Graeme McNae (Papatoetoe Bible Church) and Tracey Fakatou (Kaitaia Bible Chapel) share their insights into Easter Camp at Coopers Beach:
Easter Camp at Coopers Beach Christian Youth Camp was almost like a Pacific Island Retreat! Overlooking the beautiful beach and feasting on Island cuisine made it even more realistic. We were extremely grateful for the generosity of organisations and families for the fruit and food donated.
Kilipeni (Benny) and Tracey Fakatou from Kaitaia Bible Chapel, accompanied by Viasi and Kula Narukutubua from Kerikeri, along with their families, looked after all the needs of the 100 plus campers. Not only was there a strong contingent of Fijian youth but the Tongan youth from Kaitaia.
Each session, three per day, was introduced by Tevita 'Unufe with enthusiastic singing, yes from “The Red Book” (Redemption Songs). Old Gospel songs have not lost their beauty and power. Sessions were divided into three age groups.
The children were led by Andrew and Kim Mann (Child Evangelism Fellowship CEF) and their daughter Bella. Going by their Sunday night performance it was thoroughly enjoyed by the 25 children and the 75 campers.
A teenaged group was led by Felicity Mason as they worked their way through a study of Philippians—living out the Christian life in trying circumstances.
Adult campers were led by Roland Stark (Clark Road Chapel) with talks through Titus around The Goodness of God, and Graeme McNae(Papatoetoe Bible Chapel) on The Importance and Impact of Evangelistic Conversations for the Local Church, and Personal Christian Vitality.
Interest from the youth was strong and their participation was vibrant.
With the pending arrival of up to 50 Fijian families to Kerikeri to work in the Northern Region Correction Facility, Kaikohe there’s potential for a new Gospel work in the Far North.
Several members from the three Far Northern assemblies attended, contributing to meaningful discussions and partnerships for gospel-centered work in a challenging environment.
