Competition and community at 2009 HBC Family Camp
Posted on September 25
MATAMATA, New Zealand – Team Galatia secured a comprehensive Shield Challenge victory during the 2009 Howick Baptist Church Family Camp. Held at Totara Springs Christian Centre over the 18–20th September, over 150 church family members from all walks of life enjoyed healthy competition mixed with convicting preaching, refreshing fellowship and lots of exciting activities and events. Galatia finished the weekend with a comfortable 100-point gap over runners-up Colossae and teams Philippi and Ephesus.
Pastor Joe Fleener from Riverbend Bible Church in Hastings brought his family along, and preached on God’s sovereignty and grace as found in the book of Ruth. HBC members soaked up the teaching and learnt of virtuous and God-honouring characters, and how they were used in God’s ultimate plan of salvation for the world.
In between the teaching from God’s Word, folks young and old took part in the wide range of activities offered at Totara Springs. There was something for everyone, with activities including: archery, rock-climbing, hot pools and hydroslide, crate climbing and lots more! Competition points were at stake during some of these activities: it was fiercely contested out on the go-kart track, with Jayby Graham and Janka Wade emerging as the fastest racers!
Another highlight of the camp was “HBC’s Got Talent”, the variety show that showcased the wide range of talents and gifts in the church body. Notable acts included: the “Blues Brethren” bringing down the house with some sanctified blues numbers; youth intern Jono Macfarlane folding up frying pans and practising his spelling; a concert band piece featuring a number of instrumentalists guest-conducted by Dion Scrivener; Psalm 27 as a smooth R&B number by Mana Napara and her crew; a comedic vignette written by Luke Somervell; and William Chong’s moving rendition of “It Is Well With My Soul” to close.
Many thanks must go to the HBC camp organising committee: (Ray Scrivener, Geoffrey Downing, Simon Newbould & Calvyn Jonker), for making the event so memorable. Those that went were blessed to grow in the Lord and build each other up in Christian fellowship and unity.
Check out the video slideshow of the camp:
