TSCC Newsletter
October 2024 Update
Brian's Desk
We Are Almost There!
We’re thrilled to share that we’re on the verge of submitting all the necessary documentation to the council for building consent on our cabin project. This marks a huge milestone, representing countless hours of work and dedication.
Every step has been carefully planned to ensure the cabins are perfectly designed for their purpose once constructed. The tremendous foresight and effort invested in Tōtara Springs over the years have led us to where we are today. We are standing on the shoulders of those who went before us, whose obedience in seeking God and vision for His Kingdom has been foundational in establishing this place.
At the heart of their mission was a deep desire to see Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of everything built here. This remains our guiding principle as we carry forward the ministry and vision of those who paved the way. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11:
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."
We are blessed with a rich history, where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has always been at the core of our efforts. This foundation is the reason we are committed to building these cabins, ensuring that future generations will have a place to experience the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
Sport's Camp
Its Rudo Erasmus, reporting sports. I’m excited to share highlights from our September sports camps!
North Harbour Sports Camp (September 16-20) featured 10 teams showcasing incredible talent and teamwork. Koru demonstrated fantastic spirit and sportsmanship, narrowly missing the sportsmanship trophy, which went to Maraetai Beach. The Cheer Night was a spectacular event, with many schools performing vibrant cheer dances, culminating in Mt Roskill taking the overall title.
Following this, we hosted the King Country Sports Camp from September 23-27, marking our final camp of the year. This camp boasted some of the tightest matches we've seen, with Tauriko earning the sportsmanship trophy and Kingsway emerging as overall champions with the highest aggregate points of the season, closely followed by Huapai.
We also introduced pickleball for the first time, and I’m thrilled to report it was a massive success!
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported these events. We look forward to more exciting activities in the future!
Best,
Rudo Erasmus
Sports Team Leader
Totara Springs Christian Center
Tōtara Cabins Project
Last Sunday I had the opportunity of speaking at a Waikato Church updating them on the work of Totara Springs and preaching from the Bible. I love these times, meeting people who have been blessed by their association with Christian Camping. This Church sees camping as part of their local mission outreach, sending kids to holiday camps at every opportunity. Their young people are being trained as leaders. I was encouraged in hearing this.
Good news is that the building consent for the new cabins is about to be submitted to the Council.
To celebrate this and the official start to the project we are having a Family Fun Day here at the Springs on Saturday 16th November from 1-5pm.
Check out the link below for more details on the new cabins project, it’s exciting!
Until next time
Family Fun Day
Join us for a fantastic afternoon on Saturday, 16th November, from 1 to 5 PM!
Bring your togs for a day of family fun, explore the profiles of our new cabin block on the soccer field, and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.
To help us plan effectively and ensure there’s plenty of food for everyone, please RSVP by clicking the link below.
We look forward to sharing a wonderful afternoon of fun and fellowship with you!
What else is happening:
Ministry Camps
FAMILY CAMP
Looking for the perfect family getaway? Totara Springs has you covered!
For the Kids: Non-stop activities, outdoor adventures, and exciting games. They’ll make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.
For the Adults: Relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings. Forget about cooking for a week and enjoy inspiring family hour sessions.
This is your chance to enjoy a stress-free holiday where everyone in the family has something to look forward to.
Two Dates Available:
- Family Camp A: December 27th - January 1st
- Family Camp B: January 3rd - January 8th
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity for fun and relaxation for the whole family!
REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN!
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.
Psalm 34:17-19 (NIV) says:
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
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.
For staff’s good health that allows them to serve faithfully.
We are grateful for a season of Sports camps with minimal injuries.
All our ministry camps (JKids, Senior Kids, Raleigh Street Day Camp and Teens) are running smoothly.
For building new relationships with churches in the community. We thank the Lord for the Friendship Circle in Matamata.
Activities:
Upcoming Springs Holiday camps, including "Bricks City" for Junior and Senior Kids.
Raleigh Street "Day camp".
Teens Camp - "Survivor" at the end of October.
Preparation for Family Camp A & B is filling up quickly.
Internship registrations are open.
CareyLocal “Certificate of Christian Leadership for TSCC staff”.
Number of School groups
Bible studies are hosted at Totara Springs.
Intercession:
Father, we pray for our staff and volunteers' spiritual and communal growth. May our hearts be aligned with Yours as we grow together.
Pray for Faith and Love to develop and mature in our new staff members and new international volunteers as they integrate into their roles.
Pray for discipleship opportunities.
Pray for the planning and preparation of the upcoming Springs Holiday camps, that they may impact young lives for Christ.
As we start preparing for Family Camp A & B.
Pray for Summer staff and volunteers.
Pray that The Lord will give us boldness to preach the Truth in love.
Pray for the Family Camp preparations, that it may be a time of spiritual refreshment and growth for families and staff.
Join us as we continue to look to the Lord for the Cabin project.
Pray for the property team working through maintenance and projects.
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