Children from Fenton Park Bible Church Rally recently had a very special visit to Cantabria Lifecare and Village, an aged care facility in Rotorua.
The trip was inspired by a desire to help the children to serve their community in a meaningful way, and was organised by children's ministry coordinator, Kara Niles.
During the visit the children interacted with the residents by playing games, reading stories, and singing some songs they had prepared.
Kara says, “While some children were confident and comfortable introducing themselves and interacting, for others this was a huge step out of their comfort zone.”
This experience contributed well to NZ Rally’s goal of preparing children for life by giving the children an opportunity to overcome fears, serve others, and be a blessing to the residents.
The residents thoroughly enjoyed the children’s visit. “Their faces lit up in the children’s presence” says Kara. “We will definitely be going again”.
It was a special time that not only brought joy to the residents but planted seeds for ongoing relationships.
It will be exciting to see these intergenerational connections grow in future visits.
By Julie McKinnon, CCCNZ Children and Family Ministries Enabler
