HM Rage Youth Camp marked its 40th year at Tōtara Springs Christian Centre in Matamata over the King’s Birthday weekend.
Just over 500 people from 19 youth groups came together to make new friends, play sports, worship, and hear Jesus-centred messages on the unfiltered truth in the main sessions, with Marina Shannon as the main speaker, and electives.
Churches represented included Auckland Bible Church, Eden Church, Hillcrest Chapel, LifeChurch Manurewa, Matamata Bible Church, Manawarū Bible Chapel, Mt Wellington Community Church, New Plymouth Community Church, Northgate Community Church, Ōrewa Community Church, Paeroa Bible Chapel, Raleigh St Christian Centre, Tāmaki Community Church.
The weekend featured messy games, barn dancing, and delicious food! Youth had multiple chances to respond to a call to faith, begin healing from addiction and mental health struggles, and have meaningful conversations and prayer with others.
Shannon Samuels writes:
“It was a privilege to partner with Word Of Life, Pathways, Headspace, and of course, the legendary team at Tōtara Springs Christian Centre.
“We also have a number of key trusts that invest into this kaupapa and are mindful that we couldn’t do this without their generosity! (Lichfield, Soul Purpose, JDH).
“Thank you to those who stood in prayer with us! We too believe that God is not finished yet…”
A highlight Shannon shared showed how God is moving in young lives:
“One church had brought some youth from extremely hard and challenging backgrounds. Throughout the weekend, we saw these tough girls soften and engage as people from other groups invested into getting to know them better and were purposeful in showing they were valued. It’s only the beginning, but we were encouraged to see the unity of purpose and care across camp.”
