discovering Jesus is invitational.

God initiates the invitation to children and young people to discover and follow Jesus and we walk alongside.

Discovering Jesus is a journey. God is at work in the life of each child and young person in ways that are unique and ongoing. Our work is part of a lifelong journey between them and God. Evangelism and discipleship are interwoven.

Discovering Jesus is guided by dignity. God has created every child and young person in his image, and they are deeply loved. It is important for evangelism to respect the dignity and

agency of every child and young person along with their family and whānau.

As the water from braided rivers renews and replenishes wetlands, and nourishes wildlife, following Jesus has the power to transform life. It is our hope and prayer that God’s love will flow through the lives of the children and young people we meet through Scripture Union and bring life and growth to their lives, impacting the world around them.

We continue to explore how best to help leaders and churches communicate the good news of the Gospel with their children and young people. We welcome you to contact us about our evangelism project.

This is the Focus Group who bought wisdom and prayer to this process. Hilary Hague, Sam Gastrell, Jo Overall, Annette Osborne Not pictured: Lizzie Moore, Paul Dadd

ISSUE 1 | 2024 13

ANDREA LUKIN

P M CA AT CH

| SUNZ Children & Families Consultant

Andrea chats to SUPAKidZ campers after September 2023 PYRAMID ROCK camp in Pukerau, Southland.

What did you learn at SUPAKidZ camp? Δ God used Joseph’s life for good Δ God is so perfect he had to look away from Jesus while Jesus was on the cross carrying the world’s sins Δ To face my fears Δ That Joseph gave mercy to his brothers by forgiving them

What did you most enjoy at SUPAKidZ camp? Δ Learning new things while spending time with friends Δ Being with friends Δ Making new friends

What is something you might do differently after being at SUPAKidZ camp? Δ Read the Bible every night and pray more Δ I want to praise God properly Δ Trust in God more Δ Have a Quiet Time daily and sometimes with friends

Δ To persevere

Δ Music

Δ Go on more Christian camps and read the Bible before I go to bed every night

Δ God has a plan for everyone

Δ Learning about God and Jesus

Δ Be more brave

Δ Everything! Δ God time

Δ Camp activities Δ The food

In January 2024, SUNZ are running two SUPAKidZ camps at Foxton Bible Camp (7-10th) and Karanga Camp, West Auckland (15-19th). Pray for campers, to learn, to enjoy and to “be more brave” about following Jesus!

Find out more www.sunz.org.nz/children-and-families/ 14 www.sunz.org.nz

JAN

24

Welcome!

Check out our ideas!

Pull it out! & pass it around

Back to School February looms, as does getting back into the usual rhythms of the school term. Some families look forward to this, others do not.

This can often reflect how the past couple of months have been.

December is traditionally a mad rush to the end of the year, with prize-giving and end-of-year assembly, and then there is also the ‘silly season’ to contend with. January is usually slower with holidays and (hopefully) fine weather, with the usual routines ceasing, or at least slowing down.

The start of the school year can bring about all sorts of emotions— from excitement to fear—for both children and parents! It’s a good idea to chat about how you’re all feeling, and to pray together as well.

I firmly believe in the need for and the importance of prayer. Not only can you be praying for your children, but they can too, for themselves and their friends.

In this edition of the WAY2GO magazine we will explore some prayer activities you can use at church and/or home to help everyone get ready for school.

___ Liz Eichler

Children and Families Team Leader, SUNZ

ISSUE 1 | 2024 15

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Prayer Stations These pages outline 5 prayer stations to help your children and families prepare their hearts and minds before they head back to school. You could use these: •

As part of your Sunday morning session with the children

•

The children could then invite their parents and take them around after church

•

Or as a whole church prayer experience

You will need 5 tables. Set each station up on a table and spread the tables around the room. Put what you need for each prayer station in the middle of the table. The children can go through the prayer stations in any order. You could play some reflective music quietly in the background. If you have enough helpers, you could have a someone on each table, helping the children read the instructions and praying for them as they engage with the station.

