AWA February 2014

You may download a printable version of this letter here.

Bees

"Some think you discover your ministry by identifying your gifts,
but actually you discover your gifts by serving in ministry."

Mike Pilavachi on Twitter @mikepilav

Hi
Dress up

The picture above is of me dressed up as a shepherd in our church Christmas Drive Thru. It was agreat way to finsih 2013 as family as well took part in it. Next dress up was as a "Knight of the Order of the Green Bucket" for our Kings and Queens SUPAkidz camp. I drove down to Wellington, which was an inspiring journey in itself, to direct the SUPAkidz camp there. It was great to see familiar faces in both leaders and campers, but it was inspiring to see new leaders and campers too. The quote at the top reflects how I felt as I drove back to Auckland from the camp in Wellington: -thrilled at seeing leaders leaving camp with a new vision for working with children in church and their communities. On returning from holiday I heard the same from the team that ran the Auckland camp, so it was a joy to start a new year with exciting opportunities ahead.

Bees

   The other picture above is of a pohutukawa flower, but the focus is a bee busily going about its work. The Ramsbottoms have been very busy even though it has been school holidays. This photo was taken at Kuaotunu, which has become an annual excursion as part of our summer holiday to the Coromandel Peninsula. I wasn't there for the full week with Gill and the boys as I took some time out after camp to recharge.
    Gill also took the boys to the South Island to visit her cousin. They did a tramp around a lake and while at one of the huts a kakapo came out of the bush and attempted to steal the Scrabble pieces.
    Cricket has also featured quite prominently with two visits to the Eden Park to watch the Black Caps play, as well as numerous beach and backyard games.
    In between all that there has been kite flying, movie watching, staying up late, sleeping late, bike rides, games of tennis, BBQs, and much more. Now that school has begun the usual term busyness has begun in earnest.
    Check out some photos and videos of what we have been doing here.

Prayer

Join us as we give thanks to God

Prayer Diary

Thu 12 Dec - School Assembly on the Christmas Story at Awhitu District School. Please pray for me as I prepare for this and that God will speak through what I do on the day.

13 Feb - At Starship Hospital Children's Church telling the story of "Jesus feeding the Five Thousand."

21 Feb - SUNZ Auckland camps Thanksgiving BBQ. Please join us as we give thanks for the many camps through which lives have been transformed.

27 Feb - At Starship Hospital Children's Church telling the story of "Healing of the man through the roof."

28 Feb to 2 Mar - Greerton Bible Church family camp. My colleague Annette and I are running the children's programme and an all age event at the camp. Please pray for us as we prepare the programme and run it on the weekend.

Way2go (27K)

Please pray for WAY2GO
w2g (35K)

For all the Children and Families staff from Invercargill to Auckland as we all have varying responsibilities for the three training events mentioned below. Pray for us as we complete planning and preparation in the build up to each event. Also please pray for the many volunteers who help in so many ways to make these events happen.

15 Mar - WAY2GO Dunedin.

29 Mar - WAY2GO Auckland.

12 Apr - WAY2GO Wellington.