110 children and 50 leaders from across six Rallies were at Tōtara Springs 20-22 March for the Bay Of Plenty/Waikato Combined Rally Camp.
Rallies from Opotiki, Paengaroa, Fenton Park, The Orchard, Raleigh Street Christian Centre (Cambridge), and Te Awamutu came together with the purpose of connecting Rallies across the region, encouraging local leaders and providing an opportunity for children to come together to meet new people and hear the Gospel.
Key organiser Nikki McBride says, “We were blessed to make this an event affordable due to support from Lichfield lands, together with churches who further supported the cost for children to attend.
“Tōtara Springs Christian Camp facility is a very professional, organised camp with the staff helping us to deliver a great camp. There was an assortment of activities to challenge the children physically and mentally—new achievements were completed, this also enabled relationships to be built with follow campers and leaders who supported and encouraged.”
Speakers Ray Cooper from York Street Chapel spoke with the Juniors (7-10 year-olds) and Nigel Winder from Rosedale Bible Chapel and SUNZ spoke with the 11-15-year-olds.
Nikki says, “Both shared the Gospel and the children were attentive and engaged in the three devotional times. Encouragingly, 19 children wrote on a card making commitments or wanting further information—this was given to their local church Rally Leader for follow up and discipleship.”