STATION 1

many prayers You will need: • One dice w • 'God knows ho r often I pray fo 1:9, you’ – Romans r pe printed on pa

inted • Instructions pr e on paper: Roll th die. Pray for that le number of peop e at school. Thes ds, en fri e ud cl can in rs, he classmates, teac admin people...

This resource is based on ideas from childrensministry.com

16 www.sunz.org.nz

STATION 2

rest

You will need: • A school backpack with heavy books in it • ‘Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’ – Matthew 11:28, printed on paper • Instructions printed on paper: Put the backpack on your back and talk with Jesus about things that feel heavy and hard at school. Take the backpack off and thank Jesus for helping you carry those burdens and giving you rest.

STATION 4

teacher

STATION 3

friends

You will need:

• A cardboard box or similar and a variety of toys you mi ght find at school, e.g. ba lls, ropes, card games, blocks • ‘Be kind to each oth er, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Ch rist has forgiven you’ – Ep hesians 4:32, printed on pape r • Instructions printed on paper: Choose a toy that you might find at school. Hold the toy in your hands as you pray silently. Ask God to he lp you be a good and kind frie nd as you play at school.

STATIO

good th in5 gs N

You will need:

You will need:

• A whiteboard and whiteboard markers

• Large heart shapes pre-cut from paper or light cardboard. Felt-tip pens.

• ‘Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God’ – Philippians 1:3, printed on paper • Instructions printed on paper: Write a teachers name on the whiteboard.

Pray and thank God for that teacher. Ask God to help the teacher have the energy and wisdom they need to do their job.

• ‘He fills my life with good things’ – Psalm 103:5, printed on paper.

• Instructions printed on paper: Draw something you love about school on a heart. Thank God for the opportunity to enjoy that good thing.

ISSUE 1 | 2024 17

s e c r u o s Re

O SCHOOL BACK T

Available from sunz.org.nz/shop

IT’S YOUR NEXT STEP Starting big school can be a scary thing! There are so many things to find out about, so many new people to meet and choices to make. If you, and your little one is about to take that next step, then It’s Your Next Step is for you. | $5.00

IT’S YOUR MOVE! It's your friendly guide to moving to High School.

Inside you will find lots of advice, together with stories about real people who have already moved. There are poems and stories, puzzles, and jokes, plus a space to collect all your friends’ signature. | $5.00

AROUND THE TABLE PODCAST As promised in our July edition, here is the podcast that came out of a gathering of children’s ministry enthusiasts late last year. This podcast is a collection of stories from Aotearoa about great ways to bring the generations together in life and ministry. It's perfect for church leaders, and across ministry areas.

Listen on

Spotify

Apple Podcast

and www.baptist.nz/series/around-the-table/

LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES AND INSPIRATION? Check out our SUNZ Children and Families and Breakthrough websites

sunzbreakthrough.org.nz | childrenandfamiliesnz.blogspot.com 18 www.sunz.org.nz

“C OM E, F O LLO W ME” L u ke 5 :2 7

Discover Become Serve J E SU S

LIF E L ON G DI SC I PL E S

TH E WO RL D AR OU ND U S

FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL LIZ EICHLER

| SUNZ Children & Families Team Leader

W

hat does it mean to thrive? Google says to grow vigorously, to flourish. It is one of the things we keep a close eye on with babies and small children.

We worry about them failing to thrive. Google again: Failure to thrive (FTT) is a term that is traditionally used for children who have failed to develop and grow normally.

What does it mean to thrive as a Christian? What does it mean to thrive as a church? At Scripture Union, our THRIVE resource uses the analogy of a tree.

20 www.sunz.org.nz

WE NEED TO CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FAITH OF OUR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO THRIVE

Psalm 1 talks about following God like this…

strategies will give churches a great place to start.

They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves.

Those people succeed in everything they do. (CEV)

Of course, we must not lose sight of this all being God’s work, but we can be partners with God in this. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7:

I am not much of a gardener, but I do know that for plants to thrive they need good soil, water, sunlight, and pest control. They need nurturing, as do we and especially our children and young people. We need to create the right environment for the faith of our children and young people to thrive.

