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TSCC Newsletter
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May 2024 Update
Monthly Update
We are excited to announce the appointment of Brian Bonnar as our General Manager! Brian has learnt a lot about how Totara Spring ticks in his time here, and his promotion speaks to his dedication, passion, and vision for this place.
With Brian and the team here leading the way, Totara Springs is set for continued success. His strategic thinking and understanding of our culture make him a good fit for guiding us into the future. Stay tuned for next month's newsletter, where we'll have the privilege of hearing directly from Brian.
Senior and Junior Kids Camp
As the leaves painted the landscape with vibrant autumn colors, Totara Springs Christian Centre was alive with the joyous sounds of laughter and excitement during our recent Senior and Junior Kids Camps. Themed 'Clay Land - In The Potter's Hands,' these camps were a vibrant testament to the transformative power of faith and fellowship.
We were blessed with the presence of campers from local churches, including Matamata Bible Church, LifeZone Church, Agora Church, The Orchard Church, Hukanui Bible Church, Whitiora Church, Raleigh street church and Te Awamutu Bible Chapel. The most significant outcome of the camps was the profound impact on the spiritual growth of our young campers. Seventy-two Bibles were handed out at the Kids Camp, and an additional twenty-two at the Junior Kids Camp, symbolizing the seeds of Truth we planted in fertile soil. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many children expressing their desire to follow Jesus. We are overjoyed and committed to nurturing these new believers through our discipleship program, which will continue their spiritual journey through mail correspondence. We are eager to strengthen our relationship with the Churches that play a vital role in nurturing these young hearts.
Aside from spiritual growth, the camps were filled with thrilling activities that brought smiles and excitement. Campers built rockets, swooshed down water slides, soared on the flying fox, crafted pottery, and challenged themselves on the adventure run. These activities brought fun and taught valuable lessons of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.
We sincerely thank all the volunteers, staff, and families who supported these autumn camps. Your contributions have significantly impacted the lives of these young campers. As we reflect on these blessed days and beautiful weather, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and ignite the flame of faith in these young souls in their journey.
We look forward to welcoming you back next year for another wonderful chapter at Totara Springs!
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested in joining a local Church. We would love to introduce you to our network of churches in your area.
Blessings,
Ministry Team,
Easter Weekend
We're so thankful for the amazing memories and renewed spirits we all shared at Easter camp this year. With the theme "He is Risen," we celebrated Jesus' resurrection and the new life He brings. It was wonderful to have 278 family campers and 160 youth join us for this special time.
Friday: Warm Welcome and Fun
The camp started with registrations and a welcoming session by Anna Baldwin. Jeremy Suisted delivered inspiring messages, while our kids enjoyed tailored Biblical programs and outdoor activities like archery and go-karts. The day ended with a table tennis tournament.
Saturday: Worship and Activities
We began with a hearty breakfast and worship session by Jeremy. Activities included kayaking, rock climbing, and a family Easter top town. The day ended with a marshmallow roast and worship.
Sunday: Fun and Reflection
Water slides and a movie night for kids highlighted the day. Parents enjoyed a date night, and we ended with an adult quiz night.
Monday: Farewells
We reflected on our time together and departed with joy and renewed spirits.
Thanks to everyone for making Easter 2024 special. Your enthusiasm made it a success. Reach out if you're interested in joining a local church.
Blessings
Ministry Team,
What else is happening:
School Groups and the Kickoff of Sports Camp
May brings anticipation for blessings and adventures! We're getting ready to welcome new groups to camp, each with their own stories and aspirations. We're excited to see what is in store for us and eager to journey alongside our guests, exploring, learning, growing and showing Gods grace and love through our actions.
Tōtara Cabins Project
Thank you for your ongoing support, it's because of you, Totara Springs continues to be a place where people encounter the life changing message of hope in Jesus and lives are radically changed.
Planning for the New Cabins Project continues. The building committee are working with architects and engineers to have the consent documentation ready to be submitted to council. The Fundraising team are busy out and about sharing the vision with interested groups of people. If you would like to know more about this exciting new project please contact David Lawson at Totara Springs.
Plans are underway for our 2024 Supporters Banquet here at the Springs. It’s an opportunity to connect with friends and hear more about what’s happening at the Springs. God is at work. To register your interest please click the link below.
Perhaps you would like to come and have a look around. David would love to show you around and have a coffee together. We are asking that our Totara Springs family would consider standing along side us and supporting this New Cabin Project, would you pray about what you could do to support the project to see this building commence.
Thank you.
Till next time!
Fundraising Banquet
"Haven't signed up yet, now's the perfect time to get involved!"
Dear Prayer Partners,
We are reminded of God's faithfulness in every season. Your prayers and intercession continue to be the cornerstone of our ministry in Christian Camping, impacting lives in ways only God could orchestrate.
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
We invite you to share this prayer request letter with your friends and colleagues involved in intercession, as we believe in the power of communal prayers.
THANK GOD:
For the Purpose and Strength of TSCC. Heavenly Father, we are immensely grateful that you have set apart Tōtara Springs Christian Centre for the invaluable work of the Gospel. We praise You for the strength and resilience You have instilled in our mission from previous generations and for enabling us to continue from strength to strength.
The opportunity for Camp and Churches to reignite their ministry relationship through Evangelizing and Discipling this generation #Together.
We Celebrate new camp Leaders & LITs who joined us to serve during Easter and Autumn Camps.
We rejoice to have Junior kids, Senior kids, and Teens camp back and running.
Lord, we are humbled to see the kids saying “Yes” to following Jesus and asking for free Bibles during camp.
Ministry camps are growing and taking the flame to local communities.
Activities:
The Flying Fox is back up and running, and it is enjoyed by all campers, young and old.
Easter Family and Easter Youth camps were enjoyed by existing and new campers. So many lives were touched, renewed and encouraged to run the race of Faith.
Welcoming New staff in various departments.
Planning for H.M. Rage's and Refresh camps are already underway, as TSCC partners with these communities to create opportunities to encounter Christ.
"The cabins are undergoing a recarpeting process, which will bring a new and fresh feel for the campers."
Intercession:
Father, we pray for the spiritual and communal growth of our staff and volunteers. May their hearts be aligned with Yours as we serve #together.
Pray for The Lord of the harvest to draw the hearts of young people to H.M. Rage and Refresh to register.
For rebuilding and strengthening relationships with the local community and Church. Pray for the camp relationships to grow healthy and stronger in support of The Church.
The return of the Bible conference in June.
Planning and preparation for Ministry camps.
For the health and safety of all our staff and visitors during camp.
To love, to serve, and never to give up!
Ministry Development Team
Tōtara Springs Christian Centre
We are a Christian camp that brings God’s love to each person who visits. We are especially committed to serving our guests with outstanding hospitality.
Email: holidaycamps@totarasprings.org.nz
Website: https://www.totarasprings.org.nz/
Location: 288C Taihoa North Road, Matamata, New Zealand
Phone: 07 888 4700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totarasprings