AWA November 2010

The small group of boys that I had the joy, challenge and privilege of leading at the SUPAkidz Construction Zone Camp was given the job of architects to be included in the name our group. We chose to call ourselves the Awesome Architectural Alligators. The weird looking creature to the left is the group logo that we came up with. I loved being a group leader as I got to know the 4 boys in my group really well. It was challenging as I had younger and older boys as well as a mix of Bible understanding. One of the boys was from a Christian school and another had never been to church. This lead to some interesting discussions and questions. Being a typical boys group we loved making boats and forts and playing pretend Star Wars games in the fallen pine tree on the beach. We also enjoyed opening the Bible each morning using Snapshots. The teaching theme for the week was based around four Bible characters Nehemiah, Elijah, Hezekiah and Jesus. We rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem on the beach, re-enacted the building of the altar and then God destroying the altar on Mt Carmel and showing that Jesus is the cornerstone on which we can build our lives.

It was wonderful being a group leader and watching the team leaders, Ruth and Kelvin, running things. The commitment form all the leaders was inspirational to see.

Please pray that God will continue to transform the lives of the campers as they have returned home with a new understanding of who He is. Also give thanks for the leaders and all they give up to serve at SUPAkidz camps. And pray that God will use the talents and skills that they have developed at camps in their churches and communities.

I have had two weeks leave in the past six weeks. The first week Gill and I were doing the cleaning at the 10th New Zealand Fashion Week. It was the 7th one we have cleaned for and once again “celebrated” our wedding anniversary of 21 years while doing the cleaning. It was very hard work but lots of fun as the people we get to work with are really wonderful. Gill was given tickets to to one of the shows and took her niece along with her. As the cleaner she has access to 'behind the scenes' her niece loved seeing the Green Room – the place where the models get their hair and make up done.

The second week of leave I took after camp. We had been given a week's time share near Coff's Harbour, so with our free air miles we decided to go to Australia for 10 days. On arriving in Brisbane,in pouring rain, we immediately drove an hour south to go to the Dreamworld theme park. As it was raining there were no queues and other then being soaking wet we had a great time. The next day we did Water World, also in the rain, but only lasted until lunchtime when it got too cold. Then it was a 5 hour drive south, in the pouring rain, to Boambee Bay Resort. It rained the first two days but this did not stop the boys from spending a lot of time in the pool. We were busy all week. We played mini golf, squash and tennis. Spent many hours in the pool. Kayaked on the river, walked to the beach and made lots of new friends.

We drove back to Brisbane for the last two days of our holiday. We spent a day at Water World, in the sun, and really had a great time. They boys talked me into going on a wild ride and I managed to keep my stomach contents in my stomach. They loved it!!!!!!

Getting back to life in New Zealand has been hectic. The boys are back in to sport, Gill has been working full-time and at times it has felt like I have been watching a movie in the wrong language.

We have been given a new washing machine and a lawn mower for which we are very grateful.

I am also encouraged and grateful for the number of people who have increased their financial support for ministry I am part of as well as a number of prayer supporters who have started supporting me financially. I still need more support so please pray that new financial supporters will be found.