How do we do this? Our THRIVE programme gives churches a helpful way to create the right environment for our children and young people to grow in their faith going forward. Our eight

I planted the seeds, Apollos watered them, but God made them sprout and grow. What matters is not those who planted or watered, but God who made the plants grow. (CEV) Paul often used images in his letters to help people picture what church could look like. Our vision for a thriving church is one where everyone has a part to play, where everyone is involved in the faith journey of the other.

We would love to talk with you and your church about THRIVE, a programme to support your community with faith formation for all.

ISSUE 1 | 2024 21

e

e

st

ma

w

or

ld,

ca

cr

at

ca

on

e c an

a st

ny r

not cha

t nge

o n e across

i p p le s. ”

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 us in being equipped to make ripples that bring spiritual life and growth.

he

r

tI

to

n

al

te

bu

“I

w e h t

a

a es Ter r e th — Mo

STARTING OUT ANDREW RAMSBOTTOM

I

| SUNZ Children & Families Consultant

“started out” on my journey of faith as a ten-year-old at a Scripture Union camp in South Africa. I can picture the tree I sat under with the camp dad as if it were just yesterday. That was the day on which I committed my life to following Jesus. I became a Christian. I still have the booklet that we worked through to say a salvation prayer. However, my wife is quite different in that she has no particular point in her life when she did this. She grew up in a Christian home and has always been a Christian. The statistics tell us that most people become Christians before the age of 14.

The starting-out.com website is designed to help 7–11-yearolds discover how to be a follower of Jesus and what the Bible teaches about living as a Christian.

It is a comprehensive resource that covers a wide range of topics, including: What does it mean to be a Christian?

What is the Bible?

Who is Jesus?

What are the basic teachings of the Bible?

How can I live a life that pleases God? How can I tell my friends and family about Jesus?

The website is divided into two main sections—Learn and Grow. The Learn section provides children with basic information about the Christian faith, such as the meaning of salvation, the importance of prayer, and the role of the Holy Spirit. The Grow section helps children to apply the teachings of the Bible to their daily lives, such as how to be forgiving, how to deal with temptation, and how to be a good friend.

Starting Out also includes several interactive features that make it engaging and fun for kids to use. For example, there are games, puzzles, quizzes, and Bible stories that children can access online. There is also a section for parents where they can find resources to help them guide their children about the Christian faith at home.

Although this resource is aimed at children it could be used with people of any age.

ISSUE 1 | 2024 23

Light

STAFFORD FROST

| SUNZ Camp Leader & Volunteer

for the path

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17 (ESV)

I

have recently been reflecting on some of the foundations of our faith and I was reminded of the great invitation that God gives us through the work of Jesus. In John 3, Jesus is talking to a Pharisees, someone who is considered close to God. I sometimes will just read this scripture as ‘believe in Him’. In our minds we might also think that it should say ‘if you're good enough and believe in Him’, or ‘if you have done x y z’. But He says, “whoever believes in Him”.

We often put things in the way of our relationship with God, like if we have sinned, or feel that we haven’t been good enough. There is no limitation on the invitation Jesus gives us. Why? God wants a relationship with all of us. God didn’t send Jesus to earth so that He could tell us off and show us all the places we have failed time and time again. But rather He

24 www.sunz.org.nz

GOD DIDN’T SEND JESUS TO EARTH SO THAT HE COULD TELL US OFF AND SHOW US ALL THE PLACES WE HAVE FAILED TIME AND TIME AGAIN

came to provide a way back to God. Jesus was sent “in order that the world might be saved through Him.” It is by Christ and Christ alone that we can be made right with God, our Creator.

Meet

STAFFORD

Stafford, our writer for ‘Light for the Path’, is a SUNZ Camp Leader and volunteer. We asked him to introduce himself to you. Here’s what he had to say: Kia Ora, My name is Stafford Frost, I am 23, and I currently work doing property maintenance for the Christian Education Trust in Tauranga. I grew up on a dairy farm in the Waikato with my parents and three siblings—two older, one younger.

