TSCC Newsletter

From the 20th - 23rd of October we had the pleasure of hosting Elevate's (Christian Disability Trust) National Camp. This was the 40th National Camp for Elevate and it was appropriately themed "Come Celebrate!" All who attended had a wonderful picnic on the lawn, a Banquet night in our gym and LOTS of tea and coffee. It was amazing to interact with all of the attendees and hear the stories of their visits with Totara Springs from years gone by. Sunday's worship session had a communion service followed by some amazing baptisms. It was an enormous blessing for us to host this group and their beautiful community of people with disabilities. For some of our staff it was their favorite weekend of the year.

Oct 2023

Dear Tōtara Springs whānau

This month's encouragement has been written by our amazing Ministry Development Team. I'd love to share it with you, so please sit back and enjoy God's blessing:

Greetings from Tōtara Springs Christian Centre in beautiful New Zealand! We're thrilled to share the heartwarming stories and experiences from our recent Day Camp, a five-day adventure designed to connect kids with nature, friendships, and the Word of God.

Matthew's also the main speaker experience:

Meet Matthew from Mangatangi Crossroads Church, a passionate adventurer who fell in love with our Day Camp from the get-go. This was his introduction to kids' camps; he hasn't looked back since. What makes our Day Camp unique for Matthew as a leader is the abundance of opportunities to share the Gospel and biblical stories as a leader in the most natural way possible. It's an experience unlike any other, where faith blossoms amid the beauty of creation.

Liezel's Inspiring Leadership:

Liezel, hailing from Hamilton and serving at Activate Church Ruakura, shared her extraordinary journey with us. She had the privilege of leading a group of eager girls, some of whom already deeply understood the Bible. In their small group devotions, they delved into the Word, discussed verses, and even sang songs together. What stood out in Liezel's group was the willingness to uplift and encourage one another. They practised the art of giving compliments and prayers, discovering the beauty in those around them. It was heartwarming to witness how these positive affirmations transformed the campers' behaviour throughout the day.

But the most significant moment came when Liezel asked if anyone wanted to give their heart to Jesus and follow Him. Three girls took that step of faith. Cathy (not her real name), who didn't grow up in a Christian home, made this decision despite her siblings not attending on Friday. It's a testament to the power of faith and prayer. Liezel continues to pray for Cathy, believing that God's grace will shine upon her in countless ways to impact her home.

Adventures in Faith:

The camp wasn't just about spiritual growth; it also included exciting activities like the paracord bracelet-making session led by Brent Mclntosh. What started as a simple craft project turned into a meaningful lesson about "fishing for men." Witnessing the campers' determination to complete their bracelets and the joy on their faces when they succeeded was truly heartwarming.

Our Day Camp is all about blending adventure with faith, and it's evident in every activity, from candle-making to outdoor cooking, archery, and more. Each day was filled with opportunities for kids to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.

Family Night Delight:

The camp week concluded with a special family night program on Friday. Families gathered to enjoy a picnic and a short program, including a devotion. The highlight of the evening was the kids showcasing the camp songs they'd learned throughout the week. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with each other, all while basking in the natural beauty of our campsite.

Innovative Initiatives:

Our Day Camp also serves a dual purpose. It strengthens our partnership with local churches and communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Additionally, it offers valuable leadership development and training opportunities for youth and young adults in Churches like Liezel, who are eager to impact young lives for the Kingdom.

In conclusion, Tōtara Spring Christian Centre's week-long Day Camp is a place where faith, adventure, and community converge. It's where kids unplug from the daily grind to explore God's creation, build lasting friendships, and deepen their faith. The stories of Matthew, Liezel, and countless campers remind us that our mission is not only to create memorable experiences but also to nurture hearts and souls as they encounter Jesus Christ at camp.

We look forward to many more adventures and faith-building moments in the days to come. Until then, may your journey be filled with faith, love, and the joy of sharing the Gospel in the great outdoors.

We have the following vacancies, click on the link to apply:

- Catering Team Leader

We are delighted to welcome three new staff to the Totara Springs whanau! Lisa Ansell our cook, Ashleigh Cornwell as Ministry development team member and Sharesse Porter-Samuels as Customer Engagement Admin. Your addition to our family brings a renewed sense of enthusiasm and excitement.

We have extended registrations for Family Camp B! Registrations will close on Monday 13th November 2023

The renovation on the pool ablutions has recently finished. They have had the wall re-lined, new vinyl and partitioning installed. This has brought a fresh look to one of our original buildings.

Dear Prayer Partners,

As we navigate through October and November, we are reminded of God's faithfulness in every season. Your prayers and intercession continue to be the cornerstone of our ministry, impacting lives in ways only God could orchestrate.

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:

• For the Purpose and Strength of TSCC. Heavenly Father, we are immensely grateful that you have set apart Totara 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 staff is in good health and hard at planning and preparing for Summer holiday camps. Thank You, Lord, for blessing our staff with good health and unwavering commitment. Their hard work in planning and preparing for our Summer holiday camps is a testament to Your provision and guidance.

• We rejoice in the many lives that have encountered Jesus Christ during their time with us, whether through School Camps, Ministry Camps, or the Elevate program. Your presence has been palpable, Lord, and for that, we are grateful.

• We celebrated baptisms during camps this past month. Our hearts swell with joy for the souls that made the significant step of baptism this past month. What a glorious testament to Your transformative power!

Activities

• TSCC partners with various Churches serving at the individual Light Parties.

• Our Ministry team diligently preparing for the upcoming Family Camp A & B, Kids Camp, and Teens Camp. We are excited to see how The Lord will move during these events.

• Property projects.

• Recruitment for the 2024 Internship Programme.

Intercession

• Father, we pray for the spiritual and communal growth of our staff and volunteers. May their hearts be aligned with Yours as they serve..

• For rebuilding and strengthening relationships with Churches.

• TSCC Desciplship follow-up Coordinator role to settle in and support people who said yes to follow Jesus. For the relationship with different Churches to be established and nourished.

• For the new Interns' applications for 2024-25.

• Father, we pray for the raising of new youth leaders within our ministry. Empower them with wisdom, courage, and a deep-rooted faith in You.

• For Ministry camps.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

To love, to serve, and never to give up!

Ministry Development Team

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