AWA April 2011

As it was announced over the airport intercom, I knew I was the passenger who had left the silver case unattended near security. When I arrived to claim it security informed me that they were not impressed as they had to call the bomb squad but thankfully could now cancel the call. What a way to start the series of Activate WAY2GO training days. Well things got a lot better very quickly. We had 99 people at the Invercargill event and 320 at the Auckland event, both increases on last year's numbers. The theme of Activating children's , and our, faith was woven into the plenary sessions and workshops.
Real Kids - Real Faith - Real World. Here are some of the comments that people made after being a part of the these events.

• By far the most beneficial training in my year.
• Very God felt.
• Stimulating and invigorating. It’s been inspiring and refreshing.
• A good time to make a new commitment to the children.
• Beyond my expectations for being worthwhile since I brought a team a long distance to come here.
• Delighted for all of us. Very inspirational. Will come again.

I travelled north, nearly two hours, to run an all age service in the mostly farming community of Arurua. The church is really the centre of the community. The Sunday of the service was also children's day so together we looked at what value children bring to adults and what value adults bring to children and how God shows that truth in His word when he describes the church as the body and the family. Then after the service we gathered for a shared lunch and a baptism of an 11 year old girl at someone’s home. It was a day that again just emphasised for me the need for churches to explore doing more things together with all ages rather than separating the ages.

On the Saturday evening I spent time with some of the church leaders and a word that was mentioned was 'inconvenience' which is often the reason given for not doing all age activities It is inconvenient to have all ages together.

What a great privilege and encouragement it was to have Helena Stretton visit the Starship Hospital Children's Church that Scripture Union volunteers run each Thursday evening. That night I was telling the story of Jesus healing the man lowered through the roof. Helena is the person that brought the idea to start this from Adelaide in Australia over thirty years ago. Little did she know when she started it that it would still be going strong over thirty years later. We had nine children and a few parents in the room that night so there was a real buzz as we sang, prayed, participated in the story and then did an activity with the children. We have no idea what happens to the children we see here but trust that God's Word will be planted in their lives through this.

James and Chris did, not one, but two Weet-Bix Tryathlons and just loved doing them. Their energy for activity is tiring to watch. And now that cricket season is over rugby has begun. All three boys are playing this season which means very busy weeks ahead as it will be rugby 5 days a week with practices and matches.

James has had a few stay awake all nighters as he has followed the Cricket world cup.

Gill has done a fantastic job of managing James cricket side and scoring for Chris' team through the summer season. She is looking forward to the holidays as she has been doing a few extra days teaching each week

I got to see the Rugby World Cup up close, but I am really looking forward to seeing Richie McCaw holding the Webb Ellis Cup above his head at Eden Park in October when the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup. I liked playing cricket but I am so glad that rugby season has begun again. You may have guessed, I am mad about rugby!!!

James 11

Dad bowled a hat trick of wickets in our children and parents end of season cricket game. He was no good with the bat though being bowled out himself three times. But for a guy who doesn't like cricket I was very proud of his performance with the ball.

Chris 8

My dad is teaching my class Bible in Schools so I have to call him Mr Ramsbottom. I have only called him Dad a few times. Mum came to my swimming sport and was very proud when I won the length race.

Thomas 5

We have given out 100 Bibles in the past 12 years of SUPAkidz camps. They are given to children who don't have Bibles and their leader at camp writes a personal note in the front and encourages them to read it. We know of at least one child who is still reading her Bible, every day, three years after her last SUPAkidz camp. Unfortunately we have run out of Bibles. Would you consider partnering with the SUPAkidz camps team to purchase one or more Bibles? They cost us $25 each. You may do so by donating directly on our website or just posting a cheque to Scripture Union.