I have always loved being outdoors, whether that be hiking, biking, swimming, or playing any sport. My faith has been supported throughout my life by my grandparents, aunties, and uncles, and my parents. This led me to choose and follow Christ at a young age, and then get baptised later in 2014. My first experience with Scripture Union was in 2016, when

I attended Pōnui Extreme (now adapted to Going Deeper). I didn’t know anyone before going to this camp, but I left feeling as though I had been brought into a new family. Because of this, I decided to keep going back, and I have made many friends through the camps. I was asked to lead my first camp in January 2020. Since then, I have led on a dozen more—mostly on Pōnui Island—even co-directing my first camp in October 2023, and having the privilege of being the speaker for Pōnui Senior in January 2024. One of the main things that drives me to lead on SUNZ camps is the opportunity to guide young people to Jesus, or to prompt them to go deeper with their commitment to Him. I want to see a generation that is excited to follow their Creator, know Him deeply, and is unwavering in their decision to make Christ their Lord.

ISSUE 1 | 2024 25

OUT & ABOUT OCTOBER WHIRINGA-Ā-NUKU Our spring SUPAKIDZ AND YOUTH CAMPS were a huge and happy success, with 138 campers learning about camping and Jesus across the country, from Pōnui to Pukerau. Natalie Duchesne, Caitlin James and Jayden Meads were amazing, rolling out the youth camps.

Annette Osborne and Stafford Frost (our Light for the Path writer) led the Pōnui intermediates with Liz Eichler helping.

Andrea Lukin & Nigel Winder had 54 SUPAKidZ campers in Pukerau. Eli Savill helped at GAIN with his son, Ebenezer.

SUNZ Board met online on 3rd for an AGM DEBRIEF. Our amazing Waikato committee catered for 41 diners at a supporters dinner on 16th. “It was an evening spent sharing stories of God’s work within Scripture Union NZ, praying for our ministries, and enjoying each other’s company. I loved the opportunity to meet many people who have so faithfully supported Scripture Union.” – Caitlin Janes LIZ AND ANDREA were in Palmerston North on 24-25th to meet children’s ministry leaders there and promote SUPAKidZ camps.

26 www.sunz.org.nz

ANDREW RAMSBOTTOM ran a holiday programme at Remuera Chinese Methodist Church. Caitlin moved house to Hamilton on 28th. Other ministry and support staff took well-earned leave, with NEVILLE BARTLEY on long service leave.

Neville has ministered with SUNZ for 11 years; in youth ministry over 35 years.

NOVEMBER WHIRINGA-Ā-RANGI November was our SUPPORTERS MONTH, with Hilary Hague at most of the events. She enjoyed the Hamilton dinner on 16th Oct, then meetings with Trusts on 8-10th Nelson; leaving Paul Humphreys to run the 12th Christchurch afternoon (sincere thanks to Yeoman family for hosting), 19th Wellington, 21-22nd Auckland, 28th to Gore and Invercargill. In between, the SUNZ Youth Team ran a MHFA WORKSHOPS on 1415th Wellington at which many SUNZ staff attended. GATHER NORTH on Pōnui 25-26th, for 32 young leaders.

FINANCE COMMITTEE met online 7th for an update, NLT met online 16th to complete their coaching course, then met in Wellington with the Board on 24-25th.

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

At our supporter events marked by on the map, known as BIG NIGHT (OR AFTERNOON) OUT, we shared how all our ministries are pieces of a puzzle that fit together to support children and young people to discover, follow and serve.

DECEMBER HAKIHEA E3 EXPEDITIONS took off 5 - 16th, managed by Paul Humphreys and an incredible team from Adventure Specialties Trust, A Rocha Aotearoa, and volunteers across NZ. Donna Beech, SUNZ Camps Admin also managed registrations for Pōnui Family Camp and Bible Study camp.

SUMMER CAMPS • Expeditions 5-17 Dec Bay of Islands, Canterbury, Otago (also marked E3 Young Adults, Feb 3-9, Marlborough Sounds) • Pōnui Family Camp

29 Dec - 5 Jan

JANUARY KOHI-TĀTEA SUMMER CAMPS • Pōnui Junior • Raglan Surfari • Foxton • Aspire Lake Hawea • Pōnui Senior • Summer Supreme • Te Anau Extend • Exodus Prime Ōtaki • Karanga • Pōnui Bible Study • Wind n’Water Te Anau and Canterbury

5-12 Jan 6-10 Jan 7-10 Jan 7-11 Jan 12-19 Jan 14-18 Jan 14-19 Jan 15-19 Jan 15-19 Jan 19-26 Jan 21-26 Jan

ISSUE 1 | 2024 27

MEET THE

CHILDREN & FAMILIES TEAM NIGEL WINDER 1 C&F Consultant, Otago/Southland Based in our Invercargill office, Nigel helps churches connect with children in their local communities through holiday programmes and camps. He runs a hugely popular SUPAKidZ camp in the October school holidays. He also trains and equips children’s ministry leaders through our WAY2GO conferences and other regional events.

ANNETTE OSBORNE 2 C&F Consultant, Auckland Annette was involved in the creation of Intergenerational Steps, a guide to help faith communities be more intentional in their intergenerational journey. Annette also helped to create the podcast Around the Table, a collection of stories about great ways to bring the generations together in life and ministry. In recent years she has pioneered an Intermediate age camp which is proving very popular.

LIZ EICHLER 3 C&F Team Leader, Wellington Liz’s role is to facilitate, support and develop the activities and capacity of the team, with an eye on emerging opportunities. Along with the rest of the team, she advocates for the place of children’s ministry in Aotearoa New 28 www.sunz.org.nz

1

2

3

4

Zealand. She enjoys connecting with the New Zealand Children’s Ministry Network, a group of like-minded children’s ministry team leaders from a range of denominations.

ANDREW RAMSBOTTOM 4 C&F Consultant, Auckland Andrew is passionate about helping children’s ministry leaders and churches explore intergenerational faith formation.

He champions intergenerational church camps and our own SUPAKidZ camps.

Andrew has a real gift in seeking out new children’s ministry leaders to help support and train them.

ANDREA LUKIN 5 C&F Consultant, Wellington Andrea is the newest member of our team, having been appointed mid–2022.

A highly creative person, Andrea has brought her talents to our WAY2GO displays and props for our SUPAKidZ camps, as well as decorating the Wellington office for Christmas!

ISLA MCDONALD 6 C&F Administration, Wellington 6 Isla works part-time supporting the team, making sure everything is ready for WAY2GO, and anything else we throw at her. In her ‘spare’ time she’s a 3rd year law student at Victoria University.

5

Help the children grow in FAITH!

Give a gift today and you will help children grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus, and the leaders who serve so faithfully within their own churches and communities will be supported in all they do.

Can you help us raise $40,000 towards our life-changing ministry?

sunz.org.nz/donate

Please Please consider consider giving giving a gift a gift today today – your – your donation donation will will change change the the lives lives of of Please consider giving a giftastoday – your donation will change the lives of children children and and young young people people as they they ignite ignite their their faith faith and and passion passion forfor God. God. children and young people as they ignite their faith and passion for God. I would I would like like toto donate donate I would like to donate

$100 $100 $100

$50 $50 $30 $30 $ $ $50 $30 $ One One offoff donation donation One off donation

My My card card number number is is My card number is Name Name onon card: card: Name on card:

Expiry Expiry date: date: Expiry date:

Signature: Signature: Signature:

Regular Regular donation donation byby automatic automatic payment payment Regular donation by automatic payment

You You cancan also also setset upup a regular a regular donation donation byby automatic automatic payment, payment, either either viavia your your online online banking banking You can also set upbank. abank. regular donation by account automatic payment, either via your online banking or or by by visiting visiting your your Please Please useuse SUNZ SUNZ account number number 02-0560-0036204-003 02-0560-0036204-003 and and quote quote ‘ADV0124’, plus plus your your supporter supporter number (if known) (if known) ornumber or surname surname and and postcode postcode in the in the reference. reference. or ‘ADV0124’, by visiting your bank.

Please number use SUNZ account 02-0560-0036204-003 and quote ‘ADV0124’, plus your supporter number (if known) or surname and postcode in the reference.

below below and and thethe amount amount $ $ and and frequency frequency of of your your below and the amount $ and frequency of your donation. donation.

Alternatively Alternatively you you cancan letlet us us know know byby emailing emailing accounts@sunz.org.nz accounts@sunz.org.nz donation. Alternatively you can let us know by emailing accounts@sunz.org.nz

Full Full Name: Name: Full Name: Address: Address: Address:

Email: Email: Email:

Phone: Phone: Phone: Other Other ways ways toto give give Other ways to give

You You cancan also also donate donate a one-off a one-off giftgift to to Account Account 02-0560-0036204-00 02-0560-0036204-00 quoting quoting ‘ADV0124’, ‘ADV0124’, plus plus your your supporter supporter number (ifa known) (if known) or or surname surname and and postcode postcode in the in the reference. reference.

If this If this is your is your first first gift gift toyour to You can alsonumber donate one-off gift to Account 02-0560-0036204-00 quoting ‘ADV0124’, plus supporter number (if known) or surname and postcode in the reference. If this is your first gift to SUNZ SUNZ please please email email accounts@sunz.org.nz accounts@sunz.org.nz with with thethe details details of of your your donation donation – this – this enables enables us us to to thank thank you you and and send send you you a tax a tax receipt. receipt.

SUNZ please email accounts@sunz.org.nz with Or the details ofonline youratdonation – this enables us to thankoryou and send you423 a423 tax receipt.

Or donate donate online atsunz.org.nz/donate-adventure sunz.org.nz/donate-adventure or byby calling calling 0508 0508 836 836 Or donate online at sunz.org.nz/donate-adventure or by calling 0508 423 836 Please Please post post your your completed completed form form to to Scripture Scripture Union Union New New Zealand, Zealand, POPO Box Box 760, 760, Wellington Wellington 6140 6140 Please post your completed form to Scripture Union New Zealand, PO Box 760, Wellington 6140

Thank Thankyou! you!

Thank you!

# # #

$500 $500 $250 $250 $500 $250 Monthly Monthly donation donation Monthly donation

Cut off your donation form here and return.

Cut Cut off your donation form herehere andand return. off your donation form return.

Give GiveaaaGift Gift Give Gift

EASTER RESOURCES MORE BOOKS

JESUS DIED FOR ME? Price only $3

is a poetic retelling of why Jesus died, how he rose from the dead and how he did it all for us. It features stunning line illustrations for childre n to colour in while reflecting on the words.

These beautiful little books are ideal for sharing the good news of Jesus with children in your community, at your local school and attending your Easter events.

Also available is a 4-minute animation of the book, and a PDF Resource Pack with gospel-centred Easter session outlines (aimed at childre n ideas and a powerpoint presentation for a school assem aged 5-11), creative bly.

FROM GLORY TO GLORY

& Easter by 54 Daily Bible Readings for Lent ’s Gospel, John from s ding Rea ons Pars Tom this journey chapters 13-21. Follow Jesus on s into the cros the of y glor d from the veile tion. blazing brightness of the resurrec Price only

$14

BUY NOW

WWW.SUNZ.ORG.NZ/SHOP/

stay in the loop LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/sunz.nz FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @scriptureunionnz

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.sunz.org.nz

PO BOX 760, Wellington 6140 | 0508 423 836 | info@sunz.org.nz He rama ta-u kupu ki o-ku waewae | Your word is a lamp to my feet. Psalm 119:105 SUNZ is a member of the Scripture Union International Family